BC Lions Day

Photo Credit BC Lions/Twitter

With the LIons set to kick-off their home opener for the upcoming 2023 season there is no question that the hype to the opening game has everyone talking.

Changes coming into the season has many focused on the position of the QB who has big shoes to fill given the loss of Nathan Rourke who signed with Jacksonville Jaguars in the offseason and playing under Doug Pederson  who is a two-time Super Bowl champion and former NFL QB Doug Pederson as head coach on Feb. 3, 2022.

So filling this position was imperative in the offseason which they did by Vernon Adams Jr. (5’11” 220 lb) in addition to having signed Kienan LaFrance (32) who played the past three seasons with Saskatchewan..

Talent pays off given the fact that he ran for 137 yards on 36 carries running in for a pair of TD’s noting that he was selected by Ottawa in the sixth round in the 2915 CFL Draft 45th overall.

If we back up earlier in the week, Monday to be precise the City of Vancouver officially proclaimed Monday as BC Lions Day which included Lions owner Amar Doman, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.

The event kicked off at 3 pm at City Hall that also had on hand Lucky Whitehead, Manny Rugamba as well as Head Coach Rick Campbell.

Moving forward to the weekend the Lions are looking to fill BC Place and for an added attraction they have a Backyard Party planned for Friday starting at 4pm located outside BC Place.

This will be followed by a Live broadcast on site starting at 5:30 which features the contest between Saskatchewan and Winnipeg as well as entertainment with drinks available for those over 19.

Last week Club President Duane Vienneay mentioned there will be upper bowl seating for Concert Kickoff on Saturday, June 17 as the Lions host the visiting Edmonton Elks which is presented by BC Federation of Labour.

As you can imagine given the concert there was a demand for tickets for the home opener with the prices being realistically priced starting at $25 ALL IN while youth 17 and under can get in for only $10.

One might say that this is almost like a weekend for Rugby 7’s without anyone dressing up in costume except the players, which resembles team uniforms.

Saturday will be headlined by two-time Grammy Award winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and international Hip-Hop icon LL Cool J which starts at 3:00 pm.

In addition the outside fun is headlined by Canadian rock band The Trews along with games for the fans. 

Let’s kick-off the BC Lions season with a bang and a win over the visiting Edmonton Elk.

Let’s not forget that last season the Lions had the largest regular season crowd last season that saw 34,082 on hand for the home opener.