Update April 22, 2022: Formula E 2022 has been postponed, according to the City of Vancouver.
One Stop Strategy Group Inc. (OSS) has elected to exercise its rights under the Host City Agreement to postpone the Formula E Event currently scheduled for July 2022 in Vancouver to a future date, states the City via email.
The City and OSS Group will continue to work together and hope to announce a new date in the near future.
City staff will report on this to Council at a date and time yet to be determined to request Council’s approval of an updated Host City Agreement.
OSS issued the following statement: "After intensive review with the City of Vancouver, OSS Group has had to make the incredibly difficult decision to postpone Canadian E-Fest until 2023. The City of Vancouver fully supports the postponement. Delivery of a world-class event is of the utmost importance to the organization. We will be communicating with ticket holders via APTI our ticket partner to inform their options."
V.I.A. will update with more details as they become available.
The below story about Formula E in Vancouver was published March 1, 2022:
This summer racecars will be back in downtown Vancouver, ripping around a track near False Creek.
The iconic roar that usually accompanies said races will not.
The Formula E World Championship will see the Vancouver E-Prix take place on July 2, preceded by a long weekend of events of all sorts. The highlight of the weekend will be the 10th race in the 2022 season (so far there have been three), but before that there will be concerts, conferences and cocktails.
The Big Race
The reason for all the hoopla is the race, which will start at 5 p.m., according to the current calendar, as 12 teams take to the course around False Creek and Science World.
There are several differences between Formula 1 and Formula E, aside from the electric cars. Races are essentially timed, lasting 45 minutes and 1 lap. There are also boosts that fans have control over, giving popular racers a boost (determined before the race). There's also 'Attack Mode' which gives cars extra power.
On race day there will be cars on the track throughout the day, with two practices scheduled for the morning. The first important part (for fans of the league) will take place at 1 p.m. when qualifying laps happen.
Track time for others
Aside from the official competition, the track will host a few other events. On Friday, July 1 a 'Celebrity Race' is scheduled, though who will be participating hasn't been released. And on race day, just before the big race, there will be a fans-vs.-drivers fun race.
That's all the races planned for the track, but Friday night people will be able to walk the track, and check out the 'Paddock.'
Never mind the electric cars, what about digital cars?
While this is an electronic car event, it doesn't mean everything will be spinning tires and windshields catching bugs.
On Thursday and Friday, there will be an e-sports competition with a $50,000 purse for winners to share. It actually starts before the weekend with online qualifiers and a tournament to determine seven of the eight competitors.
On Thursday, June 30, a live qualifying tournament will be held for one last spot in the big race. Then, on Friday a final race will be held, to crown the champion (who will win $25,000).
A platform or game hasn't been announced yet but will feature specific cars and courses to qualify.
Sustainability conference features world leader, world's most famous legal researcher
A conference on sustainability will be held the same weekend and in conjunction with the race. The $2,500 tickets will get participants into workshops, classes, networking opportunities and talks from "the world's top thinkers."
While a full schedule of speakers hasn't been released, Erin Brokovich (the one the movie is based on) and former Mexican president Felipe Calderon (who's also won a significant number of honours) are both slated to talk.
Music
There will be music. How much is still yet to be seen as only one band has been announced.
Nickelback is coming for Canada Day.
No opening act has been announced, and while a second show is scheduled, no acts have been announced. However, those already at the event for the race will be able to stick around for the show.
Tickets for the Nickelback show are $103 and are only good for the concert on Friday.
Tickets
There are a variety of ticket packages depending on what you're looking for; they went on sale in November.
Almost all are still available, though the cheapest grandstand tickets for the race have already sold out (at $150 a pop). The cheapest race tickets are now $200, and range up to 'Price on Enquiry." One step down from that is the Hospitality package for $1,000 which includes a unique culinary experience with "a selection of classy local food and beverage," personalized VIP treatment and extended site access.
Volunteers sought
Organizers are looking for volunteers at the Canadian E-Fest, so if you're looking for a different way to experience the weekend, this might be one route.
What's the race route?
It looks like this.
