Pacific FC is taking its game to downtown Victoria for the first time in club history.
The Langford-based Canadian Premier League team announced it will host a special home match at Royal Athletic Park (RAP) on Saturday, September 13th, facing off against provincial rivals Vancouver FC in what’s being dubbed the Downtown Derby.
The move marks a significant change for the club, which has played all home matches at Langford’s Starlight Stadium since joining the league in 2019.
According to a statement from Pacific FC, the match is intended to connect with fans in Victoria’s core and create a new experience for supporters who may not typically travel to Langford for games.
The venue is expected to accommodate up to 4,800 fans.
“Hosting this match at Royal Athletic Park creates an exciting opportunity for our club to connect with downtown residents and potential fans,” said Ross Marshall, Managing Director of Pacific FC.
“We are looking to reinforce the CPL’s goal of building soccer culture coast-to-coast.”
Royal Athletic Park has a long-standing history of hosting soccer events, including international matches in the 1980s and 1990s, the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and more recently, amateur and semi-professional tournaments.
It also hosted a BC Lions football game in 2024.
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto welcomed the news, calling it a “chance for Victorians to see top-level Canadian soccer players and celebrate being part of this global football passion.”
Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson added that the Downtown Derby is a good opportunity to reach new audiences while continuing to grow the sport on Vancouver Island.
Pacific FC said it will share more details in the coming weeks about pre-match activities, including music and giveaways.
The seating plan will mirror the BC Lions setup from last year, with portable bleachers added, family-friendly grass seating, and a VIP section. The existing grandstand will remain open.
Season ticket holders will receive access to the match, with general public ticket sales opening in mid-July. Those interested can sign up through the club’s website to be notified when tickets are available.
While the announcement comes during a challenging stretch of the season for Pacific FC, club leadership says efforts are underway to improve results. The team also indicated that a new player signing will be announced soon.
More information is expected to be released at pacificfc.ca and on the club’s social media channels in the lead-up to the match.
