The Nanaimo Clippers home opener is this Friday, Sept 19. at Frank Crane Arena hosting the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, coinciding with the opening of the Vancouver Island Exhibition. (Gary Dorland)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

busy day

Nanaimo Clippers home opener coincides with VIEx launch

Sep 16, 2025 | 4:23 PM

NANAIMO — Kicking off the BCHL’s regular season is morphing into a community-wide event in Nanaimo, as the Clippers’ season opener in Nanaimo coincides with the first day of the Vancouver Island Exhibition (VIEx).

Both take place on Friday, Sept. 19, with the Clippers taking on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs at Frank Crane Arena at 7:00 p.m., with VIEx’s fair gates opening several hours earlier at 10:00 a.m. at Beban Park Fairgrounds (2300 Bowen Rd.)

With two big events happening on the same day, parking at Beban Park will be at a premium, with fans encouraged to arrive early for the first Clippers’ season opener.

A free shuttle is being offered from the Mid-Island Co-op parking lot (2517 Bowen Rd.) to Frank Crane Arena between 6 and 7 p.m., and then back to the parking lot between 9:15 and 10:15 p.m.

The free VIEx shuttle runs between Nanaimo’s North Town Centre (4750 Rutherford Rd.) from noon until around 11:30 p.m., and Clippers fans are welcome to take the shuttle to the game.

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Showing your Clippers ticket at VIEx will get you $2 off admission, and the same discount applies if you show your VIEx pass at the Clippers box office.

Newly-named director of business operations with the Clippers Spencer Hewson said these types of community events are what Nanaimo is all about.

“When two great traditions like Clippers hockey and the VIEx come together, it creates an unforgettable experience for fans and families. We’re proud to celebrate with our community.”

More information on the event can be found here on the Nanaimo Clippers Website.

The home opener, along with every Clippers game this season, will be broadcast live on 106.9 FM The Wolf with Dan Marshall providing the play-by-play description.

Nanaimo’s second game of the season happens on Saturday, Sept. 20 in Port Alberni.

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