MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC to Welcome Wrexham AFC for Match in Vancouver

April 25, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Thursday that the club will welcome Welsh side Wrexham AFC on Saturday, July 27 at BC Place. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT.

"Last year Rob got to bring Wrexham to Philly. This year it's my turn," said Wrexham AFC co-chairman Ryan Reynolds. "I am so excited my hometown club the Whitecaps will get to square off against the Red Dragons. My official stance on the match will be a very friendly 'neutral' even if I will be screaming for a Paul Mullin hat trick."

Whitecaps FC season members will receive an email with details on their priority pre-sale window. Tickets for the general public will be available at 12 p.m. PT on Ticketmaster HERE.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our club, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary season, to play a team as storied as Wrexham AFC," said Vancouver Whitecaps FC chief executive officer & sporting director Axel Schuster. "We're delighted to be able to welcome our visitors from Wales, and welcome Ryan Reynolds back home to Vancouver. We look forward to seeing everyone at BC Place for this first-time-ever matchup."

This game has a special significance for Wrexham AFC owner Ryan Reynolds, who was himself born and raised in the city, and is a long-time Vancouver Whitecaps FC supporter. Wrexham have shot to prominence globally since Reynolds and fellow Hollywood star Rob McElhenney purchased the club in 2020. The club has been featured in the immensely popular Welcome to Wrexham docu-series on FX.

Founded in 1864, Wrexham is the oldest professional soccer club in Wales, and the third oldest in the world. With their proud Welsh support at their back, Wrexham have recently risen back up through the divisions and have just confirmed a second-successive promotion, which elevates them back to League One (the third tier of English football) next season. The club has a hugely supportive fanbase and is excited to return to North America for the second successive preseason.

BC Place is the home of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and the host of this match with Wrexham AFC. The largest multi-purpose venue in Western Canada, BC Place has been a centerpiece for the Province of British Columbia for more than four decades. The venue serves as a vibrant hub for sporting excellence, having hosted countless iconic events including FIFA Women's World Cup 2015, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, nine Grey Cup Championships, and Canada Sevens. BC Place is set to host seven matches during FIFA Men's World Cup 2026, and is widely recognized as one of the premier sporting facilities in Canada.

"At BC Place, we believe in the power of sport to build bridges and unite communities," said Chris May, general manager at BC Place. "This matchup with Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Wrexham AFC is an opportunity to transcend borders and bring soccer fans together for an unforgettable experience. We can't wait to welcome Ryan back to his roots and celebrate the beautiful game that connects us all."

Event promoters TEG Sport (TEG) is very proud to bring Wrexham AFC to Canada, working alongside the city of Vancouver, BC Place and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

"We're thrilled to be welcoming home Ryan Reynolds along with his team Wrexham AFC!" said Mayor of Vancouver Ken Sim. "The match at BC Place is a massive win for Vancouver's local businesses and tourism sector and will inspire the next generation of players and fans. No matter who takes home the win, it's bound to be an exciting game and an amazing chance to showcase Vancouver's top-notch sports venues to the world."

"Getting to bring the Red Dragons to Canada is a great joy for us, as we know how much this game will mean to Wrexham AFC ownership and fans alike," said Geoff Jones, CEO of TEG. "Wrexham has a huge, loyal fanbase in Canada, and we're delighted to have partnered with Vancouver Whitecaps FC to create this exciting Welsh-Canadian clash between two great soccer institutions."

Fifty Together

Celebrate the club's 50th anniversary, presented by BMO, Chevrolet, and MNP, all season long. The next home match at BC Place will be the club's 50th Anniversary match on May 4, nearly 50 years to the day of the first match on May 5, 1974. Learn more about the club's storied history at whitecapsfc50.com.

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