Red Cross will also be on site collecting funds towards Japan’s relief efforts
VANCOUVER, BC – With two days until Major League Soccer (MLS) kicks off in Vancouver, Whitecaps FC are calling on fans to wear white and take transit to the club’s inaugural MLS regular season match at Empire Field this Saturday, March 19. This historic day will see Whitecaps FC host Canadian rivals Toronto FC at 3:30 p.m. PT, with gates set to open at 2:30 p.m. PT.
As part of decree number four of the Supporter Pledge, fans are invited to participate in a “Whitecaps Whiteout”, blinding the opposition with a sea of white jerseys, caps, scarves, and flags. To help the “Whiteout” experience, white ponchos will be handed out to all fans. Additionally, prior to kick off, there will be 5,000 drums handed out to season ticket holders wearing their scarf – which also serves as their match day ticket for March 19. Official Whitecaps FC merchandise will be available for purchase on match day at stores located at the North and South gates, as well as at kiosks throughout the stadium.
“We’re very excited to welcome our fans to Empire Field, as we kick off our inaugural season in Major League Soccer,” said Paul Barber, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer. “We look forward to seeing a sea of white and hearing the chants and cheers that will make Empire Field an intimidating environment for all opponents.”
Match day festivities will also include a performance by Whitecaps Drummers, an eclectic group of drummers who represent the multiculturalism of British Columbia, as well as the unveiling of the new Whitecaps anthem. The new anthem was produced by Juno award-winning DJ Kemo and fellow producer hAZEL.
Help the Canadian Red Cross Aid Japan
To support the relief efforts in Japan following the recent earthquakes and tsunami, Red Cross volunteers will be on hand at each gate to collect cash donations. Donations to the cause can also be made online at RedCross.ca/whitecapsfoundation, or fans can text ASIA to 30333 for an automatic $5 donation. The club will also provide two jerseys worn and signed by captain Jay DeMerit and Whitecaps FC Designated Player, Eric Hassli, to MLS WORKS to be auctioned off.
Parking, Transit, and more
Limited parking is available at Empire Field for $20, however, it’s recommended that fans take advantage of increased transit services that TransLink will be offering for all Whitecaps FC match days. Additional information is available at whitecapsfc.com/transportation-guide.
Fans should also be aware that there is no smoking on the Empire Field grounds and there will be no re-entry after departing the stadium.
Additional information on Whitecaps FC match day and Empire Field can be found at whitecapsfc.com/match-day/spectator-information.
Whitecaps FC Major League Soccer 2011 season tickets start at a base price of $319, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order, and more than 60 per cent of seats are available for less than $31 per game. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com.
