One of the biggest games in Vancouver Whitecaps history is here.
On Thursday, April 24, the team is playing Inter Miami in Vancouver. The two teams normally play each other in the MLS regular season, but the upcoming game is part of a two-legged semi-final in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The international tournament features clubs from across North and Central America.
Not only is Inter Miami one of the top teams in the MLS right now, but they also field one of the most intimidating lineups on the continent, featuring Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, one of the biggest names in sports ever.
Messi isn't alone, though. The team also features several other high-profile players: Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba. All four of the stars played for the legendary FC Barcelona team (they're also all in their mid- to late-30s).
Given the importance of the game and the star power in pink, the game has attracted a big audience. Tickets sold out shortly after they went on sale and prices peaked at $20,000.
Last season, a regular-season game was scheduled between the two teams at BC Place. While fans bought tickets expecting Messi and other stars to show up, the stars stayed in Miami. Many fans were disappointed.
Given the importance of this game, many are wondering if Messi will play in Vancouver.
It appears the answer is yes, as on Wednesday, Inter Miami posted a photo of the superstar headed to the plane to Vancouver.
Looking to enjoy the action? Here's what you need to know about tonight's Whitecaps-Inter Miami matchup at BC Place.
Gates and game times
A fan zone is opening at the Terry Fox Plaza on the western side of BC Place (Robson and Beatty) at 4 p.m.
All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. (except Gate F).
Whitecaps supporters will hold a march to the match at 6 p.m. starting at Dublin Calling (900 Granville St. at Smithe Street).
The game starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
As mentioned above, tickets sold out quickly but many ended up on the resale market. Right now resale tickets across TicketMaster, SeatGeek, and StubHub are starting at around $200 plus fees. Some are a little lower, around $180.
While the cheapest tickets are in the upper bowl, many in the lower bowl aren't selling for much more, with tickets as low as $244.
The areas closest to the players' benches are selling for a lot more, though, with many tickets over $2,000. Tickets for more than $5,000 are easily found, not that anyone is speaking that price-point specifically.
Getting to the game
It's going to be a busy night in downtown Vancouver as Rogers Arena hosts Nelly, Ja Rule, and more. However, that show gets going a little later, so Whitecaps fans will likely have first dibs on parking near BC Place.
For those looking at transit, TransLink doesn't have any significant alerts on the SeaBus or SkyTrain system at the time of publication. The SkyTrain stop is Stadium.
Hullo Ferries does have a late-night boat crossing the Salish Sea on Thursday at midnight.
Restrictions
All tickets for the game are digital only, via smartphones.
The stadium has strict rules around bags. Those who bring one need to make sure it's either a clear plastic bag smaller than 1 foot by 1 foot by 6 inches or a small bag no bigger than 6.5 inches by 8.5 inches.
A bag check is available outside Gate C for $10. Bags need to be checked before entering the stadium.
There are exceptions for diaper bags and medically necessary items.
Fan signs are allowed, but there are restrictions.
Prohibited items include outside food and beverages, selfie sticks, and inflated soccer balls.
Fan help
Anyone in BC Place during the game can text 778-873-3267 for assistance.
Cashless venue
BC Place is a cashless venue, so be sure to bring a different way to pay. Cash is no longer king in the stadium.
Merch
Team merch will be available outside of lower bowl sections 205, 222, 233 and 249. Upstairs, it'll be outside 406.
There's also the official off-site Whitecaps team merch store at 385 Water St. in Gastown.
