Rogers Arena - Vancouver Canucks
- Dave Cottenie
- Apr 12
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 13
Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
Rogers Arena 800 Griffiths Way Vancouver, BC V6B 6G1 Canada
Year Opened: 1995
Capacity: 19,700
Spirit of the West
The Vancouver Canucks were an NHL expansion team in 1970. They famously lost the coin toss with the Buffalo Sabres that landed generational talent, Gilbert Perrault. They have also been the bridesmaid in the Stanley Cup Finals three times, in 1982, 1994, and 2011. The Stanley Cup hasn’t been in the largest city in Western Canada since the Vancouver Millionaires won it in 1915. There just seems to be a bit of bad luck for the Canucks.
However, the Canucks are the top sports team on the West Coast, and the locals live and die with their team. The Canucks actually began as a PCHL team from 1945 to 1970, so the hockey history in Vancouver is strong. The NHL Canucks began their reign at the Pacific Coliseum, on the grounds of the Pacific National Exhibition. In 1995, the Canucks moved west, to Downtown Vancouver and what is now known as Rogers Arena.
Food & Beverage 4
The concession options at Rogers Arena are on par with just about any other major league arena. Burgers at Triple O’s, hot dogs at Steamers, sandwiches at Melt and Carve, pizza at Panago, noodles at Chop, and healthier food at Sante are all options. There are plenty of alcohol options, although Molson Beer is definitely the title sponsor, and Molson Canadian is readily available. The main concourse does not have 360-degree access, as the club section requires a ticket to enter that concourse. The concession area offers a food court-type seating area. Inside the arena, there are bars on both ends of the floor that also offer light snacks.
Atmosphere 4
Rogers Arena has an attractive exterior, featuring silver paneling with blue highlights. It is really wedged into Downtown Vancouver with viaducts on both sides of the arena. Of note, the opening scene of the movie Deadpool was filmed on one of the viaducts just outside Rogers Arena. There is no real and true main entry at Rogers Arena, and entry is at multiple levels.
There are several Vancouver Canucks banners on the outside of the arena. At the northeast corner of Rogers Arena, fans will find Toyota Plaza, a small gathering area with a couple of highlights. A bronze statue of Roger Nielson from the 1982 playoffs, where he initiated “Towel Power,” stands proudly with his white towel on the end of a hockey stick. There is also a statue of Pat Quinn in a bit of a teaching pose.
Inside the arena, the main concourses are fairly wide and nondescript, with not too much that is interesting to see. The upper concourse does offer a few interesting items, including the “With Glowing Hearts” display commemorating the 2010 Winter Olympic hockey tournament. Also, the “Legends Locker Room” is found in the upper concourse, which gives depth to the Canucks who have had their numbers retired. There is an interactive portion as well as some artifacts.
Inside the seating bowl, the floor is east-west oriented, with the best spot for the centre logo picture from the north. The seating bowl is a traditional two-level design with luxury suites between the lower bowl and upper deck. A state-of-the-art videoboard hangs above centre ice and boasts the highest resolution in the league at the time of writing. On the east side of the video board are the retired number banners of Stan Smyl, Trevor Linden, Pavel Bure, Markus Naslund, and Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
The Ring of Honour members are around the perimeter of the ceiling and have names and portraits on the upper fascia. Members include Thomas Gradin, Kirk McLean, Harold Snepts, Roberto Luongo, Orland Kurtenbach, Pat Quinn, Mattias Ohland, and Alex Burrows. Although the retired numbers are a higher honour, it seems that the members of the Ring of Honour have a higher quality representation. Also on the east side hang banners for the two Presidents’ Trophies that the Canucks have earned and a banner commemorating Canada’s Gold Medals in hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
On the west side of the videoboard are the banners for the Canucks multiple division championships and three conference championships. A banner commemorating the opening concert by local favourite, Bryan Adams, also hangs. The roof is vaulted, circus-tent-like in shape, and is fairly unique.
The gameday production at a Vancouver Canucks game is a full-on high-tech experience. The LED lights, projectors, and spotlights are all used in the pregame festivities. Partition lights between the glass panels on the ice are another high-tech touch. The goal horn comes from the BC Ferry Company and is unique for the West Coast. The mascot, Fin, can be found at times participating in the production.
Neighbourhood 5
Rogers Arena is located in Downtown Vancouver, adjacent to Chinatown. There are many spots for pre or postgame food and drink within walking distance of the arena. Some options include The American, London Pub, Shark Club, Bodega on Main, The Keifer Bar, The Pint Public House, and Frankie’s Italian.
A major city like Vancouver has several other sporting options. Rogers Arena is shared with the Vancouver Warriors of the NLL. Other options include the British Columbia Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Vancouver Goldeneyes, and the UBC Thunderbirds varsity teams. Other tourist options in the area include Stanley Park, the Chinese Garden, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the BC Sports Hall of Fame, found in BC Place. Vancouver also offers one of the mildest climates in Canada. The proximity to golfing, skiing, and beaches is excellent. Fans should also consider taking a tour of Rogers Arena.
For fans wishing to stay near the arena, Hotel Blue and Hampton Inn are just steps away.
Fans 5
The Vancouver Canucks enjoy some of the most ardent support in the NHL. At the time of writing, in the 2025-26 season, the Canucks averaged over 18,700 fans per game. That is a little lower than the previous season; however, 2025-26 was a particularly poor season for the Canucks in the win column. The Canucks ranked 6th in the 32-team NHL in 2025-26, up two spots from the previous season. The Canucks are clearly the heartbeat of Vancouver, and even though there are other sporting options, the Canucks are definitely top dog. Canucks fans are on the louder side when it comes to their vocal support of the team.
Access 3
Rogers Arena is located in Downtown Vancouver, adjacent to Chinatown. It is wedged between a pair of elevated roads, known as viaducts. It is found on the east side of Griffiths Way. Getting to the arena can be a bit challenging due to the different elevations of different roads and the fairly significant Vancouver traffic. There are some surface lots and parking garages in the immediate area; however, they fill quickly.
The best option is to plan to be at the arena early and pre-pay for parking if possible. There are a number of different public transit options, including the Aqua Bus, buses along Expo Boulevard, and the subway, which is found at the Stadium-Chinatown stop, close to the arena. Fans should consult the TransLink website for fares, maps, and schedules.
Entries into Rogers Arena take place on a number of different levels, and exterior staircases are prevalent around Rogers Arena and BC Place. Fans should carefully consider their entrance as Rogers Arena has no escalator that goes from the 100 to the 300 level concourses. The concourses are of decent size; however, the club section in the 100 level has concourses blocked off. This does not allow fans without club section tickets 360-degree access to the concourse. Washroom facilities are adequate for the arena.
Stadium Journey recognizes that arena security is constantly changing and strongly encourages consultation of the Vancouver Canucks and Rogers Arena websites for the most up-to-date security protocols, including bag policy and prohibited items. Rogers Arena is a cashless facility.
Return on Investment 3
Tickets for the Vancouver Canucks begin at $59. Upper bowl seats will generally go for $74, and lower bowl seats go up to over $360. Dynamic pricing makes it difficult to get the pulse of. Fluctuations definitely occur depending on the opponent, with Edmonton and Toronto being the top draws. Concession prices are on the high side, and parking will go for at least $25. The Canucks put together a great experience; however, the expensive nature of that experience will probably preclude multiple visits.
Extras 3
An extra mark for the Canucks as the sporting focal point of the Canadian West Coast.
An extra mark for Rogers Arena as a state-of-the-art arena with production equipment that is top-notch.
An extra mark for the “Flying V” uniform of the Canucks in the early 80’s, which was voted the ugliest uniform in hockey.
Final Thoughts
Since their inception in the National Hockey League in 1970, the Vancouver Canucks have been the focus of Canada’s West Coast. They have been a franchise that has come close to the ultimate prize on a couple of occasions and provides a great NHL experience.
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