world cup hockey fan village toronto

What the World Cup of Hockey Fan Village looks like

The World Cup of Hockey lands in Toronto today. And along with all of the action happening at the ACC, there's a free Fan Village in the Distillery District where you can drink beer, play hockey-related mini games and even catch a Green Day concert (there are still tickets available on Stub Hub!).

NHL fan village toronto

This sunny spot is the Scotiabank East Fan Village, located at the intersection of Mill and Cherry Streets. If you venture down to this corporate-sponsored activation, you'll also get to check out the burgeoning Canary District. But before you visit some of the newly opened restaurants nearby, work up an appetite by shooting a few pucks.

NHL fan village toronto

The best skill-testing game by far is called The Hardest Shot, where you can actually measure the speed of your slap shot. I give it a try, but my score is way too embarrassing to list on the massive scoreboard. But I have fun, and that's all that matters, right?

NHL fan village toronto

If you're 19+, you can try to play a game of what's being advertised as bubble hockey. Although other than being ensconced in a transparent plastic structure, there's nothing bubbly about this game. Instead, it's like a life-size version of table hockey with a giant puck.

NHL fan village toronto

And of course, you can play everything while wearing your favourite jersey (er, sweater). Just head to the massive fan store, which is located right by the main gates.

NHL fan village toronto

If you're more interested in watching hockey and drinking beer, you should probably grab a seat at the the two-storey Molson Canadian Hockey House. A tall can of Molson, Coors or Creemore will set you back $8.75, while soft drinks like Gatorade go for $5.

NHL fan village toronto

The food menu features Canadian, American and European specialties, including hamburgers ($9 each), poutine ($9) and bratwurst ($6). If you're looking for a healthier alternative, pick up an apple - McIntosh or Granny Smith - for $2.

NHL fan village toronto

The Fan Village continues in the Distillery District proper, but it looks like most of the action will happen in East Fan Village. It's open from Saturday, Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m until Sept. 25 (when it closes at 5 p.m.) and is completely free to attend, except on Sept. 23.

NHL fan village toronto

Photos by Hector Vasquez.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

The water park at Canada's Wonderland opens for the season this week

Here are all the sunken ships in Toronto

Abandoned quarry is an epic swimming hole one hour from Toronto

There's a secret trail in Ontario that takes you to abandoned ruins

Scotiabank Arena is getting brand-new seats after 25 years

Tributes pour in from sports and media worlds for passing of TSN host Darren Dutchyshen

Longtime TSN host Darren Dutchyshen has passed away at age 57

The top 5 fireworks stores in Toronto