595 days…
That is how long it has been since our beloved Vancouver Canucks have played in front a full Rogers Arena. Jeez, it’s almost felt even longer than that… time flies when you can’t do much for almost a year.
As you probably best believe, the organization has a killer set-up for their fans come opening night, especially since the Canucks are the last major sports team in North America to play in front of a full crowd (that includes the rest of the NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB!). To say fans are hungry to get back into the livid Rogers Arena environment, would be a vast understatement.
(Darryl Dyck / CP)
So, what festivities will be open for us gracious fans at the Canucks’ home opener vs. the Minnesota Wild? Well one, we’ll get to see Calder Trophy winner, Kirill Kaprizov of the Wild who’s an absolute dream boat to watch on a screen already, but I digress… you want to know what activities are available. Well, don’t fret cause the Aquilini’s spent no expense in setting things up for us hockey-deprived fans.
Starting things off at 5:00 PM, the plaza in front of the rink will be partying it out with host DJ Seb C, alongside the Canucks hype team and drummers to get you in the groove and lit up for the upcoming contest. Canucks’ legend, Kirk McLean will also be present at the plaza for autographs and photos as he’s one that always kicks it off with the fans.
Upon entering the arena at 6:00 PM if you’re one of the lucky first 5,000 guests to enter you will recieve a “Game On” t-shirt, so get in line early if you want to expand your extravagent wardrobe.
Prior to puck drop, it’s expected that head coach, Travis Green, will have a heartfelt speech after the player introductions, directed at the City of Vancouver.
(Andrew McQuillin / Flickr)
On top of everything, the one thing that I believe is a given, is a tremendous game ahead of us. That feeling of being in the arena again, having fun with our friends before the game in whatever form that may be. I know for a fact my friend and I are going to have the most weekend-esque Tuesday of our lives. You can watch endless games of hockey on TV and still have a blast, but you can’t re-create that feeling you get at a live venue, the sound of thousands of fans rejoicing, the smell of churros and the freshly Zambonied ice, the $18.00 beers… what can I say?..
Lets get this dub baby!