It’s always a party at Rogers Arena, regardless of whether the Vancouver Canucks or the Vancouver Warriors are the ones taking the stage. The atmosphere is always vibrant — the music is always bumping, the drinks are always flowing, and the games always leave you on the edge of your seat. However, despite their similarities, both sports bring a different type of energy to the table — both equally as entertaining.
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Historically, Vancouver has been a difficult city for opposing teams to visit due to the commanding presence of their fans. The Canucks even reference this in their pregame video. Many know of how energetic the Canucks’ playoff run was last season — understandably so, given that this was the first time in nearly a decade that fans were able to break out Roger Neilson’s white towels. But even during the regular season, in a game that may not mean as much as a game 7, Rogers Arena always vibrates with the energy of passionate fans who just want to see a win.
The same can be said for the Warriors, who host nearly 9,000 fans in each home game of their 18-game season. In a game arguably rougher than hockey, they pull all the attention from the stands and onto the field with action-packed goals and thunderous hits. With the way the game works, however, those in attendance at Warriors games are often treated to more goals. In fact, since the start of the season, the Warriors have averaged over 10 goals per game at home.
More goals means more things to cheer for, as well as more opportunities for the Warriors’ goal-song, “Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool, to play. On the other hand, there are times during Canucks games when the team won’t even score a goal. Even if the Warriors score 10 times in a game, the arena sounds just as loud as when the Canucks put one in the back of the net.
Another difference between the Canucks and the Warriors in terms of entertainment is the difference in crowd sizes. The Canucks often pack Rogers Arena to the brim, filling seats as far into the rafters as possible. Because of this, coupled with the lesser number of goals, it’s much more noticeable when the Canucks score. Every fan in the arena jumps out of their seat, and the “La la la la’s” of Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” blares across the ice. Canucks games are very clearly a big-stage event.
Since the upper bowl is sectioned off at Warriors games, they tend to have a more intimate, party-like atmosphere. With every fan confined to the lower levels, every seat becomes that much closer to the action. As well, the Warriors have an interesting concept that occasionally gives them the edge over the Canucks in terms of entertainment factor — their ever-popular Coors Rally Zone and Uber Eats Party Zone. Here, fans get access to private drink stands and even live music. Instead of sitting in designated seats, the party zones are open for those present to mingle. Plus, it’s right by the glass, so every exciting play occurs right in front of your very eyes.
At Warriors games, music continues throughout playtime, meaning rock hits and country tracks echo in the background of every play that’s made. The non-stop music creates a louder crowd even in between plays that may not be as engaging. It makes for a much more casual atmosphere, as if you’re watching a game at home with a bunch of friends.
Canucks fans are more than familiar with the tension that hits the ice when the opposing team scores a goal. The NHL is one of the few leagues that don’t have music playing throughout the game, making it occasionally awkward when most of the arena is quiet. That’s not to say that this is a negative — many enjoy hearing the crashing hits against the boards and the swiping sound of skates hitting the ice.
Regardless of what kind of atmosphere each team brings, it’s clear that there is one thing that makes both the Canucks and the Warriors so entertaining: the fans.
“Obviously when we’re scoring and we’re performing it helps, right? So that’s the result we want to get the fans,” Former NLL MVP Christian Del Bianco said of the crowd in his first game as a member of the Warriors on Friday night. Being from Coquitlam, the atmosphere means something different to him in particular.
“It’s a pretty special thing, and seeing the stands pretty filled up is obviously an awesome thing in your home city.”
“Anytime you can look around and you see all the kids enjoying the game, I think that’s important for me,” Warriors General Manager and Head Coach Curt Malawsky added.
“Because of our sport, we’re very accessible,” he elaborated. “We want to make sure that we get as many people around and understand that these guys are regular guys — they care a lot about the fans, they care a lot about the sport, and care a lot about the front of their shirt and the Vancouver organization. I think that’s the coolest part.”
“We haven’t had the greatest home record this year so it’s nice to have the fans have some fun,” Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet said of the fans experiencing their 6–2 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night.
“They pay a lot of money so you want to put on a good show for them.”
Tyler Myers was one of a few recipients of in-arena fan chants on Saturday night and, to his knowledge, it’s the first one he has heard for himself. “It’s exciting. It’s pretty cool. I love our fan base, incredibly passionate. You know when they start chatting guys names, you can tell, guys get going a little bit.”
The Warriors host their annual College Night on March 22 at 7:00 pm PT against the Georgia Swarm. After that, they’ll take on the Albany Firewolves during Country Night on April 4 at 7:00 pm PT. They round out their home season against the Philadelphia Wings as part of their Fan Appreciation night on April 19 at 5:00 pm PT.
The Canucks host their final home game of March tomorrow at 7:00 pm PT against the league-leading Winnipeg Jets. After, they embark on a road trip that ends when they take on the Seattle Kraken on April 2 at 7:30 pm PT. During this homestand, they also faceoff against the Anaheim Ducks on April 5 at 1:00 pm PT and the Vegas Golden Knights on April 6 at 7:00 pm PT.
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