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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The BelmontThe 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 PubAnother 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 hangout before the match and you’ll meet lots of fellow Whitecaps fans here before the match, so stop by and check it out.
Roxy BurgerIf you’re feeling hungry before the match, then make sure to stop by Roxy Burger. At Roxy Burger, you’ll find a wide variety of options ranging from burgers to fish and chips to quesadillas and much more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.