OFFICIAL: Vancouver Announcement Thread -

[loben52]

http://www.canada.com/Sports/Whitecaps+announce+franchise+secured/1399199/story.html

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps will thrive as a Major League Soccer team and push to become the city’s number two sports franchise — behind only the market-dominant Vancouver Canucks.
That was the word Tuesday from Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi as his team prepares join MLS in 2011. The soccer club is expected to announce Wednesday it has secured one of two MLS expansion franchises that will begin play in two years.
“We will definitely be major league,” Lenarduzzi said. “We’re not trying to suggest we are the Canucks, but we want to put ourselves at that level and feel that based on the league, we can.

[web2002]

This is so freakin' AWESOME!!!! Congrats from a Sounders' Fan!!!!!

[metros11]

The Fox Soccer Report just ended with them mentioning that Vancouver is holding a press conference tomorrow.

[zoltan malev]

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/announcement/

here's the link for the news conference, Wednesday March 18th 10:00 AM.

[Osgood1978]

Congratulations, I'm so happy the MLS is growing

[Hushx]

Congratulations guys! Portland needs to enter the MLS, and the Pacific Northwest rivalry will be complete :).

I just visited your fair city this past summer, and let me tell you: One of the best cities I've ever been to (shout out to the crew at CCHQ in West Hastings - the volcanoes were awesome). Can't wait to go back!

[szazzy]

Congrats to all the Vancouver fans. I love the ownership group and wish you were starting this year. I'll be visiting for the first time on Easter Sunday after watching Kansas City paste Seattle on the 11th at Qwest.

This isn't the thread for it, but hopefully I can hit some of you up for advice on what to see.

[ojuzu]

Congratulations guys! I've been visiting Vancouver regularly since I was a teenager and I love the city and the people. I can't wait for you guys to join us in MLS. The Sounders and Whitecaps have a great history but you guys are also very respectful and I, for one, sincerely appreciate that. I feel that we have a true gentleman's rivalry.

Hopefully Portland can take a lesson in manners from you guys if they get in. too.

[PG Tips]

It's going to be tough trying to sleep tonight. It's going to be a great day tomorrow!!

[Ben7]

Congratulations - welcome and enjoy!

I'm already planning a trip to Vancouver in 2011 :D

[shinpath]

In 2012 you might be able to do the following tour of MLS cities with SSS
Vancouver
Seattle
Portland
San Jose
LAG/Chivas
SLC
Denver
Dallas
KC
Chicago
Toronto
Columbus
Philadelphia
NY/NJ
DC (maybe)
and one NFL
stadium in NE

[Sport Billy]

Congrats guys - from MLSNET

http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20090318&content_id=227006&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp


VANCOUVER, BC - There will be a major announcement about the future of soccer in Vancouver and British Columbia.
What: Announcement about the future of soccer in Vancouver and British Columbia.
When: Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Time: 1:15 a.m. ET announcement
Where: Westin Bayshore, Grand Ballroom, Vancouver, B.C

[ChrisB]

In 2012 you might be able to do the following tour of MLS cities with SSS
Vancouver
Seattle
Portland
San Jose
LAG/Chivas
SLC
Denver
Dallas
KC
Chicago
Toronto
Columbus
Philadelphia
NY/NJ
DC (maybe)
and one NFL
stadium in NE

Don't forget Ottawa ;)

Congrats Vancouver - as a lifelong Sixers fan, I am pretty stoked to see this! Hopefully Ottawa joins you soon.

[Earthshaker]

Congratulations to a great city, and great fans.

[the shelts]

Vancouver newsconference live on MLSnet (http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20090318&content_id=227006&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp)

[PG Tips]

Just over 30 mins to go!!

Is anybody from here going to be down there?

[Johnnie Monster]

Yeah that should say 1:15 **PM** Eastern time.

Tune in LIVE in about 20 minutes

[phreakydancin]

The press conference will be streamed live on the Team 1040 - http://www.team1040.ca, click on the Listen Live link. 18 mins to go!

[PG Tips]

Press conference links are up, though no vid is showing yet -

http://web.mlsnet.com/sights/2009/vancouver/


The Caps site now has this and says 10.10am

http://vancouvermls2011.com/

[Corsis]

Just want to say congratulations. I was pulling for you guys all along, from watching USL for the last few years your team has been all class, and will help MLS grow.