Vancouver Whitecaps Overview

Fast facts

League: MLS

Head Coach: Vanni Sartini

Team Mascot: Spike

Year Opened: 1983

Capacity: 22120

City / State: Vancouver / British Columbia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Whitecaps vs Sounders

Rival Team: Seattle Sounders

Bragging rights and the Cascadia Cup are on the line when the Sounders and Whitecaps square off. You’ll always be in for a heated match when attending a Whitecaps-Sounders game, so get your tickets when the Sounders come to town.

Whitecaps vs Timbers

Rival Team: Portland Timbers

After the Sounders, the Timbers are the Whitecaps next biggest rivals. The Whitecaps compete with the Timbers and Sounders for the Cascadia Cup, and while there may not be quite as much animosity between Portland and Vancouver, there is still a lot at stake when these two meet.

Whitecaps vs Toronto FC

Rival Team: Toronto FC

Toronto FC may play in the Western Conference, but the fact the cities of Toronto and Vancouver have a relatively heated rivalry means there is always a lot at stake when these two meet. A Whitecaps-Toronto FC match is much fiercer than your typical inter-conference matchup, so don’t miss it when these two square off.

Whitecaps vs Montreal Impact

Rival Team: Montreal Impact

While nowhere near as heated as the Cascadia rivalries, there are still plenty of bragging rights on the line when the Whitecaps and Impact meet. The two teams are in different conferences, which tempers thing a bit, but you'll still be in for a good match when attending an Whitecaps-Impact match.

Vancouver Whitecaps Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The atmosphere surrounding BC Place on game days is electric. Whitecaps fans pack the bars surrounding the stadium and everywhere you look you’ll see fellow supporters dressed head to toe in blue and white. Vancouverites have taken to the Whitecaps since their move to MLS, and the city is abuzz with excitement whenever the team plays.

If you’re looking to get into the Whitecaps spirit, then make sure to take part in the pre-match march. The march starts at Doolin’s Irish Pub and is an excellent way to rev yourself up to cheer on the Caps. Even if you don’t take part in the march, it’s still quite the sight to behold as you can hear the fans chanting and singing a mile away.

Arrive at the area surrounding BC Place early, so you can grab a few drinks and join in on the excitement that is attending a Whitecaps match.

Traditions

Vancouver Southsiders Pre-Match March

Join the Vancouver Southsiders march to the match to get into the Whitecaps spirit before the game. The march typically starts at Doolin’s Irish Pub, and you can find more information about when it starts on the Vancouver Southsiders webpage.

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Terry Fox Statue

Take some time before the match to view the statue of the Canadian icon who ran across Canada to raise money for cancer research. The annual Terry Fox Run has raised over C$700 million for cancer research over the years, so stop by and see the statue dedicated to the man who made it all possible.

The Belmont

The Belmont is home to the Vancouver Southsiders pre-match party and is an excellent place to grab a drink or bite to eat. The Belmont is especially great for early matches as they serve a fantastic brunch as well.

Doolin’s Irish Pub

Another favorite spot among Whitecaps fans and Vancouver Southsiders members is Doolin’s Irish Pub. Doolin’s is a superb place for fans over 21 to hang out before the match, and you’ll meet lots of fellow Whitecaps fans here before the match, so stop by and check it out.

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Where to tailgate

Vancouver Whitecaps Stadium Guide

In Game

Before the Whitecaps move to MLS, BC Place underwent massive renovations, and it shows as the facility went from being a similar stadium to the Metrodome to one of the premier venues in Major League Soccer. BC Place is a superb place to take in a match and no matter where you’re sitting you’ll have an excellent view of all the action on the pitch. Additionally, the newly installed retractable roof is a lifesaver as it ensures that no matter what the weather outside, inside BC Place the match will take place.

In addition to BC Place being a gorgeously remodeled facility, it is also home to some of the most fervent support in Major League Soccer. Whitecaps fans sell out just about every match, and the atmosphere at BC Place is one of the best in Major League Soccer. Vancouverites absolutely love this team, especially the supporter groups, so on match days, you’ll find a lively atmosphere inside and outside the arena.

If you’re looking to experience a match at one of the best venues in the league and want to be a part of a lively crowd, then you’ll struggle to find a better place to take in a match than BC Place.

Things to check out

BC Sports Hall of Fame

BC Sports Hall of Fame is a must-see for anyone visiting Vancouver. The Hall of Fame is located in BC Place, and you can get in for half price with your Whitecaps ticket. Here you can learn all about the best athletes and biggest moments in British Columbia sports history, so check it out during your trip to Vancouver.

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Center Hung Video Board

Unlike most MLS stadiums where the video board is located at one end of the venue, the Whitecaps have their main video board hanging above the pitch. No matter where you’re sitting in BC Place, you’ll have an excellent view of the video board, so you won’t miss any replays.

World’s Largest Cable Supported Roof

If you’re an engineer, then you’ll be enamored by BC Place’s cable supported roof. The roof is the largest of its kind in the world and gives the venue a unique feel you won’t find anywhere else in Major League Soccer.

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Supporter Groups

The Vancouver Whitecaps have three main supporter groups: the Southsiders, Rain City Brigade, and Curva Collective. Each group does an impressive job of showing their support and undying love for the Caps through their chants and visual displays. Join one of the Whitecaps supporter groups if you want to be a part of the most vocal supporter sections at the match.

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Spike

Spike is a belted kingfisher and the official mascot of the Whitecaps. On match days, Spike entertains fans young and old with his antics, so keep an eye out for him during your visit to BC Place.

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Vancouver Whitecaps Bars & Restaurants

  1. Boston Pizza

    Boston Pizza Pizza

    With over 100 menu items, we have something for everyone.

    1333 W Broadway #190, Vancouver, BC V6H, Canada

    604-681-6170

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Chambar

    Chambar Seafood

    Chic exposed-brick space serving creative Belgian cuisine & sustainable seafood, plus beer & wine.

    568 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3, Canada

    604-879-7119

    Bar website

    european - $$$

  3. Pizzeria Farina

    Pizzeria Farina Pizza

    Bustling, minimalist eatery with a concise menu of thin-crust pizzas & takeaway.

    915 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2V8, Canada

    604-681-9334

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  4. La Terrazza

    La Terrazza Lunch

    Refined ristorante with a terrace offering gourmet Italian dishes with a twist & over 2,500 wines.

    1088 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6J7, Canada

    604-899-4449

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  5. Black Rice Izakaya

    Black Rice Izakaya Sushi

    Contemporary, low-lit restaurant serving sushi along with Japanese noodle & rice dishes.

    782 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R5, Canada

    778-379-0416

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  6. Pourhouse Restaurant

    Pourhouse Restaurant Dinner

    Creative cocktails & seasonal fare served in a century-old warehouse setting with a 38-ft. bar.

    162 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2, Canada

    604-568-7022

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Gyoza Bar

    Gyoza Bar Lunch

    Contemporary brick-walled spot for Japanese dumplings, tapas & ramen dishes, with beer, wine & sake.

    622 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1V8, Canada

    604-336-5563

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  8. Lupo

    Lupo Pizza Grotto Ogden Pizzeria

    Cozy, romantic atmosphere for classic Italian meals with modern touches.

    869 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada

    604-569-2535

    Bar website

    italian - $$$$

  9. Frankie’s Italian Kitchen

    Frankies Italian Kitchen Seafood

    Southern Italian specialties & wines from British Columbia in a polished dining room or relaxed bar.

    765 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4, Canada

    604-688-6368

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  10. Calabash Bistro

    Calabash Bistro BBQ Lunch

    Laid-back spot for Caribbean dishes & rum drinks, plus late-night music in the basement.

    428 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J7, Canada

    604-568-5882

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Nuba

    Nuba Lunch

    Popular Lebanese eatery & juice bar with bright decor, plus many vegetarian & vegan options.

    508 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5B6, Canada

    778-371-3266

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Cibo Trattoria

    Romer’s Burger Bar Lunch Seafood

    Stylish spot in a restored heritage hotel, with rustic Italian fare & premium wines.

    900 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0A8, Canada

    604-602-9570

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  13. Romer’s Burger Bar

    Calabash Bistro Steak Wine

    Serious about burgers.

    142 S Meridian Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    604-732-9545

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smoke House

    Devils Elbow Ale Smoke House

    Stylish tavern with live music, craft beer, many whiskies & Southern fare, including smoked meat.

    562 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3, Canada

    604-559-0611

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Medina Cafe

    Medina Cafe Breakfast

    Snug spot for coffee, & an eclectic daytime menu including waffles with unique toppings.

    780 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0C8, Canada

    604-879-3114

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  16. Red Card Sports Bar

    Red Card Sports Bar Beer

    Vibrant choice for live sports, craft beers & Italian comfort food plus wood-fired pizzas.

    560 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada

    604-689-4460

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  17. Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

    Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar Beer

    Steak with a touch of ceremony

    615 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y6, Canada

    604-605-8282

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$$

  18. Homer St. Cafe And Bar

    Homer St Cafe And Bar Snack Steak

    Stylish establishment specializing in upmarket roast chicken & cocktails in an open, airy space.

    898 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W5, Canada

    604-428-4299

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Bogart’s Bar and Restaurant

    Bogarts Bar and Restaurant Dinner

    Bogart's Bar on Robson Street is a casual restaurant and bar, serving craft beer, whiskey flights and craft cocktails.

    121 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada

    604-336-3578

    Bar website

    american - $$

  20. Meat & Bread

    Meat & Bread Sandwich

    How can something so simple be this good?

    370 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada

    Bar website

    american - $

  21. Catch 122

    Catch 22 Food Breakfast

    Contemporary Canadian meals, including brunch, served in a rustic-chic, brick-lined space.

    122 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G9, Canada

    604-731-3474

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  22. The Keefer Bar

    The Keefer Bar Whiskey

    Dark, swanky bar with a patio, shaking up Asian-inspired cocktails to pair with fusion small plates.

    135 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3, Canada

    604-688-1961

    Bar website

    asian - $$$

  23. Shark Club Vancouver

    Shark Club Vancouver

    Sports bar chain branch serving beer & casual Canadian fare that becomes clubby when late.

    180 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4P4, Canada

    604-687-4275

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  24. Library Square Public House

    Library Square Public House Bar

    Lively hangout with local craft brews & gourmet bar food turns clubby after dark when music plays.

    300 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1, Canada

    604-633-9644

    Bar website

    american - $$

  25. The Pint Public House

    The Pint Public House Bar

    Boisterous sports pub sending out beer pitchers, classic bar bites & wings in 40 different sauces.

    455 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L2, Canada

    604-684-0258

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  26. Kingston Taphouse & Grille

    Kingston Taphouse & Grille Wine

    Welcoming bar & casual eatery with a garden patio plus a basement for live shows & playing darts.

    755 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada

    604-681-7011

    Bar website

    american - $$

  27. Glowbal

    Glowbal Seafood

    Global fare & lots of cocktails served in a glitzy, sprawling space with a long, sleek bar.

    590 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2A3, Canada

    604-602-0835

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  28. St. Regis Bar and Grill

    St Regis Bar and Grill Pizza

    Classy hotel spot with high ceilings & a wood interior for drinks and modern pub grub.

    608 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y6, Canada

    604-696-5558

    Bar website

    american - $$

  29. Clough Club

    Clough Club Hotdog Sandwich

    Trendy low-lit lounge with old-timey flair, creative drinks, elevated pub grub & occasional DJs.

    212 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8, Canada

    604-558-1581

    Bar website

    american - $$

  30. Revel Room

    Revel Room Dinner

    Restaurant industry haunt for classic cocktails & late-night bites, plus live music on Sundays.

    238 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8, Canada

    604-687-4088

    Bar website

    american - $$

  31. The Irish Heather

    The Irish Heather Bar Beer

    This GastroPub has garnered many accolades for its service, food, alcohol & ambiance.

    248 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z6, Canada

    604-688-9779

    Bar website

    european - $$

  32. Six Acres

    Six Acres Beer Wine

    Six Acres is a cozy, brick lined nook with tasty rustic share plates and a top shelf beer and drink selection.

    203 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2, Canada

    604-488-0110

    Bar website

    american - $$

  33. Yaletown Brewing Company

    Yaletown Brewing Company Beer

    Bustling hangout offering house-brewed beers & a weekly small-batch tasting plus unique pub grub.

    1111 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9, Canada

    604-681-2739

    Bar website

    american - $$