Photo: The Province

Vancouver is rightly known as a hockey town, and from October through April (and well beyond that on good years) the Canucks are the hottest ticket in town.   During the summer, however, other sports take the spotlight.  There’s football with the B.C. Lions, soccer with the Whitecaps and – believe it or not – professional baseball.

Although the squad doesn’t get a lot of attention from local press, the Vancouver Canadians is the city’s very own minor league baseball team.  The Canadians are a farm club for the Oakland Athletics and play in the little known Pacific Northwest League from June to September.  In the past, the Canadians were a prime source of Major League talent, with Jose Canseco, Sammy Sosa, Jason Giambi and other big superstars spending time with the club.  In 2000, however, the team moved from the AAA to A division and now features mainly untested rookies still a long way from playing in the big leagues.

But that doesn’t mean that a trip to the Canadian’s ballpark isn’t a thrilling experience.  The team plays at Nat Bailey Stadium, a 5,100-seat field built in 1951 and located in the suburban neighborhood of Mt. Pleasant.  Surrounded by quaint residential streets and equipped with bleachers and wooden fences, Nat Bailey feels like an old-time ballpark.    Plus, with general admission seats in the grandstand starting at $12.50, tickets are among the cheapest in town.

Photo: Friends of Nat Bailey

For baseball fans like me, a trip to Nat Bailey Stadium is a rare chance to hear the crack of the bat and the pop of the ball in the catcher’s mitt here in Vancouver.  But even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, chances are you’ll leave happy.  Regular promotions throughout the season – from free cap giveaways to deep discounts on stadium food to frequent fireworks nights – ensure that the stands stay full and the fans remain loyal.   There are also plenty of off-beat contests between innings to keep you entertained, like the popular sushi race featuring mascots dressed up as pieces of sushi.

Photo: Vancouver Courier

This year, the Canadians are off to a slow start and currently sit near the bottom of the Northwest League standings.  But the beer is cheap and they’ve got an impressive ballpark menu that includes sushi and veggie dogs.   Taking in a game might be just about the perfect way to enjoy one of Vancouver’s (rare) warm summer nights.

Any Canadians fans out there?  What’s your favorite part about watching the game at Nat Bailey Stadium?  Any tips on making the most of the stadium experience? Great food? Great promotions coming up?

Remy Scalza