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Catch once in a lifetime Vancouver soccer World Cup experiences without the cost
Vancouver, BC Having just spent three days immersed in the FIFA World Cup experience across Vancouver, I can tell you: with massive watch parties, live music and celebrations spilling into the streets, this is a once in a lifetime event for Western Canada that you don't want to miss.
I can already hear what some of you might be saying, “it's too expensive and hotel prices are outrageous.” What if I told you, you could score all the soccer mania without the big price tag?
It's possible: I booked last minute and scored a room for $180 per night, tax in, just across the Lions Gate Bridge on the North Shore.
Photo:
Jim Barr
The streets of Vancouver are awash with soccer celebrations and cultures from around the world.
What is the energy like? The best way I can describe it is if the Canucks won the Stanley Cup, the Lions won the Grey Cup, the Whitecaps win the MLS Cup, it's Canada Day, it's Australia day, there is a Metallica concert in town and every other cultural celebration … all happening at once.
Having experienced the 2010 Winter Olympics, yes the energy was there, but this World Cup energy is a whole other level.
Granville Street on Friday night was electric. Much of Granville’s downtown strip is closed to vehicles and thousands of patio seats have been added, setting the stage for well over 30,000 people from all nationalities, celebrating the world’s most popular sport.
FIFA Fan Festival volunteers, drumming up some excitement.
It was a thrilling atmosphere Saturday taking in the Brazil and Morocco game within the brand new Freedom Mobility Amphitheatre at the PNE (you gotta experience this venue, it's skookum).
“I didn’t know Vancouver was home to so many Moroccans,” said Darius Fuladi, Seekers Media’s summer intern. “Many must have come in from out of town for this. Vancouver feels very together right now.”
Photo:
Jim Barr
Free watch parties and concerts are happening at the new Freedom Mobility Amphitheatre at the PNE through July 19.
Hit Granville Street any night, Granville Island for a watch party or take in the FIFA Fan Festival happening out at the PNE for energy you could scoop up with a ladle.
The FIFA Fan Festival, a 28-day sports and entertainment festival is on now, and running through July 19, featuring:
94 matches, watch parties on 24-foot screens, in the new amphitheater
120 bands and DJ’s on stage
food trucks galore
presence from the three host First Nations - Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations (we learned about weaving, local language and the ancient history these nations have with canoeing).
“It’s cool that they’ve hired so many Canadian acts for FIFA Fan Festival,” says Shred Kelly’s lead singer Sage McBride, “and exciting to think about all the audiences they are playing to who they might not play for otherwise.”
Photo:
Jim Barr
Attending FIFA Fan Festival with (l-r): Sage McBride of Shred Kelly, Jim Barr and Darius Fuladi from FestivalSeekers, and Tim Newton also of Shred Kelly.
McBride has been helping us make new music discoveries in her FestivalSeekers’ musical previews, that include those not to miss at FIFA Fan Festival.
“The FIFA World Cup is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Tsleil-Waututh Nation carver Jonas Jones, while representing his Nation’s booth within the FIFA Fan Festival.
Jonas and other members of his Nation are on site for the 28 days of the event carving and introducing locals and travellers to their culture.
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“For me it's about having the youth come and witness our culture, they come to see my art and tell me what they see in it," says Jones.
"It’s so great to see people from around the world, everyone in unity with so many cultures coming together.”
Carver Jonas Jones demonstrates traditional Tsleil-Waututh Nation carving.
How to get into Vancouver soccer world cup action
Here are three tips from my weekend, to help make your weekend in Vancouver even more awesome.
Pro tip #1: score some free tickets
For each event happening in the PNE Amphitheatre within the FIFA Fan Festival, there are 2,600 FREE tickets for the front general admission area of the back grass.
Photo:
Jim Barr
Free tickets (2600 for each event) are available for the watch parties.
Sure if you want a seat, you can upgrade and pay, but you can go, take in a match and stay for the show all for free!
Pro tip #2: travel the world via a bar takeover tour
Some of the bars downtown have been taken over by different countries and are offering Country Houses.
For example Fuladi and I hit the Commodore this past Friday night and caught The Cat Empire, within Australia House (it was bonkers, such a great show).
Photo:
Jim Barr
The Cat Empire performs at The Commodore in Vancouver, part of Australia House festivities.
Across the street from the Commodore, the Pearl Nightclub is now home to Brazil House for the entire tournament, which we’ve heard is off the charts in terms of energy and excitement.
Bars downtown have the opportunity to operate till 4am.
Pro tip #3: save on your stay
To save money on where to stay, broaden your search to stay in North Vancouver, Richmond, or even Nanaimo (Hullo is running late ferries).
Most of the Lower Mainland’s transit system has extended hours throughout the FIFA World Cup, so that makes it easier to get to and from wherever you choose to make camp.
Know Before You Go
You can learn tons on what is happening and the best way to experience the FIFA World Cup through past and continuing coverage on FestivalSeekers, just bookmark this page.
Can’t make it to Vancouver? No stress, BC has 33 communities who are hosting watch parties.
Lastly, believe me, this is once in a lifetime: my days in Vancouver will be ones I will remember forever. Don't miss out, book your time today and go experience the FIFA World Cup.
Let us know what you discover, please tag us @festivalseekers in your social media posts so we can engage and share in your experience.
