2017 HSBC CANADA SEVENS SERIES SETS NEW CANADIAN RUGBY CROWD
March 10th, 2017
2017 HSBC Canada Sevens Series sets new Canadian rugby crowd record; organizers salute partners and fans as they welcome the world’s best sevens players for the second year in a row.
VANCOUVER, BC (Wednesday, March 8th, 2016) – The Canada Sevens organizing committee held a press conference today to celebrate the kick-off of the 2017 HSBC Canada Men’s Sevens that gets underway this Saturday, March 11th, and runs through to Sunday evening, March 12th at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, B.C.
In only its second year in Vancouver, the HSBC Canada Sevens has raised the bar yet again, anticipating a record crowd of 76,000 over the two day tournament, which represents a 26% growth from last years’ event.
“We are ecstatic to be back with year two of this tournament. Year one taught us about the calibre of reception that fans in Vancouver, BC and Canada put on for world-class events such as the HSBC Canada Sevens,” said Bill Cooper, CEO Canada Sevens. “And we expect this year to deliver unparalleled atmosphere once again as sevens fever takes hold. Against this backdrop we salute our partners and fans for their enthusiastic embrace of the unique and celebratory culture of sevens, and for the critical role they are playing in bringing that energy to life for an epic new milestone on Canada’s annual entertainment calendar!”
The success of last years’ event both on and off the field has generated further opportunities to forge new partnerships and build on those that were established in 2016, and the HSBC Canada Men’s Sevens announced new commercial and non-commercial partners today, welcoming Ford and BC Lottery Corporation.
“We are thrilled to see the growing interest and passion for the game of rugby sevens in Canada,” said Allen Vansen, CEO, Rugby Canada. “This event plays such an important role in the long term growth and development of rugby in Canada, and the team is honoured to be showcasing their sport at home not only to family and friends, but to a growing and passionate rugby sevens fan base.”
As sevens fever ramps up, Captains from around the world will gather on Thursday evening for the traditional Captain’s photo which takes place on every stop of the tour and serves to welcome participating countries and showcase the captains. This year, the photo will take place in a uniquely Canadian setting, as Captains will participate in a ceremonial puck drop on Thursday evening at the Vancouver Canucks hockey game. The photo will be distributed immediately following the puck drop via pool feed, and made available at www.canadsevens.ca.
The event will broadcast a total of 6.5 hours of game coverage on TSN, beginning on Saturday March 11th from 6:30 – 8:00PM PST on TSN4, and on Sunday March 12th, from 2:00PM to 7:00PM PST on TSN2. Saturday’s coverage will include two Canada games (tape delay), as well as their final match vs New Zealand live. Sunday will deliver 5 hours of live coverage. On-line streaming is also available by visiting TSN GO, and www.worldrugby.org.
Fans can also follow the event more easily this year, with the launch of an updated 2017 HSBC Canada Sevens App – available for download at the App Store. Fans can access personalized game reminders, keep track of game results, get to know teams and players and stay informed on the Sevens related events happening around Vancouver. The app also features map tools that can help fans navigate Vancouver and BC Place Stadium.
For more information, please contact:
With regard to HSBC Canada Sevens Vancouver With regard to Rugby Canada enquiries
Sunil Suvarna Bryan Kelly
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Media Relations, Rugby Canada
Phone: 778.772.5133 Phone: 250.216.5272
Email: sunil.suvarna@hkstrategies.ca Email: bkelly@rugbycanada.ca
About HSBC Canada Sevens Vancouver:
HSBC Canada Sevens Vancouver is a two-day indoor rugby sevens tournament, hosted March 11–12, 2017 at the world-class BC Place Stadium, host venue to Canada’s most prestigious events. The tournament features 16 of the world’s top men’s sevens teams, including Olympic contenders who fought for gold, silver and bronze at Rio 2016. The HSBC Canada Sevens Vancouver will be the sixth stop in a 10 stop world tour as part of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Sevens rugby, a fast-paced and shorter version of traditional rugby with only seven players per side, has built a huge international audience through the success of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, which attracts large audiences in markets around the world. The full ten-stop tour schedule of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2016 – 2017 can be found at www.worldrugby.com.
About HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens Victoria/Langford:
The HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens is a two-day tournament held on May 27-28, 2017 hosted at the home of Canadian Rugby at Westhills Stadium, and will feature twelve of the world’s top women’s rugby sevens teams. The HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens will be the fourth stop in a five-stop world tour as part of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.