The Vancouver Canucks are once again making a run at the Stanley Cup, and many in the metro area are hyped for the games.
With tickets to home games at Rogers Arena rare and expensive, many fans are left looking for a spot to watch and celebrate in the city.
While the City of Vancouver did light up city hall, the Burrard Bridge, and Bloedel Conservatory blue and green, not much more can be expected from the municipal government, at least during round one.
"We are working in collaboration with the Canucks for Round 1, including supporting their creation of the 'Toyota Party on the Plaza' activation which has been well-attended by thousands of fans, with family-focused activities," states the city in an email to V.I.A., referring to the area outside the arena. "We continue to discuss with all parties what may be possible for future rounds."
It appears most other city governments in the region are following that lead, as there are limited free public watch parties this year.
There are three places to watch games (that aren't pubs or bars) that will have all the games up to watch, and one other location is holding special viewing parties only for away games.
Away games at Rogers Arena
Can you watch a Vancouver Canucks playoff game at Rogers Arena for $15? Yes.
However, no players will be in the building.
During the away games in Nashville the Canucks home arena will have sections opened up to watch the game on the gigantic screen over centre ice. It'll be a hockey game in the arena, but a somewhat muted experience compared to home games.
On the upside, it's $15 instead of $300.
Tickets are going quickly for the Friday, April 26, game with only around 100 tickets left.
The Canucks are also playing in Nashville on Sunday, April 28 (Game 4) and will be in Tennessee on Friday, May 6 if a Game 6 is needed.
The Amazing Brentwood
The local mall might be not the first place one thinks of for watching playoff hockey, but if you need a place to watch the Canucks, the Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby will be screening games at the plaza.
In an email to V.I.A., staff note it's not a watch party, per se, but the game will be broadcast there.
Outdoor community watch parties in Delta
North Delta is one place where fans will be able to get together in public to watch Canucks games for free.
The Social Heart Plaza at the North Delta Recreation Centre, next door to the Delta Police Department and near the border with Surrey, will play host to free, family-friendly outdoor watch parties.
"Bring your friends and family to settle in for an evening of thrilling hockey action and community celebration," states the city on its website.
Only lawn chairs and blankets are permitted, they add.
Delta Police and the Surrey RCMP have already noted they will be doing enhanced patrols on playoff game nights.
Watch party and nachos in PoCo
Port Coquitlam will also be hosting indoor playoffs watch parties for the foreseeable future.
The free events will be hosted at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre inside near the centre's concession.
There'll be a big screen for fans, seating set up, and the concession will have deals for the free event.
