Fans on Vancouver Island can get ready for another football thrill. For the third year running, the B.C. Lions will bring a pre-season game to Langford, promising close-up action and a festive atmosphere.
The 2026 CFL season will see the Lions displaced from BC Place in Vancouver. The stadium will host FIFA World Cup matches, including seven games between June 13 and July 7. Preparations, such as field installation and upgrades, will start well in advance, pushing the Lions to find alternate venues.
As part of this plan, the team will also host two regular-season games in Kelowna, expanding their reach across the province.
“The Lions are headed back to Langford! After last year’s sellout at Starlight Stadium, we’re bringing the roar back to the Island in 2026 for a special pre-season matchup. Fans can expect the same up-close football action and community pride that made last year unforgettable,” said the team in a statement.
The Lions first visited Greater Victoria in 2024. That year, they played a regular-season game against the Ottawa Redblacks at Royal Athletic Park. The match drew over 14,000 fans to the downtown venue, highlighting strong local support for CFL action.
In 2025, the team returned to Langford for a pre-season contest on May 19. Tickets sold out in just 12 minutes for the Starlight Stadium matchup against the Calgary Stampeders, showing the continued demand for live football on Vancouver Island.
While the Lions have not yet confirmed the exact date for their 2026 pre-season stop in Langford, fans can anticipate another exciting event. This year, pre-season games were held on May 19 and May 30. The CFL had announced its 2025 schedule earlier on January 16.
Local officials have expressed enthusiasm about the return of the Lions. In September, acting Langford mayor Colby Harder shared that discussions with the team had been ongoing for months.
“The excitement really began as soon as tickets were announced. Families were thrilled because the cost of traveling to Vancouver for a game can be high. It was also really special to see longtime fans take pride in having the game in their hometown,” Harder said.
The Lions’ repeated visits have brought more than just football to Langford. They have strengthened community spirit and provided accessible entertainment for fans who might not otherwise attend CFL games in Vancouver.
With BC Place hosting international events in 2026, Langford is set to become a key destination for CFL fans. The Lions’ pre-season game promises to combine top-level football with local enthusiasm, giving Vancouver Island supporters a front-row experience.
As excitement builds, fans are encouraged to stay alert for ticket announcements. Given past sellouts, tickets are expected to move quickly, and the Lions are likely to offer the same up-close, high-energy football experience that has made their previous Island games memorable.
