Summer of soccer kicks off Friday
Are you ready for what the rest of the world calls football?
Coquitlam’s soccer summer is set to hit the pitch at noon this Friday at Percy Perry Stadium. Fans are invited to watch Canada take on Bosnia-Herzegovina on the big screen.
Following that match, fans are invited to head to Blue Mountain Park to watch Canada play Switzerland on June 24. The city is also hosting soccer action on July 1 amid the Canada Day festivities at Town Centre Park. The party is scheduled to head back to Percy Perry for a grand finale on July 19.
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“We’re proud to play a role in creating experiences that residents will remember long after the final whistle,” Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart stated in a press release.
Coquitlam council previously committed to spending a maximum of $300,000 to stage four 2026 FIFA World Cup viewing parties. The budget includes a contingency fund of $100,000 to be spent if Team Canada advances in the tournament. The province is pitching in $80,000 to help the city cover the cost.
Gates are scheduled to open at 11 a.m. for Friday’s match. Admission is free.
Port Coquitlam
Soccer fans can get started a day early in Port Coquitlam, as the city is set to show the Mexico vs. South Africa match this Thursday at the landing area on Wilson Avenue outside the Jon Baillie Arena.
Using a main and secondary screen, Port Coquitlam is set to show 35 matches between June 11 and 27.
The space, which has a capacity for 800 attendees, includes concessions and a licensed area to buy drinks.
Port Coquitlam is also set to receive $30,000 from the province.
In total, the province is spending $1.7 million to support FIFA festivities in 32 communities. That money can be spent on screens, security, performers, or other costs associated with viewing parties.
Port Moody
Citing high costs, the City of the Arts won’t be hosting any viewing parties during the World Cup.
Mayor Meghan Lahti described the expenses as “staggering,” noting that even the most affordable scenario would result in the city paying more than $100,000.
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