Thursday February 6, 2025 | LANGFORD, BC [Updated February 7, 2025]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
On a snowy day here in February, the big news came that the BC Lions will play their first pre-season game at Starlight Stadium in Langford.
BC Lions will hit the turf against the Calgary Stampeders.
Game day is Monday May 19 (on the Victoria Day long weekend), starting at 1 pm.
A general public ticket sale will begin on Tuesday March 11 available through Ticketmaster. The average ticket price will be $40.
The BC Lions (home games at BC Place) and Calgary Stampeders (home games at McMahon Stadium) compete in the West Division of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Big opportunity for Langford community:
Today City of Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson was pleased to make the announcement. He was followed at the podium by BC Lions president Duane Vienneau, and BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke.
It was cold outside, but the grass beneath the feet of speakers and media today was green … artificial turf!
The artificial turf is a valuable asset at Starlight Stadium. Four inches of snow had to be removed ahead of this event and for upcoming sports events. The snow was removed by specially trained staff using a modified plow with turf tires. It was done slowly over 10.5 hours to ensure no damage to the turf.
This announcement follows the successful Touchdown Pacific event in Victoria last summer, during which the BC Lions had the opportunity to practice on the turf at Starlight Stadium. Last year for Touchdown Pacific the game sold out over 15,000 tickets in under two hours.
Island Express pass holders will be able to attend the May 19 game.
“It’s a major milestone for our owner Amar Doman and the entire organization to stage a game in Langford,” says BC Lions president Duane Vienneau. He told media at the stadium today that Starlight Stadium is his “second favourite venue”, with BC Place of course being the first.
“Vancouver Island boasts a very passionate segment of our fan base. Last year’s Touchdown Pacific in Victoria served as a great reminder at our far-reaching Lions fans are across our great province,” said Vienneau.
“We take tremendous pride in being a team that represents the entire province,” said Rourke.
BC Lions did a game in Victoria last year. They held a training camp in Kamloops. Members of the team also visit schools. “We want to engage with our fans and our fans love when we travel,” said Vienneau.
The new BC Lions marketing tagline is “Let’s Roar as One”.
Contributes to local economy:
“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,” stated Langford Mayor, Scott Goodmanson.
“We recognize 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,” said Goodmanson today.
Game day at Starlight Stadium will also include a fun line-up of pre-game fan activities including live music, food trucks, and a variety of family activities, and games.
Local businesses interested in sponsoring the game may email to Donna Petrie, Senior Manager of Communications & Economic Development, by email at dpetrie@langford.ca .
Starlight Stadium:
Starlight Stadium normally seats about 6,000 fans.
Starlight Stadium (formerly Westhills Stadium) is home to Pacific FC (the seats are purple for the PFC), Rugby Canada, and the Westshore Rebels.