The City of Langford and the BC Lions are announcing the CFL’s return to Vancouver Island for a pre-season game on Victoria Day.
“The fans basically drove us here,” says BC Lions president Duane Vienneu.
Langford’s mayor unveiled the news at Starlight Stadium, where the football team will play against the Calgary Stampeders on Monday, May 19.
“Hosting the BC Lions game here in Langford will bring people together, directly impact our local economy, foster community spirit and create lasting memories for all those who attend,” says Mayor Scott Goodmanson.
The BC Lions are headed back to the island following Victoria’s Touchdown Pacific festival. The Labour Day weekend event in 2024 was billed a success for the region. A report to Victoria city council pegged the economic impact of hosting the BC Lions and Ottawa Redblacks at Royal Athletic Park at roughly $16 million.
The Lions also held an open practice in Langford, which the club’s president says inspired their return.
“It was very successful. At that point is (when) we knew we had to come back and have a game here. It was a great, great day. And the fans spoke. It was just so special,” says Vienneu. “This venue is unbelieveable. We love it.”
Vienneu is also signalling at least one player fans will find on the field: Victoria-born quarterback Nathan Rourke.
“When we were here last, I remember talking to fans after the practice and just the people who had been waiting and dying for us to come out and come their way, make it a little bit more accessible was a huge lift,” says Rourke. “And we’re unbeaten when we’re on Vancouver Island, so let’s keep it that way.”
Langford’s mayor says there are other city plans in the works to bring a festival-feel to the game as it looks forward to hosting the team and showing off the region, but it’s not unveiling details yet.
“My team would be very upset if I gave that away,” says Goodmanson. “I cannot overstate that: We are so very excited.”
Starlight Stadium can host at least 6,000 fans. The Lions say the average price for a ticket will be $40 and the first chance to claim one is March 11.
“Last year for Touchdown Pacific, we went on sale, we sold out over 15,000 in under two hours. We expect the same sort of excitement here,” says Vienneu.
