Police warn of “exceptionally busy weekend” as Vancouver roads close

This weekend is a great time to be a sports fan in Vancouver, but not so much if you’re a driver or commuter needing to get around the city.

The Canucks are gearing up to take on the Nashville Predators on Sunday, November 17, at Rogers Arena. According to the team, getting to the stadium may take longer than usual.

“Numerous road closures will be in place that impact travel to and from Rogers Arena,” the Vancouver Canucks said in a memo to Daily Hive.

The Grey Cup at BC Place and football festivities around the city will impact sports fans, drivers, and commuters on Sunday.

Road closures and traffic impacts scheduled for the vicinity of Rogers Arena and BC Place include:

Lordco Auto Parts Block Party

  • Closures are in effect from 11 pm on Saturday, November 16, to 10 pm on Sunday, November 17
    • Pacific Boulevard closed from Smithe Street to Pat Quinn Way

Playnow Sports Backyard Street Party

  • Closures are in effect from 6 am on Saturday, November 16, to 10 pm on Sunday, November 17
    • Robson Street closed from Cambie Street to Beatty Street
    • Beatty Street closed from Smithe Street to West Georgia Street
    • Cambie Street closed from Smithe Street to West Georgia Street (November 17 from 12:30 to 3 pm)

United Traffic Control Fan March

  • Closures are in effect on Sunday, November 17, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm
    • Howe Street closed from Canada Place to Robson Street
    • Robson Street closed from Howe Street to Beatty Street

The Save-On-Foods Street Festival will also see streets around the  Vancouver Convention Centre closed until Sunday at 8 pm.

Vancouver Police Department is warning commuters of an “exceptionally busy weekend,” adding that they will have extra officers on duty to ensure public safety

On November 5, Grey Cup organizers announced that the championship game had sold nearly 50,000 tickets. That leaves only about 5,000 seats remaining, as BC Place’s football capacity is 54,500.

There’s more to the Grey Cup than just the game. Organizers expect 500,000 people to check out the massive festival in the lead-up to the big game.

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