Photo: Geoffery Kehrig | Flickr
Vancouverites have been cheering on our professional hockey team, the Canucks, since the team’s founding in 1970. The whole city buzzes on game days. Get ready to watch the Canucks as the 2024/25 hockey season kicks off.
Vancouver Canucks 2024/25 Season Schedule
The 2024/25 hockey season runs from early October to mid-April. Like all teams in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks play 41 home games and 41 away games each season. They also play six pre-season exhibition games in September and October. Hopefully, they will play lots of playoff games in April, May, and June!
Getting Tickets
Tickets for the 2024/25 season went on sale in late July. There are still some tickets left for all upcoming home games. You can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, but buy them as far in advance as possible because they often sell out. Ticket prices vary based on where you sit, the day of the week, and the popularity of the opposing team.
Where to Eat Before the Game
Photo: Frankie’s Italian
The Canucks play at Rogers Arena in downtown Vancouver. It’s an easy walk to the Chinatown, Gastown, and Yaletown neighbourhoods, giving you lots of options for a pre-game meal.
Frankie’s Italian on nearby Beatty Street is just around the corner from Rogers Arena. They’re known for their classic southern Italian food including hearty lasagne and hand-stretched pizza.
If you’re looking for elevated comfort food, head to BC Kitchen inside the Parq Hotel near the arena. You might find it hard to decide whether to admire the city view out the window or the hockey highlights on the 15 TVs.
For an upscale taste of Chinatown, you can’t go wrong at Bao Bei on Keefer Street. Billed as a Chinese Brasserie, this intimate restaurant serves up sharable Chinese small plates with a modern twist.
Getting to the Game
There are lots of ways to get to Rogers Arena on game day. You can drive and park at one of the many parking lots near the stadium. However, it’s much easier (and more economical) to take public transit. The arena is right next to Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain Station on the Expo Line. Rogers Arena is also a short walk from most parts of downtown Vancouver
Enjoying the Game
Photo: Canucks/Instagram
Like at most large sporting events, you will need to go through a security check to enter Rogers Arena. Backpacks and purses larger than 14” x 14” x 6” (35cm x 35cm x 15cm) are not permitted. You also can’t bring food, drinks, large cameras, noisemakers, selfie sticks, and illegal items like weapons and narcotics.
There are lots of places to buy, snacks, drinks, Canucks gear, and beer inside the stadium. However, Rogers Arena is cashless – you must pay with a credit or debit card.
Keep a close eye on the puck during the game. Netting is strung up behind the goals to keep the puck out of the stands, but pucks can come flying into the audience at any time.
Where to Watch the Games on TV
Photo: The Shark Club
Watching a Canucks game on TV can be almost as exciting as being there in person. For the best atmosphere, head to a sports bar to cheer along with our city’s enthusiastic fans.
The Shark Club on West Georgia a few blocks from the arena is a Vancouver institution. Open since 1993, this sports bar is lined with TVs. They serve up pints, wings, nachos, burgers and other pub fare.
Or head to The Score on Davie in the West End. They have lots of huge TVs to watch the game while you enjoy their signature Caesars, a classic Canadian cocktail. They take their garnish game a bit too seriously and offer drinks festooned with sliders, chicken wings, onion rings, and more.
Brewhall near Olympic Village is great for craft beer lovers – their in-house brewing tanks run directly to their taps. The cavernous space has lots of seating and big screens so you’re almost guaranteed a great view of the game.
If you want to get as close to the action as you can, head to The Sportsbar which is inside Rogers Arena. You can watch the game on their big screens and when the Canucks score, you’ll be able to hear the roar of the nearby crowd. The best part? You don’t need a ticket to the game to get in.
