Canucks viewing parties: Here's where to watch the Canucks vs. Oilers Round 2 playoffs

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Fan frenzy is ramping up as the Vancouver Canucks head into Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers.

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Vancouver announced Wednesday it’ll be throwing a viewing party on Sunday, joining several other municipalities in providing a space for local fans to get together and cheer on the home team.

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If you don’t have cable or want to watch the playoff action outdoors and in a crowd, here’s a list of places hosting free viewing parties in Metro Vancouver (plus one that’s still in the works).

Delta

More than 2,000 people show up at this family-friendly outdoor watch party at the Social Heart plaza in North Delta, which is held for every Canucks playoff game this spring.

When Delta started airing games at the plaza during Round 1, it was the only Metro Vancouver municipality to do so, at about $10,000 a pop.

Council recognized there was strong appetite for people to gather and cheer on the Canucks given the nine-year playoff drought.

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It also launched the event as an alternative to the raucous, but unsanctioned, party that erupts at Scott Road and 72nd Avenue after a win.

Should the Canucks advance to the third round, it could hold a second watch party, this time in South Delta.

Only lawn chairs and blankets are allowed at the Social Heart plaza viewing party. Parking is available at North Delta Recreation Centre and Richardson elementary.

Where: 11405-11427 84 Ave., Delta

Port Coquitlam

The City of Port Coquitlam is hosting Canucks viewing parties at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre during the Canucks’ playoff run.

Watch the game for free on the 55-square-foot projection screen while munching on game day snacks from the concession stand. Hotdog, small popcorn, and a soft drink will be on sale for $9 or nachos and beer for adults for $14.50.

Where: 2150 Wilson Avenue, Port Coquitlam

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Burnaby

The City of Burnaby didn’t host a viewing party for the first round against the Preds, but it’s getting into the action for Round 2 against the Oilers.

Fans are invited to the Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre on game nights, where the game will be broadcast on large screens on the second floor.

The viewing area opens half an hour before puck drop.

Snacks and drinks available at on-site café. Parking is available, but limited.

Where: 7789 18th Street, Burnaby

The Amazing Brentwood (Burnaby)

The giant screen at the outdoor plaza of The Amazing Brentwood will be playing upcoming Canucks playoff games.

It’s not a viewing party, per se, but it’s good setup — with seats, plenty of space, and bars and restaurants surrounding the plaza.

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Where: Brentwood Plaza, 4567 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby

Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge is getting into the Canucks spirit, launching a family-friendly viewing party at the Greg Moore Youth Centre starting Wednesday for Game 1 vs. the Oilers.

City hall will be lit up in blue and green, and fans are encouraged to wear their jersey and other Canucks paraphernalia to show their support.

Canucks fans should enter from the side door, said organizers. No outside food or alcohol allowed, but snacks and drinks will be available for sale.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the first three games on May 8, 10, and 12.

Where: 11925 Haney Place, Maple Ridge

Vancouver

Vancouver is jumping on the bandwagon.

On Wednesday, Mayor Ken Sim said the city will host a viewing party at Oak Meadow Park, near the VanDusen Botanical Garden, on Sunday for Game 3 of the series.

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If the Canucks proceed to Round 3, the city plans to use a space at the PNE for a larger party. Community centres and libraries could also be used as venues for a watch party.

Vancouver did not hold viewing events during Round 1, with some officials expressing concern such parties have turned into riots in 2011, during the Stanley Cup Final between Vancouver and Boston, and in 1994, between Vancouver and New York.

Where: 899 W. 37th Avenue, Vancouver

New Westminster

New West is looking into holding viewing parties starting Game 2 on Friday after council gave the green light for such gatherings at a council meeting Monday.

“This would be such a nice, positive thing to bring people into our downtown core,” said Coun. Dan Fontaine.

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The proposed viewing party could be held at Anvil Centre in downtown New West near the waterfront with supporting events at nearby Hyack Square.

chchan@postmedia.com

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