The largest crowd of the Stanley Cup series is expected to surge into downtown Vancouver Friday, as the Vancouver Canucks host the Boston Bruins in Game 5 at Rogers Arena.
As many as 75,000 people are predicted to watch the game at outdoor fan zones, say Vancouver police.
That's compared to just 25,000 people who came downtown for Game 4 on Wednesday, when the Canucks suffered a devastating 4-0 loss.
The city is bracing for the masses by shutting down West Georgia Street between Cambie and Richards at noon -- two hours earlier than previous game days.
Fan zone entry points will be fenced, and police say there will be zero tolerance for open liquor. Ten food vendors will be set up within the viewing area.
Free places to watch
If you can't make it to downtown Vancouver, there are dozens of other free places around B.C. for fans to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs for free, including:
- Vancouver: Granville Street between Georgia and Robson streets
- Vancouver: Hamilton Street between Georgia and Robson streets
- Vancouver: Georgia Street
- Vancouver: Rogers Arena
- Vancouver: Canada Place
- Surrey: Central City Plaza
- Coquitlam: Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Court)
- Coquitlam: Poirier Sports & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier Street)
- Chilliwack: The Chilliwack Exhibition grounds
- Nanaimo: Diana Krall Plaza
- North Saanich: Panorama Recreation
- Richmond: Aberdeen Mall (4151 Hazelbridge Way)
- West Vancouver: West Vancouver Community Centre (2121 Marine Drive)
- Abbotsford: Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC on 33800 King Road)
- Burnaby: Civic Square near Metrotown Mall
- Victoria: Royal Athletic Park
- Prince George: CN Centre
