The Canadian Football League (CFL) and the BC Lions are bringing the first ever Touchdown Pacific game to Victoria on Aug. 31.
“This is a special day for Canadian football,” said CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie in a release. “Our great game is for all Canadians — it brings us together and it unites us as a country.”
“The Touchdown Series is about opening our game to new fans and new communities, and showing them that the CFL is their league, too.”
The 2024 edition of Touchdown Pacific will see the BC Lions play host at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria to the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Saturday, Aug. 31.
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Victoria here we come! ⛴️
This season the @CFL Touchdown Series is making its way to Vancouver Island where we will host the @REDBLACKS at the Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, BC🏟️
MORE INFORMATION ➡️ https://t.co/MePBaO00Da#BCLIONS #RoarLikeNeverBefore pic.twitter.com/CcibhcKfRY
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) November 29, 2023
The stadium will be expanded to welcome approximately 10,000-14,000 guests, including standing room.
Touchdown Pacific is the latest installment in the Touchdown Series, following five Touchdown Atlantic events that celebrated Canadian football and deepened its imprint throughout the East Coast.
The 2023 edition generated over $10M in overall economic impact, benefitting businesses and communities across the region.
It’s expecting to bring similar revenue to the Greater Victoria region.
“We anticipate thousands will attend this big-ticket event, generating significant economic benefits for Victoria and the South Island and providing the BC Lions a great opportunity to host their fan base in Vancouver Island, and beyond,” Lana Popham, minister of tourism, arts and culture, said.
The Lions are excited to bring the team to the Island for a regular season game.
Team owner Amar Doman said it’s important to bring the game and spark new passion in another market.
“We have long stated that the Lions are British Columbia’s team and being born and raised in Victoria, I am honoured to have the opportunity to see our team play in the provincial capital,” Doman said.
“The fact Touchdown Pacific adds a new dynamic to Labour Day Weekend in the CFL is just icing on the cake.”
Tickets go on sale in March, with first priority going to season ticket holders like Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto. “My son and I haven’t missed a Lions home opener in 20 years,” she says.
The Touchdown Series’ first foray into the West Coast will serve as another milestone for Canadian football in British Columbia next year.
In addition to the BC Lions’ upcoming season, the province, the City of Vancouver and BC Place Stadium are set to host the 111th Grey Cup and the 2024 Grey Cup Festival in November.
More details on the event will be released as they become available.
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Mackenzie Read
