Lions Overview

Fast facts

League: Canadian Football League

Head Coach: Rick Campbell

Team Mascot: Leo the Lion

Year Opened: 1983

Capacity: 54500

City / State: Vancouver / British Columbia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Lions vs Roughriders

Rival Team: Saskatchewan Roughriders

BC Lions-Saskatchewan Roughriders Rivalry - The Saskatchewan Roughriders are the BC Lions biggest rivals, and the two teams have met in the Grey Cup semi-finals several times. There is always a lot on the line when these two CFL Western Division rivals meet. Don’t miss your chance to see the Lions take on the Roughriders at BC Place.

Lions vs Alouettes

Rival Team: Montreal Alouettes

During the years that Ottawa didn’t have a CFL team, BC played Montreal during the Labour Day Classic foster a fairly intense rivalry between the two teams. The Lions may no longer play the Alouettes on Labour Day, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be in for a good contest when attending a Lions-Alouettes game.

Lions Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

If you love tailgating or the BC Lions, then there is no better place to be than outside BC Place during the CFL season. Fans from all over the province come out to support the Lions on game day, and there is no better way to do so than by showing up early and joining the tailgate. The Lions and their fans offer several ways for you to enjoy the pregame experience, so no matter what type of party you’re looking for you’ll find it here in Vancouver.

 

The BCLionsDen.ca Tailgate Party is the perfect place to meet fellow diehard Lions fans and set up your own tailgate. Everyone here is very friendly, and you’ll have no problem making new friends, so stop by with some burgers and join in the fun.

Those of you who don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up a tailgate will also have a fantastic time in Vancouver as there are several other tailgate party options at your disposal. The BC Lions Tailgate Party is located on Terry Fox Plaza and is home to food, drinks, live entertainment and much more making it the perfect place to hang out before the game.

If you like the bar scene, then you’ll be in luck as there are several excellent bars located near BC Place that is worth checking out. Doolin’s is an especially great place to hit up before the game as it hosts its own tailgate party, so if you’re looking for a bar full of fellow Lions fans, then you’ll find it at Doolins.

No matter how you like to pre-game, you’ll find something for you when tailgating at a BC Lions game where everyone is friendly and loves to celebrate a Lions game day.

Traditions

Terry Fox Statue

Take some time before the game to view the statue of the Canadian icon who ran across Canada to raise money for cancer research. The annual Terry Fox Run has raised over C$700 million for cancer research over the years, so stop by and see the statue dedicated to the man who made it all possible.

Where to tailgate

Lions Stadium Guide

In Game

You’ll have a great time attending a BC Lions game at BC Place. A BC Lions game is fun for football fans of all ages as you’ll have a fantastic time cheering on the Lions along with 54,000 other Lions fans. BC Place can get especially loud thanks to the way the stadium’s roof traps in noise, so enjoy the incredible atmosphere when attending a BC Lions game.

In addition to the roar of the crowd, you’ll also be treated to plenty of in-game entertainment at a Lions game. The Felions Dance Team puts on an excellent show, and you won’t want to miss any of Leo’s antics either. The games also often feature great halftime entertainment as well making the experience quite memorable.

Not only is BC Place an excellent place to take in CFL football it’s also home to the incredible BC Sports Hall of Fame. The BC Sports Hall of Fame is a full museum filled with memorabilia from a variety of BC sports and teams including the Lions, Whitecaps, and Canucks. No trip to BC Place is complete without stopping at the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

A BC Lions game is a fantastic experience that you won’t soon forget, so get your tickets to a Lions game today.

Things to check out

BC Sports Hall of Fame

BC Sports Hall of Fame is a must-see for anyone visiting Vancouver. The Hall of Fame is located in BC Place, and you can get in for half price with your Whitecaps ticket. Here you can learn all about the best athletes and biggest moments in British Columbia sports history, so check it out during your trip to Vancouver.

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BC Lions Wall of Fame

The BC Lions Wall of Fame honors all of the best players, coaches, and teams in Lions history and is located between sections 10 and 11 on the second level. Take a minute to see the BC Lions Wall of Fame when attending a Lions game.

Center Hung Video Board

Unlike most CFL stadiums where the video board is located at one end of the venue, the Whitecaps have their main video board hanging above the pitch. No matter where you’re sitting in BC Place, you’ll have an excellent view of the video board, so you won’t miss any replays.
World’s Largest Cable Supported Roof - If you’re an engineer, then you’ll be enamored by BC Place’s cable supported roof. The roof is the largest of its kind in the world and gives the venue a unique feel you won’t find anywhere else in the CFL.

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Fight Songs

  1. Roar You Lions Roar

    C’mon and roar you Lions roar
    That’s what a Lion’s roar is for
    From the mountains to the sea
    You are the pride of all BC

    RAH RAH!

    So buckle down and play the game You’ll lead us on to football fame

    We love the L
    The I The O, N, S

    C’mon and roar you Lions
    Roar you Lions Roar you Lions roar

    RAH RAH RAH!

Lions Bars & Restaurants

  1. Boston Pizza

    Boston Pizza Pizza

    With over 100 menu items, we have something for everyone.

    1333 W Broadway #190, Vancouver, BC V6H, Canada

    604-681-6170

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Chambar

    Chambar Seafood

    Chic exposed-brick space serving creative Belgian cuisine & sustainable seafood, plus beer & wine.

    568 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3, Canada

    604-879-7119

    Bar website

    european - $$$

  3. Pizzeria Farina

    Pizzeria Farina Pizza

    Bustling, minimalist eatery with a concise menu of thin-crust pizzas & takeaway.

    915 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2V8, Canada

    604-681-9334

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  4. La Terrazza

    La Terrazza Lunch

    Refined ristorante with a terrace offering gourmet Italian dishes with a twist & over 2,500 wines.

    1088 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6J7, Canada

    604-899-4449

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  5. Black Rice Izakaya

    Black Rice Izakaya Sushi

    Contemporary, low-lit restaurant serving sushi along with Japanese noodle & rice dishes.

    782 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R5, Canada

    778-379-0416

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  6. Pourhouse Restaurant

    Pourhouse Restaurant Dinner

    Creative cocktails & seasonal fare served in a century-old warehouse setting with a 38-ft. bar.

    162 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2, Canada

    604-568-7022

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Gyoza Bar

    Gyoza Bar Lunch

    Contemporary brick-walled spot for Japanese dumplings, tapas & ramen dishes, with beer, wine & sake.

    622 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1V8, Canada

    604-336-5563

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  8. Lupo

    Lupo Pizza Grotto Ogden Pizzeria

    Cozy, romantic atmosphere for classic Italian meals with modern touches.

    869 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada

    604-569-2535

    Bar website

    italian - $$$$

  9. Frankie’s Italian Kitchen

    Frankies Italian Kitchen Seafood

    Southern Italian specialties & wines from British Columbia in a polished dining room or relaxed bar.

    765 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4, Canada

    604-688-6368

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  10. Calabash Bistro

    Calabash Bistro BBQ Lunch

    Laid-back spot for Caribbean dishes & rum drinks, plus late-night music in the basement.

    428 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J7, Canada

    604-568-5882

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Nuba

    Nuba Lunch

    Popular Lebanese eatery & juice bar with bright decor, plus many vegetarian & vegan options.

    508 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5B6, Canada

    778-371-3266

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Cibo Trattoria

    Romer’s Burger Bar Lunch Seafood

    Stylish spot in a restored heritage hotel, with rustic Italian fare & premium wines.

    900 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0A8, Canada

    604-602-9570

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  13. Romer’s Burger Bar

    Calabash Bistro Steak Wine

    Serious about burgers.

    142 S Meridian Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    604-732-9545

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smoke House

    Devils Elbow Ale Smoke House

    Stylish tavern with live music, craft beer, many whiskies & Southern fare, including smoked meat.

    562 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3, Canada

    604-559-0611

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Medina Cafe

    Medina Cafe Breakfast

    Snug spot for coffee, & an eclectic daytime menu including waffles with unique toppings.

    780 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0C8, Canada

    604-879-3114

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  16. Red Card Sports Bar

    Red Card Sports Bar Beer

    Vibrant choice for live sports, craft beers & Italian comfort food plus wood-fired pizzas.

    560 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada

    604-689-4460

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  17. Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

    Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar Beer

    Steak with a touch of ceremony

    615 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y6, Canada

    604-605-8282

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$$

  18. Homer St. Cafe And Bar

    Homer St Cafe And Bar Snack Steak

    Stylish establishment specializing in upmarket roast chicken & cocktails in an open, airy space.

    898 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W5, Canada

    604-428-4299

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Bogart’s Bar and Restaurant

    Bogarts Bar and Restaurant Dinner

    Bogart's Bar on Robson Street is a casual restaurant and bar, serving craft beer, whiskey flights and craft cocktails.

    121 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada

    604-336-3578

    Bar website

    american - $$

  20. Meat & Bread

    Meat & Bread Sandwich

    How can something so simple be this good?

    370 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada

    Bar website

    american - $

  21. Catch 122

    Catch 22 Food Breakfast

    Contemporary Canadian meals, including brunch, served in a rustic-chic, brick-lined space.

    122 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G9, Canada

    604-731-3474

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  22. The Keefer Bar

    The Keefer Bar Whiskey

    Dark, swanky bar with a patio, shaking up Asian-inspired cocktails to pair with fusion small plates.

    135 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3, Canada

    604-688-1961

    Bar website

    asian - $$$

  23. Shark Club Vancouver

    Shark Club Vancouver

    Sports bar chain branch serving beer & casual Canadian fare that becomes clubby when late.

    180 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4P4, Canada

    604-687-4275

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  24. Library Square Public House

    Library Square Public House Bar

    Lively hangout with local craft brews & gourmet bar food turns clubby after dark when music plays.

    300 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1, Canada

    604-633-9644

    Bar website

    american - $$

  25. The Pint Public House

    The Pint Public House Bar

    Boisterous sports pub sending out beer pitchers, classic bar bites & wings in 40 different sauces.

    455 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L2, Canada

    604-684-0258

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  26. Kingston Taphouse & Grille

    Kingston Taphouse & Grille Wine

    Welcoming bar & casual eatery with a garden patio plus a basement for live shows & playing darts.

    755 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B, Canada

    604-681-7011

    Bar website

    american - $$

  27. Glowbal

    Glowbal Seafood

    Global fare & lots of cocktails served in a glitzy, sprawling space with a long, sleek bar.

    590 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2A3, Canada

    604-602-0835

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  28. St. Regis Bar and Grill

    St Regis Bar and Grill Pizza

    Classy hotel spot with high ceilings & a wood interior for drinks and modern pub grub.

    608 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y6, Canada

    604-696-5558

    Bar website

    american - $$

  29. Clough Club

    Clough Club Hotdog Sandwich

    Trendy low-lit lounge with old-timey flair, creative drinks, elevated pub grub & occasional DJs.

    212 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8, Canada

    604-558-1581

    Bar website

    american - $$

  30. Revel Room

    Revel Room Dinner

    Restaurant industry haunt for classic cocktails & late-night bites, plus live music on Sundays.

    238 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8, Canada

    604-687-4088

    Bar website

    american - $$

  31. The Irish Heather

    The Irish Heather Bar Beer

    This GastroPub has garnered many accolades for its service, food, alcohol & ambiance.

    248 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z6, Canada

    604-688-9779

    Bar website

    european - $$

  32. Six Acres

    Six Acres Beer Wine

    Six Acres is a cozy, brick lined nook with tasty rustic share plates and a top shelf beer and drink selection.

    203 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2, Canada

    604-488-0110

    Bar website

    american - $$

  33. Yaletown Brewing Company

    Yaletown Brewing Company Beer

    Bustling hangout offering house-brewed beers & a weekly small-batch tasting plus unique pub grub.

    1111 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9, Canada

    604-681-2739

    Bar website

    american - $$