Whitecaps cause major controversy as first game of 2024 won't be at BC Place

What an astonishing and disappointing way to begin 2024 for large groups of Whitecaps fans. Who felt it was a complete joke that the first game of the Whitecaps season, isn't an away match but the located stadium for Leg 1 against Tigres in the Concacaf Champions League, isn't the typical BC Place. A handful of supporters have voiced their opinion on X (formerly known as Twitter), as the announcement wasn't a good look for the Whitecaps to begin their 50th anniversary.

Reasoning

The reasoning for this venue change to start off the 2024 campaign in the CCL (Concacaf Champions League) was because there is another event happening on the same date at BC Place. The event that will be occurring is a garden show, the only issue that stood up with Whitecaps fans is that the BC Home And Garden Show is starting on February 8th, one day later than the date that the Whitecaps were scheduled to host. The thinking behind that the Home And Garden Show beginning on February 8th would take quite a bit of time to set up. So frustration unfolded for loads of Whitecaps fans, as this was supposed to be their game where they cheered for their team. Instead, in order to be able to cheer for Vancouver they will have to go all the way to Vancouver Island in order to support the Whitecaps. The Whitecaps crew attempted to look all over British Columbia, but a bunch of unqualified stadiums for Concacaf. So the Whitecaps will have to deal with playing in Langford, for the first match to open their 50th year. The team that the Whitecaps are facing in the "Round Of 27" with an expanded format is Tigres UANL. Who denied a request for the Whitecaps to host the second leg instead of the first, BC Place would most likely be available on February 14th since the BC Home And Garden Show concludes on February 11th. Now Tigres has a comprehensive and clear advantage and in a more optimal position to advance to the Round Of 16. Another reason why the Vancouver Whitecaps couldn't be home in the second leg, is because Tigres is in a higher position in the Concacaf rankings. So there was a conflict at BC Place with the first Whitecaps match and the Garden Show. With the BC Home And Garden Show probably already being scheduled beforehand, there wouldn't be any possible solutions to play at BC Place unless they could host the second leg (February 14th) instead of the first (February 7th). But Tigres UANL has already declined the offer, which also sparked some controversy on social media. Therefore, the Whitecaps are unfortunately unable to play at BC Place or anywhere else in the Greater Vancouver area.

Fairness?

While this might not have been up to the Whitecaps, since it was unpleasant that it conflicted with another show that'll be occurring that's why the Whitecaps will have to live with playing at Starlight Stadium. Is this really fair by BC Place to boot the Whitecaps season starter away from their home? Here is your answer, it wasn't anyone's fault (in my opinion). It was just an extremely inconvenience and unfortunate events. The announcement unfolded wildly on the Whitecaps social media platforms that spot with fans reacting with completely elevated and very annoyed at the situation at the announcement. But instead on the supporters typically focusing on when the matches are scheduled. This time there was an different thing to focus on. Which was the venues that the Home-Away set would be played at. The venue that sparked the frustration by the Whitecaps fans were Starlight Stadium in Langford and (it is where Pacific FC plays their matches). Only an 6000 seat capacity compared to the 52500 capacity at BC Place (even though it wouldn't be completely filled). While Tigres would play the second leg of the tie inside their typical stadium at San Nicolas de Los Garza, which is the University Stadium. You might now think, will this be completely lop-sided and just be an one team show. Or will the Whitecaps beat their inconveniences and battle through the hardships of not playing at BC Place for the first match of the season. For those wondering, Sartini will be able to coach in the Concacaf Champions League just not in the MLS for the first six matches. With Tigres being the more talented team on paper. They have had past history with the Whitecaps. In the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2017 Concacaf Champions League semi-final tie where Tigres were superior. Could the Whitecaps seek revenge on the past defeats in a untypical start to the 2024 season?

It isn't extremely uncommon when "technical difficulties" happens with MLS clubs. Like a few of those occurred last season not exactly the same issue but still difficulties that had a negative effect on the supporters. The Vancouver Whitecaps will have to battle through the Mexican side, in a pretty tough situation to start the season. Not only are they facing one of the best teams in all of North America. The Whitecaps will also not have their usual home venue at their ordinary city, instead the first match of the season will be at Langford, Starlight Stadium and the second one in Mexico wouldn't by any means be easier. This will be an major setback for the Whitecaps' endeavor to further advance in the Concacaf Champions League. With their electric atmosphere in University Stadium, and being unable to play at their typical venue (BC Place) would make things much more strenuous and difficult. With Tigres UANL having "home field advantage", despite the format (two-legged tie). Since Tigres is playing in their usual hostile environment in Mexico, while the Whitecaps will have to play in unfamiliar and unusual setting for their home match. The Whitecaps really put on a test in their first couple games of the season beginning uniquely in the Concacaf Champions League with their first "home" match being in Langford instead of Vancouver.