It’s under a blissful sun that the BC Lions trained in Langford ahead of Victoria's first-ever CFL game.
Fans were invited to watch the team's practice at Langford’s Starlight Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“It’s our first full day in Victoria for the Pacific Touchdown game and we decided to bring a full practice to Langford,” said Matt Baker, BC Lion senior manager of communications. “Open practices are always a good avenue to connect with our fans and let people have up-close access to the team.”
In the stands, father-son duo Mike and Austin Vissers watched closely as the team drilled offensive formations.
“Austin plays football for the atom team here in town, so I thought it would be fun to come out and see what it's all about,” said Mike.
Taking a few hours out of their day, the two seized this unique opportunity to watch the Vancouver team practice in their hometown.
“It's a pretty cool event to have them come out and practice in Langford and Victoria for the game this weekend,” said Mike. “Having the teams from outside coming to the city can do nothing but good.”
A few seats away, another father-son pair, Duncan and Jeremy Smith sat with their eyes fixed on the turf. Hailing from Victoria, the two Lions fans were particularly pleased to see Nathan Rourke returning to his birthplace of Victoria.
As Islanders, a ferry ride away from the action in Vancouver, the two are pleased about the CFL’s decision to host a game in their home city.
“For those of us who are in the corners or whatever, it's helpful,” said Duncan. “As long as they don't mind doing it, we love having them here.”
Luckily for them, Duncan and Jeremy were fortunate to be among the 14,000 attendees who secured tickets, which sold out in less than an hour.
“I know it's going to be a great crowd no matter what, but if they win that will be great,” said Duncan.
Final preparations
Despite the logistical challenges involved in organizing the event, Baker said everything is now falling into place as preparations ahead of the game enter their final stretch.
“The field's getting painted today so that's when it starts to feel real,” Baker said. “I'm going to get my first look at it after this, so I'm excited to see it. The build is pretty much complete; it's just a matter of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.”
After the Maritimes hosted several Touchdown series games, Baker is proud that Victoria will host the series’ inaugural game in Western Canada, emphasizing that the city has always been “a natural fit” for the team.
“[The Lions] always had a strong fan base here, not only in Victoria, but up and down Vancouver Island, so to reward them with a game… is something that the entire club is proud to do and I'm excited because this is going to feel like kind of a mini Grey Cup festival too,” said Baker
While Victoria might be the surrogate home to the Lions, Baker said this event will be an opportunity for all football fans to gather and celebrate.
Fans who don't have tickets can join the watch party hosted at Central Park which neighbours the Royal Athletic Park. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for kids. To buy tickets or for more information about the game, visit bclions.com/touchdown-pacific/.
