What to know
- Dove Men+Care is hosting a one-day “Save A Seat” activation at Trinity Bellwoods Park on Thursday, July 2.
- One Canadian soccer fan will be selected to fly to Houston to support Canada in its Round of 16 World Cup match.
- Fans can participate by visiting the activation between noon and 3 p.m.
- The campaign was inspired by Canadian defender Alistair Johnston’s viral call for supporters to “book the flights to Houston.”
Flights aren’t cheap. Hotels aren’t either. And finding a ticket this late? Good luck.
That’s why one Toronto soccer fan could be in for the surprise of a lifetime.
A one-day activation at Trinity Bellwoods Park is giving one Canadian supporter the chance to fly to Houston and watch Canada compete in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday.
Instead of filling out an online application or entering weeks in advance, fans simply need to show up, take a seat and explain why they should be the one representing Canada in Houston.
According to Dove Men+Care, organizers will reveal the winner before the successful fan departs for Houston later that day.
Canadian defender Alistair Johnston inspired the campaign after urging supporters to “book the flights to Houston” following Canada’s dramatic victory over South Africa, which secured the team’s place in the knockout stage.
Throughout the afternoon, fans can expect a symbolic “Save A Seat” installation, Canadian jerseys, flags, chants and a live winner announcement before the trip begins.
Canada’s World Cup run has fans dreaming
Meanwhile, excitement around Canada’s men’s national team continues to grow.
Canada reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in program history after defeating South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles.
Stephen Eustaquio scored the winner deep into stoppage time, sending supporters across the country into celebration.
The victory also marked captain Alphonso Davies’ first appearance of the tournament after recovering from injury.
Now Canada heads to Houston, where it will face the Netherlands on Friday with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.
As a result, support for the national team has reached new heights.
Toronto has welcomed fans from around the world throughout the tournament, hosting World Cup matches, fan festivals and public watch parties. The city has also become one of the busiest host destinations during the competition.
How to enter
If you’re hoping to be the lucky fan, you’ll need to head to Trinity Bellwoods Park between noon and 3 p.m. on Thursday.
There, participants will have the chance to share why they deserve the final seat to Houston.
Then, organizers will choose one supporter to make the trip and cheer on Canada in person.
For one fan, Thursday’s visit to Trinity Bellwoods could end with a boarding pass to Houston—and a seat at the biggest match Canadian men’s soccer has ever played.
