“I’m Just Here for the Riot,” the latest installment in ESPN’s “30 for 30” documentary series, premieres on June 4, 2024. The episode explores the 2011 Vancouver Stanley Cup riot, which occurred after the Vancouver Canucks’ loss to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
The episode is directed by Asia Youngman and Kathleen Jayme, both of whom are Vancouverites and witnessed the events of that night. The documentary chronicles the aftermath of the riot, which included overturned and burned police cars, shattered windows, looted stores, and waves of young people caught in the mob mentality. The total damage was estimated at $3.78 million, with 122 cars damaged or destroyed, and at least 140 people injured.
The film examines the impact of social media and the “trial-by-social-media” that followed, as rioters were quickly identified and shamed online. It raises questions about fandom, violence, and the power of an angry crowd. The directors also examine the bigger-picture impact of the riot, which extended beyond the hockey rink.
30 for 30: I’m Just Here for the Riot airs Tuesday June 4, 2024 at 7:30 pm on ESPN.
