C’s Host Exhibition Game Against UBC

Photo Credit Laird Allan/Sportswave

With hockey coming to a close many are wondering where they might spend their nights given that the area has so much to offer the families.

Nat Bailey Stadium as many know it as are set to hit the diamond in a contest that will see the Vancouver Canadians play host to the UBC Thunderbirds in an exhibition contest at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium April 3 with the first pitch scheduled for 6:35.

This marks the third consecutive year that the two teams will be meeting in a C’s preseason friendly with the C’s set to open the season two days later kicking off their thirteenth season as an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays – and fourth in High-A with the home April 9.

The turnstiles will open at 5:30 with both teams slatted to play seven inning with all proceeds being split between both clubs also noting that the concessions will be open.  

Tickets are $10 and are available now by clicking here or calling (604) 872-5232.

The 2024 Vancouver Canadians roster has yet to be determined by the Blue Jays and will be announced in April. 

North Delta Brent Lavallee returns for his third season as C’s manager after leading the team to its impressive fifth Northwest League title last year in addition to having Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Ashley Stephenson, returning for her second season as position coach.

“The preseason exhibition game with UBC has become a terrific celebration of baseball in British Columbia,” C’s General Manager Allan Bailey said. “We are proud to work with Chris Pritchett and the UBC Baseball program to showcase their players at The Nat. It’s also a great way for our roster – with many players taking the field in Vancouver for the first time in their careers – to get one last tune-up in before the season starts at April 5. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the ballpark.”

With eight conference championships and a fourth place showing at the NAIA World Series to their name, the baseball program at the University of British Columbia has been a Region I powerhouse for over two decades. 

The program has developed 23 players who have been drafted since its inception in 1996, including long-time Colorado Rockies ace Jeff Francis who was selected ninth overall in 2002. They play their home games at Tourmaline West Stadium.

“To showcase the different levels of baseball we have here in Vancouver and in Canada is an amazing opportunity, and I’m really grateful to Allan, the C’s and the Blue Jays for making this happen,” long-time UBC head coach and former Canadian Chris Pritchett said.

He continues “From our players’ perspective, they all have that same dream of paying on TV someday. This gives them an unbelievable chance to be on the same field as high-level professional baseball players. They don’t have to guess what that looks and feels like; they actually get to experience it. It’s an amazing opportunity for them and a lot of fun. It’s going to be a great day for UBC and for the Canadians.”

To get tickets for Opening Night on April 9 or any other game throughout the 2024 season, visit CanadiansBaseball.com or call 604-872-5232.