BC Lions: Surrey’s Roaring CFL Pride
Discover the BC Lions' history, leadership, and upcoming games. Based in Surrey, owned by Amar Doman, they chase Grey Cup glory at BC Place.
BC Lions
By Elke Porter | WBN News World Sports | July 24, 2025
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In the heart of Surrey, British Columbia, the BC Lions Football Club roared to life in 1954, etching their name as the province’s oldest professional sports franchise. Named after the twin mountain peaks guarding Vancouver, the Lions embody the spirit of resilience. Owned by Amar Doman since 2021, following the passing of former owner David Braley, the team calls BC Place Stadium in Vancouver their home, though their training facility and passionate fanbase thrive in Surrey.
The Lions’ history is a tapestry of triumphs and trials. From a rocky start with just one win in their inaugural 1954 season, they’ve since claimed six Grey Cup championships, with victories in 1964, 1985, 1994, 2000, 2006, and 2011—the first Western Canadian team to win at home in 1994 and 2011. They also made history by defeating an American franchise in the 1994 Grey Cup. Despite a challenging 2010s, their 20-year playoff streak from 1997 to 2016 remains a CFL record, second only to Edmonton’s 34-year run.
Leading the Lions is President Duane Vienneau, steering the front office with a focus on community and success. Head Coach Buck Pierce, a former CFL quarterback, took the helm in 2025, bringing fresh energy to a squad hungry for another championship. Linebacker Ben Hladik, a Vernon, BC native, serves as team captain, embodying the team’s grit and leadership.
The roster is a diverse blend of talent, with Canadian players like Hladik and Patrice Rene hailing from BC and Ontario, alongside American imports like Keon Hatcher Sr. from Oklahoma. Global players and US college prospects, scouted from conferences like the PAC-12, add international flair, reflecting the CFL’s unique mix of homegrown and global athletes.
The Lions’ 2025 season is in full swing. Their next games include a clash with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 27 at Save-On-Foods Field at BC Place, followed by a showdown against the Edmonton Elks on August 3. Fans in Surrey are buzzing, ready to cheer their Lions toward another Grey Cup. With a storied past and a dynamic present, the BC Lions continue to unite British Columbia in pride and passion
TAGS: #BC Lions #CFL #Go Lions #Surrey Pride #Grey Cup #BC Football #WBN News World Sports #Elke Porter
Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788. Public Relations. Communications. Education.
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