Pacific FC’s pitch will look a little bit different this weekend.
For the first time ever, the Langford-based Canadian Premier League team will host a special ‘home away from home’ match at Royal Athletic Park (RAP) on Saturday, September 13th.
PFC will face off against provincial rivals Vancouver FC in what’s being dubbed the “Downtown Derby”.
Though season ticket holders will receive access to the match, there are a few remaining tickets left for the general public, which you can snag online here.
“Hosting this match at RAP creates an exciting opportunity for our club to connect with downtown residents and potential fans who may not have seen Pacific in action before,” said Ross Marshall, Managing Director, Pacific FC.
“We are looking to reinforce the CPL’s goal of building soccer culture coast-to-coast by bringing an exciting professional game to this venue for a special match this season.”
Though this is the first time that PFC specifically will touch down at Royal Athletic Park, there is a rich history of soccer at the downtown location.
Past notable soccer matches at Royal Athletic Park include:
International Matches
- 1985 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Canada played against Haiti and Guatemala at RAP, securing victories in both matches
- 1992 Friendly Match: Canada faced China PR at RAP, winning 5–2
- 1993 Friendly Match: Canada played South Korea at RAP, winning 2–0
- 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup: RAP hosted several matches, including a Round of 16 game between Japan and the Czech Republic
Club and Exhibition Matches
- 1983–1990s: Teams like the Victoria Vistas and Victoria O’Keefe’s played against prominent clubs such as Chelsea F.C., West Bromwich Albion F.C., and Dundee United F.C.
- 2011–2015: The Victoria Highlanders, a professional soccer team, played their home games at RAP
- 2022: The Vic West Macron Pacific Invitational tournament featured top amateur teams like BB5 Vancouver and Nanaimo United at RAP
“Royal Athletic Park is a community-rooted stadium that has hosted important soccer matches throughout its history,” said Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto.
“This Pacific FC match will give Victorians a chance to see top-level Canadian soccer players and celebrate being part of this global football passion.”
Also of note, the City of Victoria hosted a successful BC Lions gridiron football game at RAP in 2024, but generally, the stadium is home to the HarbourCats in baseball’s West Coast League throughout the spring and summer.
Pacific FC has called Starlight Stadium in Langford home since its inaugural season in 2019.
Pacific FC vs. Vancouver FC at RAP
- Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
- When: Saturday, September 13th – 4 p.m.
- Tickets: Get yours online here
