Canucks partner with ridesharing company despite no rideshare in BC

You’ll still have to take a taxi home after the game, but rideshare has arrived at Rogers Arena.

The Vancouver Canucks have announced a new sponsorship agreement, as ridesharing company Lyft is now the official rideshare partner of the team.

The new agreement will be evident for fans to see right away, as the Lyft logo has been painted onto the ice, between the boards and goal line in the Canucks’ end of the rink.

Interesting advertising on the ice for tonight's Canucks game… @GlobalBC pic.twitter.com/WR8au7rEPy

— C.E. Media (@CEMedia08) November 27, 2018

“With a commitment to connecting our communities, the Vancouver Canucks and Lyft share similar values and can now work together to make an active difference through a better fan experience and local partnerships,” said new Canucks COO Trent Carroll in a statement. “We’re excited to welcome Lyft to Rogers Arena.”

The new partnership will certainly raise eyebrows, given Vancouver is the only NHL city currently without rideshare services — at least until Fall 2019.

“In every one of our markets, we look for local partners who are making a positive impact in their communities,” said Aaron Zifkin, managing director for Canada at Lyft. “Our partnership with the Canucks and Rogers Arena will enable us to work more closely with the Canucks for Kids Fund, and ultimately, help improve the fan experience and create a more connected Vancouver.”

The Canucks and Lyft seem like a match made in heaven, given how outspoken owner Francesco Aquilini has been about ridesharing on social media in recent months. The Canucks owner has mentioned Lyft and Uber on Twitter six times since April.

People visiting from other cities always ask me why Vancouver doesn’t have @Uber or @lyft. Good question. What’s the answer?

— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) April 16, 2018

This B.C. government got elected sayng we'd have ride-hailing services in Vancouver by Christmas 2017. Today they say no @Uber or @lyft in near future. Why are we the only major jurisdiction in N. America
without ride-hailing?

— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) July 19, 2018

One thing I'd like to hear from mayoral candidates: a commitment to work with @govbc to bring @Uber and @lyft to Vancouver as soon as possible!

— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) September 6, 2018

There are 31 NHL cities, Vancouver is the only one without ride-hailing.
In fact, Vancouver is the only major metro area in all of N. America without it.
Listen to the people @govbc, not the taxi lobby. We need @Uber and @lyft!

Please RT if you agree.

— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) September 21, 2018

Good night. Now if we could just dial up @lyft and @Uber to get home!

— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) November 3, 2018

I hope our new Mayor @kennedystewart knows that Vancouverites overwhelmingly support ride-hailing. Please work with Premier @jjhorgan and Minister of Transportation @clairetrevena to bring @lyft and @Uber to our city asap!

— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) November 6, 2018

Coincidentally (or not), Aquilini has promised to live-tweet tonight’s game — the second time he has done so this season.

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