VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC First Kick on Bell Pitch downtown at the newly renovated BC Place is set for this Sunday, October 2, at 1:30 p.m. PT, versus expansion cousins Portland Timbers. Gates open 90 minutes prior to kick-off at 12 p.m. PT.
With the match only a few days away, a limited number of tickets remain. Fans can purchase tickets to Sunday’s game, and all remaining Whitecaps FC matches, at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centres, online at ticketmaster.ca/whitecaps or Charge-by-Phone at 1.855.6.GO-CAPS (1.855.646.2277).
“Fans are encouraged to arrive early, wear their blue and white and bring their scarves, to cheer on their team as they get ready to kick-off on Bell Pitch downtown,” said Paul Barber, chief executive officer of Whitecaps FC. “There will be many special things happening at this historic match. If weather permits, the newly installed retractable roof will be opened while fans watch, and there will be a tribute to 1,200 BC Place construction workers in attendance at the match who were part of the crew that spent countless hours working on the construction of the stadium in time for opening weekend.”
Celebrations begin with the 'Caps Kick-off on the Terry Fox Plaza just outside the stadium off Beatty Street at 11:30 a.m. PT, where fans will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Whitecaps FC partners will be on-site with interactive activities, and fans will also have the chance to enter to win autographed Whitecaps FC flags that flew at Empire Field. Winners will be announced during the match.
The popular Bell Box will provide face-painting for fans, as well as an opportunity for fans to have their photos taken with life size Whitecaps FC players images. Players will also be on hand between 12 and 12:20 p.m. PT to sign autographs.
Fans who visit the 'Caps Kick-off will be able to enjoy a hot dog from the Premium Brands Big Red BBQ. 1,000 hot dogs will be sold for a minimum donation of $2, with all proceeds benefiting the Whitecaps Foundation.
As part of the club’s pre-match presentation, 15-year-old Branden Tomash of Vancouver – the grand prize winner of Bell’s “Score the First Goal” contest – will make history by scoring the first ever goal on Bell Pitch downtown.
Fans travelling to Sunday’s match are encouraged to take public transit or carpool where possible and to leave plenty of travel time as the following road closures are in effect due to the 20th annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Run for the Cure:
6 a.m. PT to 2 p.m. PT
- Pacific Boulevard from Cambie to Quebec
- Cambie Bridge off-ramp to Pacific Boulevard
7:30 a.m. PT to 2 p.m. PT
- Pacific Boulevard from Nelson to Abbott
8:30 a.m. PT to 11 a.m. PT
- Expo Boulevard from Abbott to Quebec
- Eastbound lanes of West Pender from Abbott to Carrall
- Westbound lanes of West 2nd Avenue from Main to Cambie
- Abbott Street from Pender to Pacific Boulevard
- Keefer Street from Carrall to Quebec
- Quebec Street from West Pender to 2nd Avenue
- Westbound Terminal Avenue from Main to Quebec
- Cambie Bridge on-ramp from West 2nd
- Northbound Cambie Street/Bridge from West Broadway to Expo Boulevard
Fans interested in riding their bikes to the match can check-in their bikes at the complimentary, worry-free, safe and secure bicycle parking provided by The Bicycle Valet, located at the Plaza of Nations on Pacific Boulevard opposite Gate E. On October 2, The Bicycle Valet will be open from 12 to 4 p.m. PT. For more details on The Bicycle Valet visit thebicyclevalet.ca.
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. This year, Whitecaps FC began their inaugural season in Major League Soccer on Bell Pitch at Empire Field and will host the club’s home opener on October 2 on Bell Pitch downtown at BC Place. For additional information on Vancouver Whitecaps FC, visit whitecapsfc.com.
