As we await the return of the Vancouver Whitecaps to MLS action, and collectively ponder the Gold Cup shenanigans of Flourent Malouda, our Supporters Week series continues as today’s focus shifts to, well, the south side of BC Place and the aptly named Vancouver Southsiders. Geography aside, there’s certainly much more to the group than their location off the pitch.
Per the Southsiders’ home page, the group formed in 1999, back when the Whitecaps were known as the Vancouver 86ers,. During 86ers’ home matches, a pitch-level beer garden was situated at the south end of Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium, making for a perfect congregation spot for local soccer lovers that made sure the away team was within earshot.
