You would have believed the B.C. Lions were opening the CFL playoffs rather than playing a pre-season game at Starlight Stadium on May 23.
The crowd of 6,126 treated the game like far more than a pre-season tune-up.
The visting Edmonton Elks earned a decisive 34-16 win in Langford, but the final score quickly became secondary as fans packed the stands for another rare chance to watch CFL football on Vancouver Island.
Nearly a year to the day after the Lions hosted the Calgary Stampeders in Langford for the first time, and two seasons removed from a regular-season meeting with the Ottawa Redblacks at Victoria’s Royal Athletic Park, the CFL once again drew a strong crowd on Vancouver Island.
Victoria’s Nathan Rourke, the reigning league MVP and Lions starting quarterback, did not suit up for the contest. Even without the hometown star under centre, fans embraced the opportunity to watch professional football close to home.
Victoria resident Zarrid Cook attended the game alongside his family and said having the Lions return to the Island made the experience far more accessible.
Victoria resident Zarrid Cook (left) poses with his family at the B.C. Lions pre-season game at Starlight Stadium in Langford on May 23, 2026. (Olivier Laurin/Goldstream Gazette)
“It makes it so much more convenient for the family, so I can take my daughter to experience professional football instead of having to go over to the mainland,” he said. “It’s a great atmosphere and just everything that we want.”
Cook said he purchased tickets during the pre-sale window and viewed the night as a chance to enjoy high-level football without the added cost of travelling to Vancouver.
“To be completely honest, I’m torn because my mother and our family grew up in Edmonton, so we always grew up on the Edmonton side of things, but we always cheer for the home team so today we’re impartial,” he said with a smile. “We’re just here for a great time.”
“It’s a huge financial expense to try to get over to the mainland and see a game,” Cook said. “Having the opportunity for other families and other communities to experience the same thing as downtown Vancouver is absolutely phenomenal.”
South Island resident Jack Safrafyik said the event carried importance beyond the final score.
“It’s really a privilege having the team here, especially with what’s going on with the Whitecaps,” he said. “Sports are important and having the Lions here means a great deal.”
Jarret Doege, quarterback for the B.C. Lions, warms up his arm on the sidelines. (Tony Trozzo/Goldstream Gazette)
On the field, the Lions rotated through three quarterbacks in Rourke’s absence. Chase Brice completed eight of 10 passes for 77 yards, Jarret Doege went six of 10 for 67 yards, and Kaidon Salter added another 67 passing yards while completing seven of 14 attempts.
Former Westshore Rebels receiver Kieran Poissant also gave local fans something to cheer about, hauling in two catches for 35 yards for B.C.
Edmonton countered with four quarterbacks of their own, led by Taylor Powell, who completed 13 of 14 passes for a game-high 160 yards.
The Lions will close out their pre-season schedule against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on May 29 before opening the regular season on June 13 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
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