30,000 expected to watch Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham AFC take on Whitecaps
![FILE - Wrexham owners, Ryan Reynolds, center left and Rob McElhenney, center, celebrate their side's first goal of the game, scored by Harry Lennon during the Vanarama National League match against Torquay United, at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, England, on Oct. 30, 2021. Soccer sensation Wrexham AFC is coming to America. The fifth-tier Welsh side, which has become a global fan favorite since Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney bought it and then launched a documentary series, "Welcome to Wrexham," will play Manchester United in a friendly on July 25, 2023. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP, File)](https://vancouver.citynews.ca/wp-content/blogs.dir/sites/9/2023/04/2023032720030-64222e1db853773905e8bee6jpeg.jpg)
Posted July 26, 2024 8:57 am.
Last Updated July 26, 2024 10:25 am.
More than 30,000 people are expected to converge on BC Place on Saturday as the Vancouver Whitecaps host Wrexham AFC.
The Welsh team is set to face the Whitecaps in a friendly which kicks off at 4:30 p.m.
Born and raised Vancouverite Ryan Reynolds, and fellow actor Rob McElhenney, purchased Wrexham in 2020. The pair helped it move up through the ranks of English football, now promoted to the FA’s third tier — EFL League One.
The “Wrex Coast Tour” also hit other cities across North America, including Santa Barbara and Santa Clara in California, where the Red Dragons took on AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea, respectively.
Just days ago, Wrexham drew 2-2 in their game against Chelsea and 1-1 against Bournemouth.
“I’m so excited my hometown club, the Whitecaps, will get to square off against the Red Dragons,” Reynolds said in April. “My official stance on the match will be a very friendly ‘neutral’ even if I will be screaming for a Paul Mullin hat trick.”
Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.
–With files from Mike Lloyd