VANCOUVER, BC – Whitecaps FC take on the world.
The ‘Caps begin play in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League on Wednesday when they host Honduran club Real Club Deportivo España in the first leg of the Round of 16 at BC Place. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT.
Matchday information is available at whitecapsfc.com/matchday, with additional FAQs at whitecapsfc.com/matchday/faqs.
Here are a few important things to know before you go on Saturday:
What is the Concacaf Champions League?
Just like the UEFA Champions League in Europe, or the Copa Libertadores in South America, the Concacaf Champions League crowns the best club in the region - North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The winner will qualify for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
Whitecaps FC qualified for the Champions League by virtue of winning the 2022 Canadian Championship.
Format
The Round of 16 is a two-legged, aggregate (total goals over two games), home and home series.
Whitecaps FC host the first leg on Wednesday at BC Place. The first leg will conclude in regulation time, regardless of the score. The 'Caps will be looking to secure an advantage going into the second leg next Wednesday, March 15 in San Pedro, Sula Honduras.
If the total score is tied after both legs, then the tiebreaker will be the team who scored more away goals. If they are also tied on away goals (ex. 1-1 and 1-1 in each leg), then the second leg in Honduras would be decided in a shootout.
The winner of this matchup will move on to the quarterfinals to face the winner between MLS Cup champions LAFC and 30-time Costa Rican champions Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.
Gates
Gates A, C, H, E, G, and the Accessible drop-off/pick-up located along Pacific Boulevard at section 147 will all be open for entry starting at 6 p.m. PT. Gates for suite entry will open at 5:30 p.m. PT.
Kickoff is officially at 7:06 p.m. PT.
Kids Combo
The Kids Combo returns at Dawson Dogs (sections 227 and 201) and Lions Gate Grill (228 and 254). The combo is $6 for a hot dog or chicken strips, fries, and a drink.
Last Call
The last call for alcohol in the stadium will be the 75th minute of the match.
Group tickets
Bring the whole squad.
Save up to 33% and get access to special experiences when you buy 10+ tickets. Contact groups@whitecapsfc.com.
Flex pass
Want more matches for your money?
Pick three or more matches from only $66 and unlock exclusive benefits: whitecapsfc.com/flex.
Kid Captain of the Match
Whitecaps FC are honoured to have Grace Wei as Kid Captain. Wednesday's presentation will be alongside the Southsiders supporters group.
Grace comes from the Canada Scores after school program. She is a reader and soccer player, and believes in teamwork and friendship. Join in welcoming Grace to the match!
Clear bags/Bag Check
For ease of entry, Whitecaps FC and BC Place recommend you don’t bring a bag to the stadium.
If you do bring a bag, make sure it’s made of clear plastic and smaller than 12”x12”x6”. Exceptions will be made for diaper bags and medically necessary items that do not fit into a clear bag. You can bring one small opaque bag, but it can’t be larger than 6.5”x 8.5”. All bags will be inspected prior to entry.
Mobile entry
All tickets for Whitecaps FC matches are through mobile ticketing, providing a contactless and paperless experience.
Season ticket members and pack holders will need to access their tickets through whitecapsfc.com/accountmanager. Single match buyers will access their tickets through Ticketmaster.
Cashless transactions
In order to reduce the potential for hand-to-hand contact, and to improve the efficiency of payment transactions, BC Place is now a cashless venue.
Concessions and food and beverage vendors will accept all major digital forms of payment including Mobile, Debit Cards, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Google Pay and Apple Pay. Cash payments will not be accepted.
There will be a Cash to Card kiosk located at Sec 235 where guests can exchange cash for cards to use at the food and beverage locations throughout the stadium.
Celebration Matches
Keep an eye out for a number of special events throughout the season celebrating our community, including the second Women & Girls in Sport match this coming Saturday, March 11: whitecapsfc.com/news/whitecaps-fc-announce-2023-celebration-matches.
