For more than 20 years Canadian soccer fans have cheered on Burnaby's own Christine Sinclair.
The legendary scorer has more goals in international play than any other, men or women, with 190. On Dec. 5 she'll have one last chance to add to that, as it'll be her last game donning the red and white of Canada (in an official manner; she can keep wearing jerseys whenever she pleases).
The final game will be against Australia at BC Place (which will be renamed CS Place for the game). Even in the massive 54,500-seat stadium, seating is limited (as of Nov. 30 41,00 tickets had been sold); tickets are still available, but not as many as you might expect for a friendly soccer game in Vancouver in December.
Tributes and messages for Sinclair have already started to pour in; even professional soccer team owner Ryan Reynolds sent a message to the star.
Here's what you need to know if you're planning on going to the game (which starts at 7 p.m.). The gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets are available with the vast majority in the upper bowl. In fact, while there are still some lower bowl seats available (for just over $100), they're all singles, so you'll have to go solo (or at least sit apart from your friends).
There are still lots of seats available in the corners of the upper bowls where even a sizable group could sit; those tickets are just $23.25 after fees.
Getting there
Public transit
TransLink hasn't announced any additional transit trips for the event, though it'll be a busy night in the area. The Hughes brothers will face off as the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils play next door at Rogers Arena, along with other events in the downtown core.
Depending on how late the game goes (and how late people stay after, those travelling home on the Canada Line may be delayed a bit as there's track maintenance from 11 p.m. until the end of the service day between Bridgeport and Waterfront stations.
In Richmond, Capstan Station construction means the Richmond-Brighouse segment of the SkyTrain line will be closed after 9:30 p.m., as well; instead, there will be a bus bridge.
There's also some work being done on the Expo Line which means SkyTrains may be delayed 12 to 20 minutes after 11:30 p.m., as well.
Parking
As mentioned, it'll be a busy night in the area, so parking in lots and on the street may not be easy to find.
"Parking & street access by car may be limited as there are several events happening in the stadium district that evening. Please plan accordingly," warns BC Place.
Ferries
Those coming over from Vancouver Island will have the option of taking a Hullo ferry after the game to Nanaimo. The passenger ferry will leave from the dock in front of the convention centre at 11 p.m.
Inside BC Place
Special #ThankYouSinc things
BC Place is changing things up a bit to celebrate Sinclair. That includes changing the name of the venue for a day to CS Place, but also menu items inside.
There will be pork carnitas tacos (her favourite) at one stand, golden sushi (to commemorate the team's gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics) at another, and a 185 Cookie at yet another (celebrating the record-setting goal).
There's also going to be a special "northern lights" display and photo murals near sections 221 and 249.
Cash
BC Place is a cashless venue, which means all food, drinks, and merch bought once you're inside the stadium will need a credit or debit card for purchases.
If you do have physical money, you can load it onto a card on Level 1 near the food court, on Level 2 in section 235, and on Level 4 in section 446.
Along with common sense items (as in, don't bring weapons, fireworks or illegal drugs) BC Place also prohibits vuvuzelas and cowbells (other noisemakers are allowed, but must be used respectfully).
There are also no drones, laser pointers, balloons, or signs of a political or religious nature.
BC Place has a strict bag policy and encourages people to not bring bags of any type unless it is a:
- Clutch purse or belt bag no larger than 6.5 by 8.5 inches
- Clear plastic bags (including clear plastic freezer bags) no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches
A bag check is available for $10 per piece. Diaper bags and medically necessary items that cannot fit into a clear bag may be accepted.
