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Four years of arena upgrades has Rogers Arena being mentioned in the same breath as some of North America’s finest arenas and stadiums. In the Spring of 2014, the Aquilini family acquired Toptable Group and its renowned restaurants Araxi, Blue Water Cafe, CinCin, West and Thierry Cafe. At the same time, Canucks Sports & Entertainment parted ways with its previous food-service provider and revamped its hospitality operations in an effort to cater to a discerning and food-savvy clientele.
The club then announced the launch of two new renovated spaces, Encore Suite and The Sportsbar LIVE! at Rogers Arena. For Season Ticket Members, these enhancements have helped transform Rogers Arena into Vancouver’s premier destination for world-class entertainment.
“This reminds me of the Staples Center and the Hyde Lounge,” said Desmond Chen, a Vancouver businessman who works in property management. Speaking from the new Encore Suite earlier this season, Chen compared Rogers Arena to Los Angeles’ iconic downtown arena that hosts the Clippers, Kings and Lakers. “I think Vancouver has really caught up in terms of what’s out there.”
The Encore Suite offers members a multicultural buffet where you can get everything from sushi and hand carved sandwiches to stir fry and freshly caught seafood. Combined with an extensive wine inventory boasting over 11,000 bottles, Rogers Arena’s premium venues are serious about taking their foodie game to the next level and competing with some of the best restaurants in town.
“It’s just a surround sound experience now,” said Jake Edwards, host of the Bro Jake Show on TSN 1040. Edwards was taking in the game from the Canucks’ exclusive and private Loge Club, where members dine in elegance then slip through a curtain to watch the game.
The club has also elevated its Season Ticket Member benefits package for next season. In this year’s renewal package, Members were surprised with complimentary Canucks jerseys and a Rogers Arena food & beverage gift card, allowing them to take advantage of all the enhanced offerings.
Canucks Chief Operating Officer Jeff Stipec said this is Canucks Sports & Entertainment’s goal, to continuously raise the bar in-house.
“Win or lose, it’s our job to give our members more excitement and a memorable experience every time they visit,” he said. “When you add in the buzz around our new young core with our continual commitment to upping the fun factor, hospitality, and ongoing investments in Rogers Arena, I see an exciting journey ahead for our Season Ticket Members.”