2011 has been a very eventful year for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, with the club as busy as ever in each segment of operations. It was also a successful year in many regards, from our community initiatives to our expanded Residency program and our world class partners, our always terrific women’s team and completing our first season in Major League Soccer. Over the next week, we’re reviewing the year that was. Today, we look at the 'Caps partners who've made this past year so enjoyable.
2011 has been a big year for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and for the first time, the club had a major sponsor adorning the front of their jerseys. Bell has been just one of many partners to make this season extra special, but for all it has been a great success. Our partners are an integral part of the organization. Because of them, we are able to offer ‘Caps fans an exceptional experience with a number of exciting activations throughout the season.
One of the highlights from this past season was the Bell Box, which was located on the concourse at Empire Field and then at ‘Caps Kick-off on Terry Fox Plaza at BC Place. Additionally, Bell held the “Score the first goal” contest for the opening of the newly-renovated BC Place. The Bell Box was acknowledged by Major League Soccer (MLS) as one of the top three partner activations of the season. At the Bell Box, fans were able to get autographs from Whitecaps FC players and listen to live half-time interviews, among many other activities. Whether you were watching the match on your Bell mobile phone, getting a player autograph at the Bell Box onsite or participating in a Whitecaps FC camp, Bell bought you closer to your Whitecaps FC all season long.
Another exciting activation was the EA Sports Fan Bench which provided two lucky fans with the chance to watch the match from the pitch, while playing FIFA 12. Sitting pitch-side, playing FIFA 12 and high fiving your favourite player – the EA Sports Fan Bench brought new meaning to the phrase ‘best seats in the house’! EA also had Whitecaps FC players come to their motion capture studio to have their faces scanned, as well as capture their movements for the new FIFA 12.
A popular half-time event for many professional sports teams, Tim Hortons half-time mini-matches were a hit this season. Fans had a great time cheering on the Timbits teams as they took to Bell Pitch, just like their Whitecaps FC heroes. On top of that, the ‘Caps also took part in Tim Hortons Camp Day!
BC Hydro partnered with the ‘Caps this year for six BC Hydro Family Nights, teaching our fans about energy conservation. Each BC Hydro Family – a special group of 10 from a local BC non-profit group –were hosted in the BC Hydro Captains Club where they got VIP pitch-side access, meet and greets with Whitecaps FC players and mascot Spike!
The Power of Blue provided thousands of fans front of line access to enter the stadium on game day thanks to BMO. By showing their BMO debit or credit card, fans could access the stadium via a VIP line, where each match one lucky fan was selected to participate in the official coin toss. The Power of Blue was also in the stands when, each match, one fan would win club seat upgrades and a $50 food and beverage voucher.
Budweiser also got on board in 2011. They introduced a very exciting technology with the “bottoms up” cups, brought the Budweiser Big Rig out, and sponsored the Budweiser Man of the Match award after each match. Following each game the TEAM 1410 commentary hosts selected one Whitecaps FC player as the Budweiser Man of the Match and, at home, the player was presented his stein by none other than Whitecaps FC legend Carl Valentine.
There were a number of other great activations last season, including the Sears Home Services Foosball Challenge, the adidas Champions Cup tournament and the Whitecaps branded KIA car, among many many other great contributions from our partners. 2011 was a busy year for Vancouver Whitecaps FC and all of its partners, and 2012 will be even better!
A full list of our partners can be found HERE.
