February 13, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced the club’s 2023 Celebration Matches on Monday, just under two weeks away from kicking off the season with the home opener against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, February 25.
Home Opener: February 25 vs. Real Salt Lake
Let the games begin! BC Place will be the venue as the ‘Caps kick off the 2023 season against Western Conference rivals Real Salt Lake at BC Place.
Fans will also receive a gift upon entry, to be announced prior to the opening match.
Women & Girls in Sport: March 11 vs. FC Dallas
Three days after International Women’s Day, Whitecaps FC will celebrate the incredible women and girls working, playing, and setting new standards in sports.
This year’s event will be special as the club sets it’s sights on fielding a team in a domestic women’s professional soccer league in Canada in 2025. Whitecaps FC general manager of women’s soccer Stephanie Labbé will be at the match as excitement continues to ramp up.
The club will also once again host a pre-match jamboree for over 100 young girls between the ages of 8 to 14, with players from the defending League1 BC champion Whitecaps FC Girls Elite program supporting in coaching roles.
Vaisakhi: April 8 vs. Portland Timbers
Vaisakhi Night returns to BC Place for a second straight year, celebrating the South Asian community and the Solar New Year. The match comes the weekend before the annual Vaisakhi festivals start in Surrey and Vancouver – the biggest in the world outside of India.
The inaugural Vaisakhi Night in 2022 featured incredible performances from the Shan-e-Punjab Arts Club and award-winning Bollywood singer and performer Jugpreet Bajwa, as well as dhol drummers and members of the Sikh Motorcycle Club joining the March to the Match, and donations to Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen.
Next Gen: May 20 vs. Seattle Sounders FC
Next Gen Night is all about celebrating the youth.
The next generation will be featured throughout the stadium, including in the PA booth, national anthems, and in a 100v2 match against professional players at halftime.
Local soccer teams are encouraged to come to the game to watch the ‘Caps take on their Cascadia rivals in one of the biggest matches of the year.
Indigenous Peoples Celebration: June 3 vs. Sporting Kansas City
During National Indigenous History Month, Whitecaps FC are proud to host the club’s third annual Indigenous Peoples Match, celebrating…
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