Watching Whitecaps Game
[Suite Experience]
Vancouver, BC, May 25, 2024
Being an EA employee has a massive perks. I was invited to watch Vancouver Whitecaps game at BC Place stadium in a private suite. I’ve been to Whitecaps game before, but I’ve never seen it from a suite. So, I want to give you a little tour of the stadium and the suite and show you all the fun things happening.
The Atmosphere
This was a big match: It’s Vancouver Whitecaps VS Inter Miami. It was a highly anticipated match, with over 51,000 record breaking attendees packing the stadium, setting a record for the largest crowd in the ‘Caps MLS history. The atmosphere was electric.
However, the buzz surrounding the match was somewhat dampened when the fans found out earlier in the week that Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets would not be coming to Vancouver for the match. Everyone had hoped to see Lionel Messi plays in Vancouver for the first time.
As a consolation, Whitecaps managements offered a 50% discount on all food and beverages for this match. Youth 18 and under were given free kids meal combo. Although some fans were still understandably upset about the situation, especially considering the high ticket prices, there was little the management could do about the opposing team’s line up.
I can’t complain, as my ticket was free. I was happy to see Jordie Alba, the Spaniards who used to play for Barcelona and recently retired from International game, in the match.
Thousands of people gathered at Terry Fox Plaza before the warm-up began. The city and Whitecaps FC organized a pre-match street party, featuring life music, food and drink specials, and fun-filled mini games. Community booths were setup to guide attendees.
The celebration began with the traditional supporters March to the Match. Hundreds of game ready ‘Caps fans paraded from the corner of Granville and Smithe down to BC place, creating a high-energy atmosphere. Nothing is more exciting that match day.
The was a strong police presence for security. Even tough it was a large outdoor event, I felt safe and saw many families with lots of smiles around. The street on Robson and Beatty were closed to vehicles. Fans and supporters marched peacefully down the Robson street to BC place.
The Suite
The suite that I’ll be watching the game from is called the Edgewater Lounge. Located at the suite level of the stadium, it has a dedicated entrance and elevators designated for suite level access. This helps avoid the main crowd and provides a more exclusive experience.
From the moment you step inside, the luxurious ambiance and premium amenities set the tone for an unforgettable experience. This is a pretty spacius suite. It can accomodate up to 400 people, and it features two largest bars in the stadium. At our event, there were long tables in the middle for the food and snacks that my team provided. I’ve forgotten to take a photo of the food offering as I was busy putting them on my plate instead. The luxurius ambiance definitely set the tone for an unforgetable experience.
The main highlights of the suite though is definitely the stunning field of view. The prime vantage point is great for you to enjoy the action, though being situated behind the net sometimes made it challenging to follow the action on the opposite side. I find myself relying on the big screen on top of the pitch instead of watching it live.
The seating is comfortable and it has table to put down your food and beverages. You can relax and enjoy the game in comfort. There’s plenty of room to move around without feeling cramped.
One of the nice things of the Edgewater Lounge is the top-notch food and beverage service. The suite offers a wide array of snacks and finger foods. My favorite was the charcuterie selections. While the drink selections has somewhat limited variety of beers, it still offers a great options. I enjoyed a tall lager and a screwdrive cocktail.
The staff is super attentive and welcoming. Whenever I left my seat and came back, my table was always cleaned.
Overall, the Edgewater Lounge private suite at BC Place is a top-tier option for anyone looking to elevate their game day experience.
The Match
The match itself was a quite a thrilling spectacle. The ‘Caps put up a strong performance, but despite the absence of soccer GOAT Lionel Messi, Inter Miami managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday.
Robert Taylor scored the first goal in the first half with an assist from Jordi Alba. Leonardo Campana added the second goal for Miami in the second half, solidifying their lead. Ryan Gauld managed to score a goal from a penalty shot for Vancouver in 72th minute, but it was too little, too late and the Whitecaps couldn’t find the equalizer.
Throughout the match, frustrated fans chanted “Where is Messi?” and there was a few boos from the crowds. Although the Whitecaps had more possession and shots, they struggled to put the ball in the net. When the Whitecaps had several good opportunities against Miami, the crowd was electric. The support for the team was there, but they couldn’t manage to score or even gets shots on target. The Whitecaps showed efforts and intensity, but also highlights their difficulties in finishing chances against well organized Inter Miami.
Despite the result, as well as various dissapointment surrounding the match, it was still in many ways a wonderful atmosphere and a great match to watch at BC Place on Saturday night.
The Conclusion
In summary, while the Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Inter Miami match on May 25, 2024, might not have featured all the stars fans had hoped for, the event was a resounding success in terms of atmosphere, organization, and overall experience.
The Edgewater Lounge at BC Place is an exceptional venue for enjoying the game in style. Even though our home team lost, we had a memorable experience and overall, a great Saturday evening. I hope I get a chance to be back here in 2026 to watch the FIFA World Cup.