The NHL’s Heritage Classic series is heading to BC Place on March 2, 2014 as the Vancouver Canucks will face the Ottawa Senators in the first regular season game to be played in a retractable roof stadium. Earlier this year five other cities were rumoured to host Heritage Classics and the Vancouver date was confirmed today.
Whitecaps vs Sounders at BC Place. Photo credit:
Thomas Bullock on Flickr
“With one of the world’s great facilities as the setting, and one of the world’s most scenic cities as the backdrop, the 2014 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at BC Place in Vancouver will honour hockey’s Canadian heritage,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a release. “With the excitement, the entertainment, the competitiveness and the fun of this game, the Canucks and Senators will create special memories for hockey fans everywhere.”
“The NHL Heritage Classic allows our sport to further celebrate the history of the game while doing so in a unique venue,” Canucks president and GM Mike Gillis said. “We look forward to showcasing our city, province, team and fans this upcoming March.”
The 2014 edition of the Heritage Classic follows the 2003 game in Edmonton between the Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens, and the 2011 contest in Calgary between the Flames and Habs. [Source: CBC]
While I would hardly consider BC Place an “outdoor” venue (it would be like calling a car with a sunroof a dune buggy) its capacity of 59,841 will make it a very exciting game to attend. The most entertaining sporting events I have ever witnessed in person have been at BC Place so I hope that the enthusiasm that fans bring to Whitecaps and BC Lions matches will fill the stadium for this match-up on ice.
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With regards to the match-up against Ottawa, the Heritage Classic’s March 2, 2014 date will be just shy of the 99th anniversary of the Canucks defeating the Senators to win the Stanley Cup at Denman Arena in Vancouver.
Further details including information on ticketing for season-ticket holders for each team and national broadcast information will be released shortly.
The RBC GranFondo Whistler is a spectacular mass participation cycling event that sees thousands of riders climb 122km on the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. In three years, it has grown to become the largest event of its kind in North America.
In 2007, Kevin Thomson and Neil McKinnon had the vision of producing a world-class cycling event to serve as a legacy event of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. In September 2010, after three years of work, that dream became a reality. The inaugural RBC GranFondo Whistler allowed 4,000 passionate cyclists the opportunity to ride the world-renowned Sea to Sky Highway in a dedicated car-free lane from downtown Vancouver to Whistler. Rider capacity grew to 7,000 cyclists in 2011 and 2012 as participants were pouring in from all around the globe as the event quickly established itself as one of the premier cycling events in North America.
Registration
This year’s event takes place on Saturday, September 7th and if you are up for the challenge, there are three categories in which you can register:
GranFondo – 122km (76 miles)
For riders who want to challenge themselves at their own pace, the GranFondo category is the full 122km at a self-set pace for recreational to advanced riders.
Medio – 55km (34 miles)
For those riders who aren’t quite ready for the full 122km but still want to participate, the Medio is a lighter version of 55 km from Squamish to Whistler. Suitable for beginner to advanced riders.
Alta Classe Package GranFondo – 122km (76 miles)
This is the VIP package for the GranFondo that allows you to enjoy the RBC GranFondo Whistler in a special way that gets you up close and personal with our riding celebrities and sponsors. No line ups, no hassles, no fuss, but all the fun. Package includes GranFondo registration.
Weekend Events
There will be variety of events in Vancouver and Whistler surrounding the Gran Fondo such as the Velospoke Bike Expo at Canada Place and the RBC FamilyFundo Kids Ride on Friday, and the Celebration Plaza setup at Whistler Village.
Contest
I have partnered with RBC GranFondo Whistler organizers to give you (one lucky contest winner) the chance to see it all from the air — no pedalling required! Your day will start out in Vancouver where you and guest will hop aboard a Harbour Air float plane to enjoy spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountain Range.
Heading up the corridor, you’ll be able to watch thousands of cyclists making their way along scenic Highway 99 and will arrive in time to see the first riders cross the finish line. After a few hours in Whistler, you will get flown back to Vancouver, completing an exciting day of literally going Sea to Sky.
Here’s how you can enter to win this exciting RBC GranFondo Whistler experience:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 5:00pm on Friday, July 19, 2013. Follow the RBC GranFondo Whistler on Facebook and Twitter for more information about the event, and follow Harbour Air on Twitter and Facebook for more information about their scenic tours.
Update The winner is Laura! (comment July 18)
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s favourite outdoor recreation destination in the heart of the city. With over 8 million annual visitors, this National Historic Site has been ranked among the top city parks in the world. We enjoy its Seawall, forest trails, attractions, beaches, rose garden, and how it provides us with a splash of nature at the edge of the bustling downtown core.
Stanley Park is also one of my favourite locations to research and I found a few interesting facts about visitors this week:
1895: Entrance to Stanley Park. Archives# St Pk P209.
During the week of July 10th to 16th, 1911 one third of Vancouver’s population passed through the gates of Stanley Park making it “one of the most popular pleasure resorts the Terminal City possesses.” [Source: Vancouver History]
1919: Entrance to Stanley Park. Archives# CVA 1376-121.
It was during this week in history that a census of every person entering the park was taken, including their mode of transportation. The results were published and it was noted that on the final day of the count, a Sunday, 21,738 pedestrians, 191 autos, 52 hacks (cabs), 367 rigs, 58 saddle horses, 148 bicycles and 173 dogs passed through the gates.
1928: Entrance to Stanley Park. Archives# St Pk P54.
Those numbers are pretty impressive for 102 years ago. Today, we get about 2.5 million pedestrians, cyclists, and inline skaters every year, which works out to an average of 6849 cyclists a day.
1942: Cyclists and pedestrians at the Stanley Park entrance. Photographer: Jack Lindsay. Archives# CVA 1184-58 & CVA 1184-79.
1940: View of the Stanley Park Causeway. Archives# St Pk P200.
This 1,001-acre gem was created in 1888 and officially opened by Mayor David Oppenheimer. This summer, celebrate the 125th anniversary of the park at Stanley Park 125, a free two-day festival happening August 24th and 25th, 2013. For more history and information, browse the Miss604 archives for years of coverage, photographs, and history.
The Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby is celebrating the opening of the city’s only tapas restaurant and lounge this week. Personas Tapas Restaurant and Lounge will offer a variety of dining and nightlife options as well as a show kitchen, oyster bar, video wall, and live music stage.
“The tapas menu offers a variety of creative and satisfying selections, from applewood smoked bacon-wrapped dates to the dynamite ahi tuna salad, created using fresh, high quality ingredients. The small share plates format keeps the focus on creating a tailored experience for each visit.”
The opening party will take place on Thursday, July 11th, 2013 starting with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30pm with Burnaby Board of Trade President, Paul Holden. Festivities will continue with live music, aerial acrobats, and more starting at 8:00pm. There is a VIP reception at 7:00pm to which Miss604 readers are invited as well. This will include free tapas and drinks, along with the chance to win some great prizes. Just mention your RSVP for the VIP reception in the comments of this post to get on the list.
Photo: Tourism Burnaby
This urban playground is easy to get to — we pass by it along the highway all the time — and it offers a variety of dining options for either business lunches, romantic dinners, or a fun night out with friends sharing tapas.
My sister and I enjoyed a mini staycation at the Grand Villa in Burnaby a little while ago. We started off the evening with dinner followed by live entertainment (duelling pianos) and tried our luck at the slots before retiring to our lovely rooms at the Delta Hotel.
If you would like to experience the brand new Personas Tapas Restaurant and Lounge I have a prize pack to give away thanks to the Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby that includes: A $50 free play card for the Grand Villa Casino and a 1-night stay at the Delta Hotel (which is attached to the casino). Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment here naming who you would take with you for a night out at the Grand Villa (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
Follow the Grand Villa Casino on Twitter and Facebook for more information about reservations, special events, and promotions.
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:30pm on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Please enjoy responsibly. Must be 19+. Hotel stay booking is based on availability. RSVP for the VIP reception on Thursday, July 11, 2013 using the comment section of this post.
Update The winner is Kam!
There are a number of free outdoor movies in Surrey this summer but Holland Park is the place to be in August as the Downtown Surrey BIA presents Movies Under the Stars in the heart of the city.
Having hosted international superstars Mumford and Sons earlier this summer, Holland Park (at King George Blvd and Old Yale/100th Ave) is set to welcome thousands more to the annual Fusion Festival in July. In August, it is the green backdrop for Movies Under the Stars. Here’s the full movie line-up:
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2013
Movie: Megamind
Megamind is the most brilliant super-villain the world has ever known… and the least successful.
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2013
Movie: Rise of the Guardians
An epic & magical adventure that tells the story of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and Jack Frost.
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2013
Movie: Kung Fu Panda 2
Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five.
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2013
Movie: The Croods
A prehistoric comedy adventure that follows the world’s first family as they embark on a journey of a lifetime when the cave that has always shielded them from danger is destroyed.
On top of the free movies, there will also be live entertainment, face painting. Activities begin at around 5:30pm each Saturday in August with movies starting between 8:50pm and 9:10pm. Refreshments will be supplied at the North Surrey Lions BBQ and feel free to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs.
Follow the Downtown Surrey BIA on Twitter and Facebook for more information about these events and others.
Miss604 is a proud media partner of Movies Under the Stars at Holland Park.
Related Post: Free Outdoor Movies in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Richmond, Tsawwassen.
