How to Attend a Salmonbellies Mann Cup Game Like an Old Pro

When the Mann Cup comes to Queen’s Park, there’s nothing quite like it. The New Westminster Salmonbellies have hosted the championship at Queen’s Park 24 times since the start of the box lacrosse era. Whether you’re new or a long-time member of the Bellies Family, you’ll appreciate these tips for navigating around our 93-year-old home (and the even older park that surrounds it).

Here’s how to make the most of game night:

Getting There & Parking

• Arrive early: Parking around Queen’s Park is limited and the arena fills quickly.
• Alternative parking: You can park a bit farther away on neighbouring streets and walk. Make sure you’re not blocking driveways or parking illegally (the City may tow), but you might get out of the area more quickly after the game if you choose this approach.
• Reserved spaces: Please don’t park in team parking on the west side or in accessible stalls. A few spots are reserved for Hall of Famers Wayne Goss, Jack Fulton Sr., and Bernie Treasurer — they rely on those spaces, and vehicles parked there improperly will be towed.
• Accessible seating: Disabled patrons will find excellent seating in the southeast corner. Enter on the right side of the lobby and take the lift up to the designated section at the top.

Food & Drink

• Food options: A Triple O’s Burgers food truck is always outside the front entrance well before we open the gates, and there’s also a concession stand inside.
• Beer tips: Buy all your drink tickets at once to avoid lining up in two lines. Offerings include Coors, Steel & Oak Bellies Lager, and White Claws.

Seating & Atmosphere

• Alcohol-free section: Located at the north end, furthest from the lobby.
• Goalie-chirping end: The south end is where you’ll hear the goalie chirps.
• Visiting supporters: Often sit in the northeast area, roughly behind the visitors’ bench.
• Saving seats: Roping off sections is NOT allowed (security will remove any materials), but a friend plus a hoodie or two can hold your seats.
• Season ticket RESERVED seats: Seats with stickers belong to season ticket holders and carry through playoffs and the Mann Cup. Please don’t sit there.  If you accidentally do and the seat’s owner arrives, please move graciously.
• Merchandise: The Bellies Store is in the southeast corner at the top of the stairs. It opens when the gates open and typically closes partway through the third period. There will also be a Mann Cup-only merch stand in the lobby, but for full Salmonbellies gear you’ll need the Bellies Store. On-site sales only (cash or credit).

Tickets & Entry

• Buy early: It’s looking like a sellout before game time so don’t expect paper tickets to be available for Game 1. Buying online is wise if you don’t want to miss out. If we sell out, you’ll be invited to add your name to the waiting list.  Last time, we were able to release a few extra tickets to most games.
• Official sales only: Purchase from Queen’s Park staff or our official website. We’ve seen fake tickets before, and we can’t admit you if the ticket doesn’t scan.
• Gates: Gates open 90 minutes before each game.
• Entrances: The south entrance is the only way in for fans. Side doors are for teams and staff; NWPD and security will be watching all entrances, including fire escapes. Any attempt to slip in or let others in will result in being barred from the series.

Cheering & Game-Day Spirit

• Make noise at the right time: Defensive communication is crucial in box lacrosse — so instead of chanting “DE-FENCE!”, fans are encouraged to make noise when the Salmonbellies are on offence.
• What to wear: Blue or red are perfect colours. Red is especially beloved. Even when we are wearing our whites, it’s always right to cheer for red in New Westminster.
• Signs and Noisemakers: We welcome signs and noisemakers such as bells and drums.  No airhorns please! Please don’t block the view of others and be considerate of other fans.
• National anthem: We like to sing along here in New West. This is, after all, the Canadian championship and it sets the tone for the gamed. You will even notice many of our players singing along.
• Keep it positive: Get loud and have fun, but no violence or conflict. We leave that stuff on the floor!

Navigating the Old Gal

• You’ll have to go up: You can’t circle the arena at ground level due to team security, but there’s a full concourse at the top of the stairs that loops the building — and the views of the Old Gal are great up there.
• Bathrooms: As you enter the lobby from outside, men’s are to the right, women’s to the left.
• Smoking: Stamp your hand before stepping out to the designated smoking area on the lawn. Absolutely NO smoking on the wooden fire escapes. Security will close the doors behind anyone who goes out there, and you’ll be locked out for the remainder of the game.

Other House Rules to Remember

• No sticks, skateboards, or other sports equipment inside.
• No outside food or alcohol (food from the Triple O’s Burgers truck is fine). We’ll have extra security to check for this.

The Final Word

Have fun. Get loud. Be proud. Make sure it’s fun for everybody else too!

Photos: New Westminster Archives, New West Record