Vancouver Island football fans are in for a treat this spring as the BC Lions have officially announced their return to the island for a pre-season matchup against the Calgary Stampeders.
The game is set to take place at Langford’s Starlight Stadium with kickoff at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 19th.
Following the success of last year’s regular-season game at Victoria’s Royal Athletic Park, the Lions are once again bringing high-level football action to the region.
“It’s a major milestone for our club,” said BC Lions President Duane Vienneau. “Vancouver Island has some of the most passionate fans, and we can’t wait to bring the action back!”
The event promises more than just football, with live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly activities planned for game day.
Starlight Stadium, known for hosting Pacific FC’s soccer matches and rugby events, will once again welcome professional football in what is expected to be a highly anticipated matchup. The venue holds approximately 6,100 fans and the field will be set up to meet CFL regulations.
“The City is thrilled to announce this game and looks forward to welcoming the BC Lions, the Calgary Stampeders, and their dedicated fans to Starlight Stadium,” said Langford Mayor, Scott Goodmanson. ”
“We recognise that large sporting events such as this not only bring significant exposure to Langford but also contribute substantially to the local economy. This event also provides a unique opportunity for residents, particularly youth, to witness professional sports right here in their own city.”
Last week, several schools in and around Victoria hosted Dylan St. Pierre and the recently retired Bo Lokombo from the BC Lions.
In August 2024, the BC Lions played the Ottawa Redblacks in Royal Athletic Park. For this one-off event, the City of Victoria not only sold out Royal Athletic Park, but also a viewing site located at Central Park, which featured a beer garden and large screens to view the exhibition game.
Since this one-off event, many in Victoria want to see the BC Lions return to Victoria more regularly for games.
No information has been released on whether the Lions will play another regular-season game in Victoria this upcoming season.
The BC Lions explained that while Royal Athletic Park was chosen for Touchdown Pacific as part of the CFL’s Touchdown Series, they are excited to play at Starlight Stadium. They highlighted Starlight’s history of hosting national men’s and women’s rugby and soccer teams, as well as being home to the Canadian Junior Football’s Westshore Rebels and the CPL’s Pacific FC.
The BC Lions are bringing CFL games to more communities, with training camp in Kamloops and a pre-season game in Langford.
Season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to secure their seats, while the remaining tickets go on sale to the general public on March 11th.
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BC Lions vs. Calgary Stampeders – Pre-season game
- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Monday, May 19th, kickoff at 1 p.m.
