Finally, a reason to celebrate on July 4.<\/p>\n
While our neighbours to the south celebrate on July 4, Canadians could soon have their own reason to enshrine that date on the calendar.<\/p>\n
The Canadian men’s soccer team is taking on the Atlas Lions from Morocco on that date, right in time for brunch.<\/p>\n
The 10 a.m. start time might not be ideal for most footy fans who prefer to watch games in pubs (though those used to watching games in Europe know morning soccer is common in Canada), but it also means most fans will have the Saturday morning free to catch the game.<\/p>\n
While there are many places to watch the game, there will also be tens of thousands of people seeking a seat around the city, so make sure to book ahead or show up early, wherever you plan to go.<\/p>\n
The big Vancouver watch parties<\/p>\n
There are a few major watch parties for those looking for a high-energy (and sometimes high-impact if someone lands on you while cheering a goal) place to watch the game.<\/p>\n
The biggest will be the official FIFA Fan Festival<\/a> at Hastings Park in East Vancouver, which has drawn massive crowds for each team Canada game. Central to that venue is the recently built Freedom Mobile Arch. The new amphitheatre has some ticketed seats (though it has almost sold out).<\/p>\n There is a free first-come-first-in area at the front of the amphitheatre, which is standing-room only. Given the importance of this match, it will be full for the game and can have a moshpit-like ambience.<\/p>\n The festival does have the game playing in other spots, though, particularly the park stage. It doesn’t have any seating, but will likely have a calmer vibe.<\/p>\n Rivalling the fan festival is Canada Soccer House at The Shipyards in North Vancouver. The official Canada Soccer free watch party<\/a>, this will likely draw a similar crowd in size and energy. Those looking for a good view will have to show up early.<\/p>\n Granville Island will also<\/a> have seats for up to 1,000 and a big screen set up for the game.<\/p>\n Jack Poole Plaza has been a more minor watch party in some ways, but it’s also where the TSN<\/a> pundits are set up, so for the Canada game, it will draw a crowd.<\/p>\n Downtown Vancouver<\/p>\n With post-game parties centred around Granville Street, lots of people will be headed to the city’s core for the game.<\/p>\n Junction Public Market<\/a>, at the very northern end of Granville Street, will be showing the game for free, surrounded by the market’s food stalls. Notably, it’s also dog-friendly.<\/p>\n Canada Square at the Library Square Pub<\/a> will show the game on wall-to-wall screens inside and\u00a0screens outside. Tickets start at $30 and include a beer.<\/p>\n Parq Casino<\/a> has a 50-foot screen and has promised to show every match. It’s a first-come, first-served situation.<\/p>\n The Boston Pizza<\/a> outside BC Place will also be showing the game. Dubbed “World Cup House” for the tournament, the 400-seat venue will be focused on the game, with reserved and walk-up seating. Normally, it opens at 11 a.m., but it’ll be opening at 9 a.m. for the game.<\/p>\n Red Card, the soccer-focused pub on Granville Street will be opening at 9:30 a.m., and it’s only first-come, first-seated. Sibling restaurants Uva and Cibo Trattoria (which are in the same building) will also be open early for the game.<\/p>\n In the West End, the long-time sports bar\u00a0Score<\/a> will also be opening at 9:30 a.m., and also operating on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n Fionn Maccool’s<\/a>, where the Canadian marches during the Vancouver games started, will be open, though a reservation is needed<\/a>.<\/p>\n While Cabana is a nightclub, it’ll be open during daylight hours<\/a> for the game, from 9 a.m. to noon. Big screens, a dj, and food will all be on offer.\u00a0It’s free to go in, with tables running $44 and booths (for up to 10) going for $107.<\/p>\n The American on Main Street\u00a0has announced they’ll be open early for the game, starting at 9 a.m. for the game. Reservations are closed, but there will be space for walk-ins.<\/p>\n For Morocco fans, Moltaqa<\/a> (the Michelin-recommended\u00a0Yaletown restaurant) will be opening at 9:15 a.m. with a $37 Moroccan breakfast on the menu and several screens set up for the game.<\/p>\n For those looking for a cinematic setting, Cineplex is showing the game at the\u00a0International Village Cinemas<\/a>.<\/p>\n It appears the Sportsbar at Rogers Arena, Fable Diner and Bar (a regular spot for Canadian soccer fans)\u00a0and Dublin Calling have\u00a0sold out for the game.<\/p>\n Watch parties away from downtown<\/p>\n UBC will have a couple of options for the game, with free screens at Norman Mackenzie Square<\/a> to watch the game.<\/p>\n The Sports Illustrated pub<\/a> at UBC will be open for the game, but reservations for the game are booked up currently. They may have room for some walk-ups.<\/p>\n The Rio will be holding a watch party in the East Van theatre. Tickets are free<\/a>, but $5 reserves a ticket (and there’s limited space).<\/p>\n Other places that have sold-out tickets or have no reservations available online already include Container Brewing<\/a>, Hollywood Theatre (though they do have a waitlist<\/a>),\u00a0The South Flats watch parties, which existed for the group games don’t appear to be returning this weekend.<\/p>\n Watch parties in Metro Vancouver<\/p>\n Cineplex is showing the game at a variety of theatres, including their theatres in Coquitlam, Langley and Mission<\/a>.<\/p>\n While the Langley Events Centre is better known for other sporting events, there will be a free community watch party<\/a> starting at 9 a.m. in the stadium. The concession will be open, and there’s a licensed beer garden. It’ll be a festival atmosphere, with mascots, games\u00a0and soccer balls.<\/p>\n Surrey’s soccer zones<\/a>\u00a0at the Civic Plaza and Cloverdale Agriplex will be showing the game with a “full fan experience.” That includes live music, games and a beer garden at both.<\/p>\n The Amazing Brentwood<\/a> will also be showing the game on an outdoor screen for those looking for a free place in Burnaby to watch.<\/p>\n Out in Maple Ridge, the\u00a0Memorial Peace Park will host<\/a> a viewing party.\u00a0It’ll be going on at the same time as the Maple Ridge Farmers Market.<\/p>\n Gates open at 9 a.m. at Coquitlam’s Blue Mountain Park<\/a> for a family-friendly watch party.<\/p>\n Down in Delta<\/a>, Ladner <\/a>is hosting its own free fan festival complete with an outdoor screen and family activities. The North Delta Recreation Centre will also be showing the game for free.<\/p>\n In Chilliwack, the Central Park Watch<\/a> party will kick-off just before the game starts at 10 a.m.<\/p>\n