Portland and Seattle to join Vancouver for a series of preseason matches in Washington State
As part of the club's preparations for their inaugural season in Major League Soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that it will face Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Timbers and hosts Seattle Sounders FC in the three-day Cascadia Summit at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington.
From Friday, March 4, through Sunday, March 6, the Cascadia Summit will also feature forums involving the coaches and supporters groups from each club.
"With ourselves and Portland joining Seattle in MLS, this Summit is a great opportunity to usher in a new era for professional soccer in the Pacific Northwest," said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. "The Cascadia rivalry has always been special for our club, and especially our supporters. This is a chance to celebrate this rivalry and build the excitement of these derby matches between the three clubs in MLS this year."
The Summit’s opening match on March 4 sees Sounders FC facing Portland at 7:30 p.m. PT. On Saturday, March 5, the Timbers and Whitecaps FC will play at 4 p.m. PT.
The weekend activities conclude March 6 with the Sounders FC Academy U-18 team facing Whitecaps FC Residency at 12 p.m. PT, followed by the MLS squads of Sounders FC and Whitecaps FC squaring off at 3 p.m. PT.
All matches will be played at the Starfire Sports Stadium. Tickets are $10 USD for each day and go on sale Tuesday, February 1, at soundersfc.com or by calling 800.745.3000. No ticket is necessary for the Supporters Event/Coaches Forum.
Portland and Vancouver supporters will each be allotted 500 tickets in specific sections for their matches versus Sounders FC. For the Whitecaps FC versus Timbers match, each group will be allotted 1,300 seats, with 500 seats allotted for Seattle fans. Seating is limited.
Schedule of Events (all held at Starfire Sports Stadium)
Friday, March 4
7:00 p.m. Summit Opening
7:30 p.m. Seattle Sounders FC v Portland Timbers
Saturday, March 5
1:00 p.m. Supporters Summit & Coaches Forum
5:00 p.m. Portland Timbers v Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Sunday, March 6
12:00 p.m. Sounders FC Academy U-18 v Whitecaps FC Residency
3:00 p.m. Seattle Sounders FC v Vancouver Whitecaps FC
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.
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, Whitecaps FC created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. In 2011, Whitecaps FC will begin their inaugural season in Major League Soccer at Empire Field before moving into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver. For additional information on Vancouver Whitecaps FC, visit whitecapsfc.com.
