BC Place Stadium
Early March
2-3 day tournament
Varied
World-class athletes and Canada's biggest sports party
Vancouver Rugby Sevens is special because you're watching world-class rugby sevens with Olympic athletes and international champions battling across 70+ lighting-fast 14 minute matches. And you're also at Western Canada's wildest costume party, surrounded by 60,000 fans dressed as Vikings, dinosaurs, and everything in between.
Founded in 2016, Vancouver’s stop on the World Rugby Sevens Series has quickly become a marquee spring event. Held each March at BC Place, the tournament is known for its electric crowd energy and memorable moments both on and off the field.
Whether you’re visiting the city, planning a weekend getaway, or looking for standout things to do in Vancouver during late winter and early spring, Rugby Sevens is an event worth experiencing.
Tips for your visit
- Go big on costumes: The "fancy dress" tradition is half the fun. Coordinate with your crew on themed group costumes: lumberjacks and beavers (very Canadian), retro cartoon characters, inflatable T-Rexes, or whatever your group dreams up.
- Keep accessories minimal: As per BC Place guidelines no weapon props, masks stay at your seat, and keep costumes fun-for-all-ages appropriate.
- Snag two-day passes early for best value: Tournament passes save 20-30% versus single-day tickets and guarantee your seats all weekend. Passes drop in October/November for the following March event, often with early bird pricing and contest entries. Premium seats (Fieldside, Club) vanish fast; rugby fans know what's up.
- Plan your game day strategy: With matches firing off every 20-30 minutes from late morning through evening, you'll see 30+ games per day. Download the HSBC SVNS app or check vansevens.com for real-time schedules and pool standings.
- Transit wins the transport game: Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station connects directly to BC Place via a covered walkway, you'll literally walk from train to your seat in minutes. Skip parking headaches (and $30 fees) by riding the Expo or Canada Line.
- Pace yourself like a pro: This is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s literally 8-10 hours of non-stop entertainment daily. Stay hydrated, take breaks to explore the concourse, and save energy for Sunday's finals when the championship hardware gets handed out.
Where is Vancouver Rugby Sevens?
Vancouver Rugby Sevens in Vancouver BC takes place at BC Place Stadium (777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver). The stadium is Vancouver's premier sports and entertainment facility, home to BC Lions football and major concerts, situated right in the heart of downtown action.
For Rugby Sevens, the roof stays closed, transforming BC Place into a thunderdome. Players consistently rank Vancouver as the loudest, most intimidating (in the best way) stop on the world tour. The location can't be beat for visitors: BC Place sits steps from Yaletown's upscale dining, Gastown's historic cobblestone streets, and the False Creek seawall. Pre-game brunch? Yaletown's got you. Post-match craft beer? Steam Works Brewing is a five-minute walk. Victory lap around the seawall? That's right outside.
Getting there
SkyTrain (Easiest Option)
BC Place practically sits on top of the SkyTrain system.
- Stadium-Chinatown Station (Expo Line): Connected via covered skywalk, literally a 2-minute walk
- Yaletown-Roundhouse Station (Canada Line): 8-minute walk through scenic False Creek
- Waterfront Station (transfer hub) : 15-minute walk through downtown
Bus routes
Multiple TransLink buses serve BC Place:
- #19 Stanley Park/ Metrotown: Stops at stadium loop
- #50 False Creek: Circles the venue area
- #3, #8, #10: Connect from various neighborhoods
Check TransLink's Trip Planner app for real-time arrivals.
Driving & Parking
Downtown Vancouver and the Orpheum
- BC Place Parkade (Beatty Street entrance): $15-30 event pricing
- EasyPark downtown lots, scattered throughout
- Limited street parking
Walking & Cycling
Staying downtown? BC Place is walkable from most hotels in 10-20 minutes. The city's protected bike lanes (Dunsmuir, Pacific) lead directly to the stadium, with bike parking available on-site.
From YVR Airport
Canada Line SkyTrain: 25 minutes direct from airport to Stadium-Chinatown or City Centre stations ($10.50). Taxis/rideshares run $35-50 and take 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.
What to expect
Rugby Sevens: All the action, half the time
The Vancouver rugby tournament is a turbo-charged version of rugby featuring seven players per side in 14-minute matches with tries scored every few minutes. Teams from powerhouses like New Zealand, Fiji, and Argentina battle through knockout stages at BC Place. Even if you've never watched rugby, the fast pace will have you on your feet cheering.
Cheer for Canada's Olympic heroes on home turf
Watch Canada's Women's Sevens Team; one of the world's elite squads and Olympic medalists, compete with roaring home fans at BC Place. Both men’s and women’s Canada rugby teams are world-class and exciting to watch.
The ‘fancy dress’ costume tradition that defines Vancouver Sevens
Roughly half the stadium shows up in coordinated costumes. Hit TV shows and books, Canadian stereotypes, or concepts so random you'll wonder how they brainstormed it. This rugby sevens tradition started in Hong Kong and creates an atmosphere where you'll stand out more if you're NOT in costume.
A Family-friendly Vancouver sporting event
Festival meets sports tournament vibes with DJs, contests, interactive fan zones, merch stands, craft beer, and food vendors. Families feel comfortable with alcohol-free seating, friend groups thrive on the party energy, and you'll make friends before the first match ends.
Rugby Sevens Tournament structure
Pool play builds to knockout rounds Saturday, with Sunday's championship finals delivering peak drama and medal ceremonies to packed Vancouver crowds.
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