With less than a month until the first whistle, fans are deciding which Canadian city they should crash in for what is expected to be a tight field in this year’s expanded cup. Check out the following host stadiums to help plan your trip.
EDMONTON
Host to the first (CAN v CHN) and most (11) matches this year, Commonwealth Stadium will be a focal point for the 2015 Cup. The stadium itself is home to the Edmonton Eskimos (CFL) and can house about 56 thousand rowdy fans despite its rather residential location. With 2 of Canada’s group matches here, the Canucks will be highly represented. Stadium passport holders will also get to see two knockout matches: 1 quarterfinal, 1 semifinal, and the 3rd place match. Overall, you’ll get a lot of bang for your stadium buck.
Photo: Narcity.com
While in Edmonton, look for your team colors at some of these popular spots during the world cup.
Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse (Brazil)
The Pint (England, USA)
Bodega Tapas Bar at Sabor (Spain)
Dutch Canadian Centre (Netherlands)
Duggan’s Boundary (France)
The 3 Amigos (Mexico)
MONCTON
The smallest stadium this year (20K), Moncton ended up in the midst of “turf-gate” after they updated their field to artificial turf during the bid for the cup. The town in New Brunswick is actually East of Maine. The stadium is home to the University of Moncton sports teams. Hosting only 7 total matches, including one knockout match, Moncton will likely draw Northeastern locals from Canada and the US. There might be a pull for Mexican fans, whose team will play there twice.
Photo: Financial Post
If you decide to head to this quieter venue and need a place to watch the remaining matches, try these local soccer friendly pubs:
OTTAWA
Lansdowne Stadium (TD place) is home to both the Redblacks (CFL) and the Fury FC (NASL). Holding about 24 thousand fans, Lansdowne will host 9 total matches including 2 knockouts and 1 quarter final. Ottawa is the capital of Canada where both French and English are spoken with regularity. A sporty city, Ottawa also hosts an NHL team as well as some minor league hockey, basketball and soccer teams. Germany and Thailand will each play two group matches here, so expect a fairly international fan base in this Eastern location.
Photo: Ottawa Tourism
ByWard Market is a cultural focal point in Ottawa and a likely hot spot for visiting soccer fans. Some of these local venues will sport their team colors when you’re not at the stadium:
The Heart & Crown (Brazil)
Georgetown Pub (England, Netherlands, Germany, Nigeria)
Hooley’s Pub (Spain)
MONTREAL
Olympic Stadium originated just as it sounds, from the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Like many Olympic leftovers, this aged stadium is a bit of a white elephant for Canada. It was once the home field for the Expos (MLB), the Alouettes (CFL) and occasionally the Impact (MLS). It is the largest stadium in this year’s World Cup with a capacity of over 60 thousand. When not in use, you can tour the stadium’s Olympic history by visiting the medal stand and torch. Another unusual feature: you can ride up the world’s tallest inclined tower. The stadium will host 9 total matches including one knockout, 1 quarterfinal and 1 semifinal. Spain and Costa Rica each have two group matches here while Canada will play their last group match against The Netherlands in the stadium.
Photo: Wikipedia
The largest city in Quebec will not let you down. There are plenty of soccer-friendly venues to watch additional matches. Some of these will fly your colors. Expect France to be the second home team to the primarily French speaking city.
Le St Laurent Frappe Café (Germany)
Club Espagnol de Quebec (Spain)
Burgundy Lion (England)
Le Massillia (France)
Tombouctou (African Nations)
Les Bobards (Brazil)
La Taverne Normand (Netherlands)
Cuisine Aunt Dai (China)
Le Tequila Bar (Mexico)
WINNIPEG
Americans are expected to hop up to Winnipeg’s Stadium (normally called Investors Group Field) to watch 2 of the US’ group matches here. This 40 thousand capacity stadium is home to the Blue Bombers (CFL) and sits central and north of the US-Canadian border. Hosting only 7 group matches, Winnipeg will be the early destination for Americans at the WWC before they head to Vancouver for the final group match and potentially the final.
Photo: Wikipedia
If you stick around Winnipeg for a while, a few local (and unexpected venues) will be ready for non-local fans.
VANCOUVER
Vancouver might be the best sports town in Canada. BC Place is home to the Whitecaps (MLS), the BC Lions (CFL) and hosted the opening/closing ceremonies from the 2010 Olympics. Many Americans from the soccer crazy Pacific Northwest will make the drive to see one of the 9 matches, especially when the US plays Nigeria in their final group match. Hosting 2 knockout games and 1 quarterfinal in addition to the final should point most spectators to end their long summer vacation here. Vancouver recently experienced riots after the 2011 Stanley Cup, so expect the police to be ready for crowd control.
Photo: Wikipedia
The stadium is located in the hippest part of Vancouver, just steps from the Sky Train station and walking distance to Yaletown. Below is a list of locales traditionally hosting visiting team colors. You can also count on the Commercial Drive area to be a fan center as it was during the 2014 Men’s WC.
Harambe Ethiopian (Cameroon, Nigeria)
Moose’s Down Under Bar and Grill (Australia)
The Pint Public House (Germany, Brazil, England)
Boteca de Brasil (Brazil)
Red Card Sports Bar (European, USA)
Vancouver Alpen Club (Germany)
Manchester Public Eatery (England, Netherlands)
Kamei Baru (Japan)
Rajio Japanese Public House (Japan)
Kyo Korean BBQ (Korea)
Patron Tacos and Cantina (Mexico)
The Sardine Can (Spain)
