After months hiding a ‘monumental’ secret from his family, friends and the community, Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson has finally come clean.
The B.C. Lions will touchdown on Monday May 19 at Langford’s Starlight Stadium for a pre-season game against the Calgary Stampeders, he confessed at a press conference on Thursday (Feb. 6), finally unburdened of his secret.
“I’ve just been chomping at the bit to get here and announce this,” he told Goldstream Gazette after the announcement. “It’s been very hard to keep it a secret from friends and family … my wife knew something big was happening.”
His next stop? Straight to his parents’ house to surprise them with the news. “They're going to be very excited.”
Already confirmed for the starting line-up is Victoria-born star quarterback Nathan Rourke, who describes playing on home-turf as “extra special.”
The Langford game will mark the return of the Lions to Starlight Stadium, who used the venue as a training ground ahead of last year’s Touchdown Pacific event in Victoria. Rourke says he and his teammates are excited to return and experience the thrill of playing again in a smaller stadium.
“The guys felt like it was a little bit like a college field,” he said about the Victoria game. “Because the fans are just right on top of you … so the smaller venues are really fun actually, because they're just a lot more intimate.”
As well as kicking off the season on home-turf, the quarterback hopes to also kick-start the next generation of Vancouver Island football stars.
“It's always cool to be that kind of inspiration for kids,” said Rourke, who was drafted by the Lions in 2020. “Growing up for me, there was not a ton of Canadians that did what … I aspired to do, and so to be able to be that is really special."
Goodmanson agrees, noting the event will provide a unique opportunity for local youths to witness professional sports in their hometown, especially for Langford’s junior football club, the Westshore Rebels.
“These guys are going to love watching the Lions,” he said. “And we've had Rebels players make it to the CFL.”
When the Lions played in Victoria last year, Destination Greater Victoria estimated the overall economic impact was $16 million for the region.
It is anticipated the May 19 game will have the same effect for the Capital Regional District, Langford especially, says Goodmanson.
“This could not have come at a better time,” he said. “We really can't overemphasize how much of a benefit this could be to the local economy … it is a fantastic move for us.”
For Duane Vienneau, president of the B.C. Lions, the decision to return to Langford was an easy one, after the reception the players received last year ahead of the Pacific Touchdown event.
“We knew we had to come back and have a game here,” he said.
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.
Ticket go on sale March 11, with priority given to B.C. Lions season ticket members, who will be able to opt in for their seats to the Langford pre-season game.
“Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the game, this is an event you won't want to miss,” said Goodmanson. “Bring your family, your friends and neighbours, and let's fill Starlight Stadium with our cheers and enthusiasm.
“Go Lions.”
