Canucks will give away free beer to fans at first game

Free beer!

Now that the Canucks have your attention, they’d like to tell you about their first game on Saturday.

But seriously, they’re giving away free beer.

All fans attending Saturday’s season opener against the Edmonton Oilers will receive a complimentary Budweiser beer (19+), or a non-alcoholic beverage option. It’s not the first time they’ve done this, but it’s sure to be a hit with fans regardless.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early – doors open at 5:30 for happy hour so this could get messy – and to be in their seats by 6:45 for a new video opener and player introductions. The Canucks are also encouraging fans to wear their best Canadian tuxedo, given they start the season with four straight games against Canadian teams, for a chance to win prizes. A band known as the Young Executives will also be playing iconic Canadian songs during the intermissions.

The team also announced a few other new/interesting intiatives:

Bacon kiosk

New this year, the Canucks will have a kiosk dedicated entirely to bacon. It’s going to be called… Bacon. What’s next, a sports bar called Sportsbar?

Oh wait…

25 cent lemonade

Fin’s Family Zone is a new addition to the concourse. Aimed at kids, the area will feature games, entertainment, 25 cent lemonade (you read that right), plus kid-sized popcorn and hot dogs.

Charity meat raffle

There’s going to be a “traditional Canadian meat raffle,” as the Canucks for Kids Fund will sell raffle tickets on the concourse. The prize is valued at $500.

Party on the Plaza

This is an oldie, but a goodie. Both the Toyota and South Plazas will feature live music, face painting, poster making, a BBQ, and the opportunity to meet Canucks alumni Kirk McLean, Jyrki Lumme, and Harold Snepsts.

Prizes

There will be prizes offered throughout the first game, including a giveaway for a pair of season tickets. Find hidden pucks all over Rogers Arena as part of the ‘Great Canadian Puck Hunt’ for prizes redeemable at the Canucks Team Store.

Bigger than usual 50/50 jackpot

The 50/50 jackpot for the home opener is traditionally the largest of the season. The Canucks estimate that it could reach upwards of $100,000. For the second straight year, fans at home or at the rink can also play the 50/50 online at PlayNow.com. That one holds a guaranteed jackpot of $5,000.