Why World Cup crowds in Vancouver feel so much bigger

World Cup watch parties across Vancouver are drawing large crowds, with fan zones and public plazas filling up during major matches. Some locations, including the PNE Fan Festival, Granville Island and Canada Soccer House in North Vancouver, have reached capacity as fans gather to watch together. A University of British Columbia sociologist says the appeal comes from the shared experience of being part of something larger than yourself. He said crowded venues can create a sense of collective energy that makes the tournament feel bigger and more memorable than watching alone at home. Organizers say attendance has grown throughout the tournament, and they expect public viewing sites to stay busy as the knockout rounds continue. They are advising people to use transit, walk, bike or take the ferry when heading to future matches.