Have Fun Watching Outdoor Sports in Vancouver This Summer

Summer outdoor sports season in Vancouver is just around the corner. Throughout spring and summer, there are tons of special local sports to enjoy with fun theme nights, special celebrations, and other fun tie-ins.

Make a day of your sports outing by cheering on the home team, wearing the team colours, and gathering with other fans in celebration of the best in local soccer, baseball, and football.

Whitecaps Soccer

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC are currently off to their hottest start to a season ever. Not only are they #1 overall in the entire Major Soccer League standings, but they just swept Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF team to advance to their first CONCACAF Champions Cup Final against Cruz Azul in Mexico City on June 1 to determine North America's best soccer club.

Be sure to ride the Whitecaps' hot streak here at home with these notable summer home games at BC Place:

• Chevrolet Match vs. Minnesota United FC – May 17

• Youth & Family Match vs. Portland Timbers – May 31

• Indigenous Peoples Celebration Match vs. Seattle Sounders FC – June 8

• McArthurGlen Match vs. San Diego FC – June 26

• Pride Match vs. Sporting Kansas City – July 26

• Recycle BC Match vs. Houston Dynamo FC – Aug. 17

To browse their full schedule and purchase tickets, visit the Whitecaps' website.

For women’s sports fans, the Vancouver Rise FC just kicked off its inaugural season at Swanguard Stadium in Burnaby as part of the new Northern Super League, the top division in the Canadian soccer league system.

Canadians Baseball

Summer in Vancouver is not really summer without a visit to the famous Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium to catch the home team Vancouver Canadians hit the field for a Minor League Baseball game in the Northwest League.

There are so many things for sports fans, non-fans, kids, families, or anyone to enjoy at the Nat, from the trademark sushi mascot races, ‘Nooner at the Nat Friday games, footlong hot dogs, patio seating, and generally fabulous atmosphere that was compared to literal "heaven" in an A+ New York Times profile.

Don't miss one of the many Summer at the Nat special game promotions:

• Asahi Night: Celebrating the Asahi Baseball history – May 13

• Women in Sports Day: Special guest Hazel Mae – May 17

• South Asian Heritage Night – May 27

• Fireworks Extravaganza – May 27, June 26, July 3, 19, Aug. 9, 23 & Sept. 6

• Dog Day of Summer: Dogs allowed – June 10 & Sept. 2

• Blue Jays Day: Bobblehead giveaway – June 14

• Marvel Superhero Day – June 28

• Pride Night – July 22

• Christmas in July – July 23

• Country Night: Cowboy hat giveaway – July 27

Before Saturday afternoon games, come by the stadium early to walk around the Riley Park Farmers Market for an extra family-friendly activity in the sun or grab a snack at the new Rosie's BBQ & Smokehouse concession stand. Alternatively, both Hillcrest Park and Queen Elizabeth Park are great for a nice summer stroll with a rink, rec centre, aquatic centre, and more nearby for other fun options.

To browse their full schedule and purchase tickets, visit the Canadians' website.

Lions Football

Fresh off hosting the Grey Cup last year, the BC Lions are looking for a bounce-back year. Former league MVP and all-star Nathan Rourke has a lot to prove after leaving the NFL and rejoining the Lions in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as the undisputed starting quarterback with a full off-season to prepare.

Be on the lookout for a major performer announcement for the fourth annual Concert Kickoff home opener game after previous A-list opening acts, LL Cool J, 50 Cent, and OneRepublic.

The Lions have also announced their home Game Themes throughout the summer at BC Place:

• Concert Kickoff vs. Edmonton Elks – June 7

• Summer Camp vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers – June 21

• Watermelon Smash vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders – July 19

• Family Traditions vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats – July 27

• Show n’ Shine vs. Montreal Alouettes – Aug. 16

By the stadium before or after a Whitecaps or Lions game, fans can hang out at the BC Sports Hall of Fame inside BC Place. For something to eat and drink, Honey Salt, Fanny Bay Oyster Bar, Jam Cafe, and Batch are all fine choices close by.

To browse their full schedule and purchase tickets, visit the BC Lion's website.