Whitecaps FC is gearing up for a special home match at Starlight Stadium in Langford this Wednesday (Feb. 7) and, in a move to embrace the local community, the club has unofficially changed its name for the next three days.

The new temporary name, Vancouver Island Whitecaps, has been changed in club avatars and limited-edition merchandise will be sold in the stadium on Wednesday, during the game against Mexico side Tigres UANL.

More than 90 per cent of seats have already been sold for the Concacaf Champions Cup opening match. Premium suites are sold out and limited group tickets are still available by contacting groups@whitecapsfc.com.

Entering its 50th anniversary season, Whitecaps FC acknowledged the passionate support from the Vancouver Island community since its inception.

Axel Schuster, the CEO of Whitecaps FC, expressed the club鈥檚 gratitude.

鈥淭his club belongs to the community, so we are pleased to do this small gesture to show our appreciation for the warm welcome that we have been receiving.

鈥淲hile we are expecting a strong walk-up crowd, we encourage fans to get their tickets ahead of time to avoid missing out.鈥�

With the MLS regular season fast approaching, Vancouver Island fans will also have five 4:30 p.m. PT kickoffs to look forward to at BC Place in Vancouver this season.

The season opener on Saturday, March 2 versus Charlotte FC will have the upper bowl open and has already sold more than 25,000 tickets.

For more information and to purchase remaining tickets, visit .