The rumours are true — the BC Lions will be coming to the Okanagan next year.
With Vancouver set to host some matches for the 2026 World Cup, the BC Lions will play their first two home games of the 2026 season in Kelowna.
KELOWNA, get ready! 🏈
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) September 27, 2025
We’re bringing two CFL regular-season games to the Apple Bowl in Summer 2026.
With an expanded stadium, a full football festival, and thousands of fans from across the country, this will be the ultimate Okanagan football celebration.
Who’s ready to ROAR… pic.twitter.com/aTODXoDbmm
“The Lions are truly British Columbia’s team. It’s an exciting time for our franchise to bring two games to Kelowna for our great fans in the Okanagan,” said Duane Vienneau, president of the Lions.
“The World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime event for Vancouver. Looking at all options, Touchdown Kelowna is the perfect fit. The Okanagan is home to a very passionate segment of the Lions fanbase, which makes us thrilled for the opportunity to bring two games to the region.”
The two games will take place at the Apple Bowl with an expanded capacity of 17,500 seats. The opponents the Lions will face in those two games will be announced when the new schedule is released at the end of the current season.
“We are thrilled to welcome the BC Lions to Kelowna for two games next season,” said Mayor Tom Dyas.
“There is a passionate community of local football and Lions fans here in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan. As a world-class event-hosting city, Kelowna is ready to welcome the energy of Canadian football with Kelowna’s renowned hospitality.
Prior to coming to Kelowna, the Lions will attend training camp in Kamloops for the 16th consecutive season and then hold a preseason game on Vancouver Island at Starlight Stadium in Langford.
“We’re excited for the events that will surround these games for a celebration of Canadian football that will have a positive impact on the economic prosperity and vibrancy of our community,” added Mayor Dyas.
Season ticket holders will get priority to claim seats at both games in Kelowna and the preseason game in Langford.
More information about how to acquire tickets can be found online at this link.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of the BC Lions/X
