BC Lions set to play in Victoria for the first time in CFL’s history

​In a first-of-its-kind event in B.C., Touchdown Pacific pits the BC Lions against the Ottawa Redblacks at Royal Athletic Park on Aug. 31.

Behind the scenes, a monumental effort is underway to transform Royal Athletic Park into a CFL-standard stadium for one weekend, replacing the facility’s summer function as a baseball venue.

One of the most significant challenges has been converting the park’s baseball diamond into a regulation football field. The park’s clay infield, suitable for baseball but not for football, required a complete overhaul. To make the surface playable for professional football, new sod has been laid over the clay.

Additional preparations involve more than the field of play.

Typically hosting around 3,500 spectators for baseball, Royal Athletic Park’s capacity is being expanded to hold up to 14,000 fans for Touchdown Pacific. A temporary grandstand will provide additional seating for 6,400 people, effectively more than doubling the park’s usual capacity. In addition to the seating, the venue will feature a range of temporary facilities, including press boxes, camera towers and a massive LED scoreboard – the second-largest in British Columbia.

Jordan Dowler, Manager of Game Presentation & Events for the BC Lions, describes the scale of the event is similar to a “mini Grey Cup.” TSN, the event’s broadcaster, will deploy 18 cameras to cover every aspect of the game, making it the largest football broadcast they handle outside of the Grey Cup. This extensive setup includes production trucks and cabling to ensure a smooth viewing experience for fans at home.

The game will be played at Royal Athletic Park in downtown Victoria. The BC Lions Backyard Watch Party will be located next door at Central Park.

The preparations for Touchdown Pacific began well before the public announcement last November. Efforts intensified in January, and physical changes to the park started weeks ago with laying sod and installing goalposts. Dowler emphasizes that the hard work is aimed at creating a memorable experience for Canadian football fans.

“Our goal with Touchdown Pacific is to bring a major CFL game to Victoria and create an unforgettable experience for our fans. It’s about celebrating Canadian football, showcasing our city and engaging the community in a way that highlights both the sport and the vibrant spirit of Victoria,” Dowler says.

The festivities leading up to the game will start on Aug. 29 with an open practice at Starlight Stadium in Langford. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., fans can watch the BC Lions prepare for the game, offering a chance to see the team up close and engage with professional football.

The celebration continues with a two-day festival at Ship Point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour on Aug. 29 and 30. Running from noon to 7 p.m. each day, the festival will feature live music, delicious food, and fun activities set against Victoria’s picturesque waterfront.

“We’re hoping this feels very similar to a BC Lions home game,” Dowler says, “it’s just going to be in a much more unique venue.”

For fans who can’t attend the game, the BC Lions Backyard Watch Party, presented by PlayNow Sports, provides an exciting alternative. Located next to Royal Athletic Park at Central Park, this ticketed event will allow attendees to watch the game on a big screen and enjoy food, drinks and entertainment. The party starts at 12 p.m. on Aug. 31, with tickets available for $25, ensuring that everyone can join in the excitement.

As Victoria prepares for its inaugural CFL game, Touchdown Pacific promises to extend excitement beyond the field.

“We want you to all be part of the show, you know, and that’s a big part of it,” Dowler says.

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