February 23, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Professional & Spectator Sports
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It was a nail-biting start to the Olympic Men’s Hockey playoffs in Canada Hockey Place (also known as GM Place). Over 12,000 fans filled the stadium to see if Canada could recover from their loss to the USA on Sunday and beat Germany. Win they did – with the score an impressive 8-2.
The jumbotron egged us all on to “Make Some Noise,” and in an interview, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson thanked everyone for being such great Olympic hosts. The Winter Games mascots danced around and the ‘Kiss Cam’ embarrassed loads of non-couples. At every goal the stadium erupted into a sea of flag-waving, cow-bell shaking and clapping. Totally crazy!
Great cries of “Luuuuuu!” came from Canadian fans as Vancouver Canucks goalie, Roberto Luongo was between the pipes. He’s practically a god here in Vancouver as Captain of the Canucks, the city’s National Hockey League (NHL) team. You can catch them during their home games from October to April at General Motors Place.
Sports fans have plenty of options to catch games in Vancouver. For cheaper hockey tickets, head to the Pacific Coliseum to see the Vancouver Giants – part of the Western Hockey League – and striving to be tomorrow’s NHL stars (September – April). The BC Lions, the city’s pro (Canadian) football team play at BC Place from June to November.
In the summer, baseball fans can watch budding major league stars at the Nat Bailey Stadium. The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club offers affordable tickets and plays 38 home games.
February 16, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Professional & Spectator Sports
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Vancouverites love their hockey (like all Canadians) – especially their Canucks. I’ve been to a handful of games and each time I have a blast. The fans are at once boisterous and respectful (jesting at the opposing team’s fans – especially Calgary Flames – but still polite to their fellow Canuck seat-neighbors. We are Canadian after all). I love when the mascot Fin playfully bites the heads of fans (the picture shown is of him going in for a "bite") and Mark Donnelly sings the national anthem! Lately the stadium announcer will belt out “Wooooo” after each Canuck goal, which is then repeated back by the fans. It’s addicting – you can’t not do it!
Vancouver is also home to a WHL team, the Giants. I haven't been to a game yet but here’s what my colleague Karen had to say about it: “At the Giants game I went to there were no business guys in suits heading to the game, it was lots of families and tons of people in jerseys...What I loved most was that there was so much entertainment in between periods: two golf carts on the ice, two blimps flying around, t-shirts being shot at the crowd, coupons dropping from the sky, and even a hamburger tossed out as a prize by the mascot...Impossible to be bored!”
If you prefer to hit the ice yourself, lace up your skates on one of Vancouver’s outdoor rinks. Grouse Mountain (in North Vancouver) has an 8,000 square foot pond high above the city, while Robson Square (downtown Vancouver) is a smaller rink but it’s free and right in the heart of the action (skate rentals are $3.00).
During the next two weeks though NHL team rivalries will be dropped and all Canadians will be cheering for their home country. We’d love to hear your pick on who will win men’s hockey gold. Post your picks/comments below!
Go Canada Go!!
February 09, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Professional & Spectator Sports
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With just days until the 2010 Winter Olympics begin, I’m starting to get really excited! But if you are ticket-less (like me), fear not! There will be plenty of free sites buzzing with activity where you can watch the Games and enjoy the festivities!
Here’s what’s on my radar:
LiveCity Downtown/Yaletown: Between the two sites – one in Yaletown and the other steps from BC Place and Canada Hockey Place – I should definitely be entertained. Giant TV screens will be set up and broadcast live coverage of the Games, yummy food and drink will be available and live music will be playing every night. Even before the Games start there will be activity: I’m going to be making my way to LiveCity Yaletown this Thursday for the arrival of the Olympic torch!
Robson Square: Take your pick between ice skating outside, zip-lining high over the cityscape or pondering Leonardo DaVinci’s “Mechanics of Man” exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Oh, and did I mention that all are free? (Skate rentals are $3.00.)
Richmond O Zone: If you don’t mind a little travel, hop on the Canada Line Skytrain to head out to this celebration site. I’m planning on checking out the Holland Heineken House (the nation house of the Netherlands) for some beer; the ice carving competitions – and subsequently funky ice art sculptures; trying a hand at bobsleigh (in virtual reality, of course); and all the fantastic live entertainment.
But if none of those suit your fancy, lots of bars and restaurants will be broadcasting the Games. So grab a bite to eat, replenish yourself with some beer and sit back and enjoy the Games.
Live City Downtown: corner of Georgia and Beatty; LiveCity Yaletown, corner of Pacific Blvd and Drake; Robson Square: corner of Robson and How; Richmond O Zone, Minoru Park, 7191 Granville Ave.
February 04, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Professional & Spectator Sports
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For me, a large part of the fun of the Olympic Games will be experiencing the mish-mash of cultures all in one place. And where better to do this than at the various nation houses that are sprouting up everywhere?
Here’s what’s on my itinerary:
Holland Heineken House: It’s earned a reputation as “the place to party” from previous Games and I have no doubt it will be this year too. Sponsored by Heineken, this means an abundance of beer that fellow partygoers can drink among 4,000 people each night. Also live nightly music. Location: the Richmond O Zone, Richmond.
Jamaica Bobsleigh House: Ya Mon! Not only will you be able to eat Jamaican food, drink Jamaican beer and dance to reggae, but you can also hang with members from the original Cool Runnings team! How awesome is that? Location: Savage Beagle, Whistler.
House of Switzerland: Swiss chocolate and cheese anyone? These culinary staples will definitely be on hand at this nation house. Besides the food, I’m looking forward to seeing a giant chocolate Inukshuk (wait, does that count as food?). There will also be tons of daily giveaways – who doesn’t like free stuff!? Location: Granville Island.
BC Canada Pavilion: Where else can you zipline six-stories above the city, ice skate on an outdoor rink and gain entry to the fantastic Vancouver Art Gallery to see Leonardo DaVinci’s “Mechanics of Man” exhibit – all for free? I'm definitely going to be here! Location: corner of Howe and Robson.
Atlantic Canada House: Having never traveled to Canada’s east coast, I’ll be for sure making a stop at this provincial house. The food menu looks amazing (think lobster, mussels, wild boar) and the entertainment is sure to be interesting - if only because I’ll be trying to decipher those Newfie and Nova Scotian accents! Location: Granville Island.
Casa Italia: When I think of Italy, I think of good food and wine – and this pavilion promises both. Rumour has it there will also be cooking shows with Italian chefs as well as high fashion shows. Location: Roundhouse Community Centre, Yaletown.