MONTREAL – A few hours prior to the first game of the regular season at Stade Saputo, which will be played this Saturday at 4pm against Portland (tickets: ticketmaster.ca), some changes have been made to improve fan experience at the stadium, starting from the opening of the doors 90 minutes before the match.
Opening game at Stade Saputo
Starting with this first regular season game at Stade Saputo, fans can take part in soccer cage games and freestylers will be present at the Saputo Family Corner.
Before the match, the club will acknowledge the team’s incredible run to the Champions League final, along with a few pyrotechnic demonstrations and live music to set the mood under the stands, with the collaboration of Labatt.
In addition, a second giant screen has been installed behind section 132 (36ft x 20ft). For the majority of home games, the national anthems will be sung by local personalities. A new supporters section was also established in section 114. Returning this season will be the official game day program, available free of charge at the customer service desk or at the in-stadium boutiques.
Terrasse Bar & Grill
Supporters are invited to arrive early Saturday to take advantage of a special promotion at the Terrasse Bar & Grill, located on the northeast side of the stadium. At the opening of the doors until the start of the game, the first 100 people will be able to enjoy unlimited food (BBQ menu) and two drinks for only $20 (plus taxes) by purchasing a bracelet at the main boutique in Stade Saputo.
The Game’s Number 12
In collaboration with Vidéotron, the Game’s Number 12 representative will be gifted a scarf and will then present the Impact Vidéotron Mobile Player of the game. To participate, supporters present at the stadium must text the word IMPACT to 777888 for the chance to be on the pitch after the match. The Game’s Number 12 will also have the opportunity to attend the postgame press conference of the Impact’s head coach.
New Vidéotron Kiosk
Supporters are invited to take photos showing their colours at the Vidéotron kiosk, located under section 131. The supporter who is selected to have taken the photo of the day will receive four tickets to the next game. There will also be two charging terminals under the South tribune.
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ Quiz
Participation in a short quiz on the club at the booth located under section 128 will enter you for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the next game. One grand prize winner is awarded a trip to see the Impact on the road at the beginning of the 2016 season.
Saputo Family Corner
The Saputo Family Corner, located on the mezzanine between sections 116 and 118, has been revamped and new game structures have been added. There is also a screen to follow the game action while having fun.
The BMO Door
BMO debit and credit card holders will be able to enter Stade Saputo via a special entrance, the Blue Privileged Members door. Supporters who pass through this gate will have a chance to win an upgrade on their seats, and an opportunity to meet players and participate in the "coin toss" before the game.
The Budweiser Club
Located under sections 122 and 123, the Budweiser Club will offer promotions before each game. You can participate in a "pool ball" tournament, with the possibility of becoming 'The King of Club' with your very own throne in the Budweiser mezzanine. Supporters will also be invited to share their photos on social media in the Budweiser Club for a chance to win prizes.
Uniprix: 25% discount
After each victory, Uniprix will offer a 25% discount on all Option+ products at regular prices by downloading a coupon on the uniprix.com website.
Food and drink
Among the novelties this year is popcorn concession Bad Monkey, located under section 121, offering a wide variety of popcorn and sales of Bad Monkey t-shirts. There is also a Porchetta concession that will provide porchetta sandwiches in the same section.
No fewer than 14 points of sale in the stadium will offer Labatt products, including several international brands such as Stella Artois, Corona, Bass and Alexander Keith's. An Umberto Cesari wine concession has also popped up under section 120.
Several concessions will return this year, including: the Bistro à Coco of the Fédération des producteurs d’œufs du Québec, the Terrasse Fantino & Mondello, Dagwoods, Tim Hortons and the Cage aux Sports.
And after the match...
Also returning this year will be a brief postgame interview conducted by public announcer Robert Tanguay with the player of the game. Finally, food and beverages will be available up to one hour after each match at the Terrasse Bar & Grill.