Attending a Vancouver Canucks hockey game can be an exciting experience for any hockey fan. When offered free tickets to a Canucks game, you’ll definitely want to accept them! However, there are a few things to keep in mind when accepting and using complimentary tickets to make sure you have the best game experience possible.
Verify the Tickets are Valid
First, you’ll want to make sure the tickets you’ve been offered are valid and officially from the Canucks organization. Some key things to check:
- The date, time, and opponent for the game
- The seat locations (section, row, and seat numbers)
- That the tickets have intact, untampered barcode and security features
Don’t get stuck with counterfeit or fake tickets! The Canucks use mobile Ticketing through Ticketmaster, so you should receive a text or email with a link to access your tickets online or through the app if they are legit.
Understand Any Restrictions
Often season ticket holders or businesses with a ticket package cannot use all of their Canucks tickets. When they give tickets away, there may be certain restrictions to be aware of:
- The tickets may be non-transferable, requiring you to enter with the original ticket holder
- You may need to provide your name for ticket Will Call pickup
- There could be limits on resale or exchanging tickets for different games
Make sure you understand any limitations or fine print that comes with the Vancouver Canucks tickets so there are no surprises later.
Decide Who to Take
One of the best parts of getting free tickets to a Canucks game is deciding who gets to go with you! Think about who in your life would be excited to attend and make memories at a live NHL game. Some options could include:
- Your significant other or spouse
- Kids and family members
- A close friend who loves hockey
- Business colleagues to improve work relationships
- Special clients you want to thank
Choose your game date guest wisely to make the most of the experience!
Plan Your Transportation
Rogers Arena can get very busy during Canucks games, so planning how you’ll get there is key. Look at what transportation options will work best for your situation:
- Driving and Parking: Allow extra time to account for traffic around the arena. Pre-purchase parking passes online for guaranteed entry to the Canucks controlled lots.
- Transit: Take the SkyTrain or Bus to Stadium-Chinatown Station which is steps from Rogers Arena.
- Rideshare: Take an Uber or Lyft and get dropped off in the designated rideshare zone.
- Walking: If close by, walking can avoid traffic and parking headaches.
Figure out your transportation plan early so you arrive on time!
Dress Appropriately
Part of the fun of a Canucks game is showing off your team pride through what you wear! Follow these tips to dress appropriately and comfortably:
- Wear Canucks colors and logo gear like a jersey, t-shirt, hoodie, or hat.
- Check the weather – Rogers Arena keeps cool so bring layers.
- Wear closed-toe shoes as you’ll be on your feet a lot.
- Put on warm socks and dress in layers for comfort.
- Apply Canucks facepaint if you want to show extreme fan spirit!
Make sure your gameday outfit is ready to go the night before.
Download the Canucks App
To enhance your experience at Rogers Arena, download the free Canucks mobile app. You can access your tickets digitally plus the app allows you to:
- See real-time stats and game scores
- Watch video replays and highlights
- Check team news, schedules and rosters
- Play trivia games and vote in polls
- Get concessions and merchandise discounts
The Canucks app has all you need to follow the action at the game in the palm of your hand.
Arrive Early
Give yourself plenty of extra time to arrive at Rogers Arena before puck drop. This will allow you to:
- Navigate traffic and transportation delays
- Clear bag checks and security screening
- Find your seats without rushing
- Soak in the atmosphere and energy of the arena
- Visit concession stands for food and drinks
- Stop by merch shops to buy gear and souvenirs
- Catch player warmups on the ice
Arriving early leads to a more relaxed and complete game night experience.
Review Arena Policies
To avoid problems, be sure to review Rogers Arena’s policies and rules for events:
- Permitted and prohibited items: Know what you can and can’t bring into the arena.
- Code of conduct: Understand expectations for fan behavior and language.
- COVID-19 restrictions: Follow all public health protocols required.
- Re-entry policy: Pass outs may not be allowed if you leave the arena.
Following Rogers Arena policies ensures a smooth and hassle-free visit for everyone.
Charge Your Phone
Bring your phone charged so you can snap photos and videos to remember the experience. A charged phone also allows you to:
- Scan your digital tickets at entry
- Access your Canucks app and online account
- Post updates and pics on social media
- Call or text friends you’re attending with
- Use rideshare apps if needed post-game
Entering Rogers Arena with your phone at 100% battery guarantees you’re ready to capture the memories.
Stay Hydrated
Hockey games involve a lot of cheering, sensory stimulation, and time on your feet. Avoid dehydration by:
- Drinking plenty of water before and during the game
- Choosing soft drinks, juices, sports drinks, and water at concession stands
- Bringing a reusable water bottle to fill up around the arena
- Avoiding overconsumption of alcohol which leads to dehydration
Staying properly hydrated will lead to increased energy and comfort throughout the Canucks game experience.
Pace Yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement at a Canucks game and go too hard too fast. Be sure to pace yourself:
- Eat a snack before the game so you’re not famished
- Share items from concession stands so you don’t overeat
- Hold off on alcohol until at least period 2
- Take breaks between periods to sit and recharge
- Leave your seat occasionally to walk around the arena concourse
Pacing yourself and taking breaks will allow you to stay energized from puck drop through the final buzzer.
Get Loud and Cheer
Don’t be shy – part of attending a live Canucks NHL game is CHEERING! Here are tips for getting loud:
- Stand up and clap for home team goals and big hits
- Learn the chorus for any goal songs they play
- Chant “Go Canucks Go!” and other rallying cries
- Yell and stomp when the visiting team has the puck
- Ask more experienced fans for help with cheers
The more you cheer, shout, clap, and chant the more you’ll feel immersed in the live Canucks gameday action!
Take Photos
Capture the experience with your phone’s camera throughout the night. Pictures and selfies are musts:
- Player warmups from your seats
- Any food or drinks you purchase
- Selfies showing your spirit gear and excitement
- Game action photos (zoom in if you’re up high)
- Items you buy at the merch shops
Photos will help you re-live and share your Canucks game memories for years to come.
Soak In the Atmosphere
Take moments throughout the night to soak in the sights, sounds, smells, and energy inside Rogers Arena. Really pay attention to details like:
- The brightness of the ice and logos on the jumbotron
- The sound of the organ playing and music blaring
- The smells of hot dogs, popcorn, and cold arena air
- The palpable energy of the cheering crowd
Trying to be mindful and in the moment will help the Canucks game seem more special and vivid.
Keep Your Ticket Stub
If you receive a printed ticket, don’t throw away your stub after entering Rogers Arena! Save it as a souvenir by:
- Putting it safely in your wallet or pocket during the game
- Adding it to a special memory box or album at home
- Framing or displaying it in your man cave or she shed
- Scanning it digitally or taking a photo to preserve it
The ticket stub adds to the tangible memorabilia from your experience at a Canucks game.
Consider Upgrading Your Seats
If your free tickets are for upper bowl or corner seats at Rogers Arena, you may want to upgrade. Some options include:
- Using a credit towards better season tickets if you’re a Canucks member
- Checking online for discounted lower bowl or center ice single-game seats
- Inquiring at the box office about any last minute seat releases
- Purchasing a standing room only ticket to roam lower levels
Upgrading your seats can really amplify the live game experience and views.
Visit The Canucks Team Store
No trip to Rogers Arena is complete without visiting the Canucks Team Store for merchandise! Be prepared to browse and buy:
- Player jerseys, shirts, and gear with current roster names/numbers
- Collectible pucks, mini sticks, banners, and pennants
- Novelty items like beer mugs, car decals, signed memorabilia
- Hats, beanies, hoodies, jackets, and more apparel
The Team Store is stocked with endless Canucks items to show off your fandom!
Have a Post-Game Plan
Rogers Arena and the surrounding area will be packed after the game ends. Know how you’ll be getting home ahead of time:
- Have your rideshare pickup location pinned for quick departure
- Agree on a post-game meeting spot if driving separately
- Understand SkyTrain schedules and station access points
- Wait comfortably inside if relying on public transportation
Having an exit strategy makes leaving Rogers Arena smooth and reduces congestion.
Thank Who Gave You the Tickets
If you received free Canucks tickets from a friend, family member, client, or work contact, be sure to thank them! Ideas include:
- Giving a heartfelt verbal thank you in person or over the phone
- Sending a handwritten thank you card in the mail
- Giving a small gift like a Starbucks or gas station gift card
- Sharing photos from the game experience on social media and tagging them
- Treating them to lunch or dinner to tell them about the game
Showing your appreciation will strengthen your relationship with who gifted you the Canucks tickets.
Conclusion
Attending an NHL game to cheer for the Vancouver Canucks live in action is a dream opportunity for any hockey fan in British Columbia. Following this advice for making the most of complimentary tickets will ensure you have an amazing time from pre-game to final buzzer. Shout loud, soak up the energy inside Rogers Arena, capture lasting memories, and get home safely after an experience you’ll never forget. Let’s go Canucks!