The 2010 BC Lions Season So Far
byThe following has been contributed by Brian Wawryshyn, owner of the BC Lions fan blog BCLionsDen.ca
The bye week is upon the BC Lions and the timing probably couldn’t be better for fans and players alike. The Lions are off to a 1-6 start and struggling to find their winning ways. With a young roster and some injury issues, they’ll be using this week off to try and right the ship.
Despite their record to date, there are some great reasons to get out and see the BC Lions in action – and no bigger one than the experience of Empire Field. Even casual sports fans are having a great time on the site where the Lions played until 1982. The great summer weather has made for a few beautiful nights watching football in the environment it was meant to be played – outdoors.
The Lions and the PNE have allowed for a great game day atmosphere. The pregame tailgate parties fill the parking lot with the aroma of barbequed goodies and allow hardcore Lions fans to mingle prior to the game. The sounds of live bands can be heard from the Lions Street Party, held two hours before each game. The Felions dance team is on hand along with Leo the Lion and activities for kids.
The game atmosphere itself is completely different than what recent generations of Lions fans have experienced at cavernous BC Place stadium. The configuration of the temporary stadium has fans right on top of the action. It hasn’t taken Lions fans long to figure out that metal bleachers make a lot of noise when you stomp your feet and “Orange Thunder†has been filling the air when the opposing teams have the ball on offence.
The club has also done a good job of celebrating the past, bringing out such alumni players as Norm Fieldgate, Al Wilson, Tyrone Crews as well as former coach Vic Rapp among others.
If only the Lions could give the fans more to cheer about. The 1-6 start is the worst ever under the Wally Buono regime and the team has really struggled on offence with problems on the offensive line as well as injuries and inconsistent play at the quarterback position. Fans and media have been quick to point the finger at the coaches, but it’s been all of the above that has contributed to the slow start.
The break will see some new players brought in to try and stop the bleeding (such as 3 time all-star defensive lineman Jonathon Brown, formerly of the Toronto Argonauts) but, for the most part, it will be up to existing team members to turn things around and get the first win at Empire Field and try and get back into the playoff race.
If you haven’t been to a game, make sure you check one out. It’s great fun for the whole family, and with the PNE and Playland within a stone’s throw of the stadium, it’s easy to make a day of it.
The next BC Lions game is Friday August 27th at 7:30pm against the first place Calgary Stampeders. The PNE is in full swing on that day, so plan your time and transportation accordingly.
Brian Wawryshyn is the owner of the BC Lions fan blog BCLionsDen.ca and can be followed on Twitter as @BCLionsDen.
Miss604.com has two tickets to give away for the next BC Lions game vs the Calgary Stampeders, Friday August 27th. Here’s how to enter to win:
One winner will be drawn from all entries August 24th at 9:00am. Follow @BCLions on Twitter for updates and team news.
Update The winner of the Lions tickets is Natalie – have fun at the game!
66 Comments — Comments Are Closed
Go Lions!
Winning these tickets will provide me with a full Canadian sport education within a week (hockey excepted, of course). Lacrosse on Saturday (thanks again, Miss604), and football Friday would be an ace week.
Also I guarantee* a Lions win (*this is not a guarantee)
I would so love to see that game. Watching the Lions play at Empire Stadium has been one of my goals for the summer, and with time running out, I still haven’t done it.
I’m a Rider fan but I’ll go to a Lion’s game.
Would love to go to another lions game. Maybe this time they’ll win
I’ve got my big foam paw all warmed up! Let’s go Lions!
I would love to see the Lions play – my husband would love it even more!!
Huge CFL fan here. Love to see the game.
Roar!
Never been to a lion’s game so would love to go:)
Would dearly love to attend the game at Empire! Always too much fun! GO LIONS!!!!
Go Lions! If I can’t go, I’ll be watching from my blackberry using the new CFL application that’s free for TELUS users.
I’m a big Lions fan and I’d like to take my nephew to his first game.
Sweet!
I would love to take one of my boys to this game. Neither has ever b een to Empire field.
From Australia and would love to see how the game is played here! 🙂
New to the country would lovee to see this team live 🙂
Thanks
Stu
New to Vancouver and don’t want to miss Empire Field! Go Lions!!
I guess it’s time to getting roaring and support my team. I haven’t been to a game in eons and would love to take my boss.
Who knows, maybe a raise would be a good return for a good game.
N.Bain
Sounds like a fun time! I’d love to be there.
first time on your site, it’s great
I am really enjoying games at Empire…..loads of fun….just hope they can win one.
I’d love to win!
Went to Empire Field today for the first time. Would be cool to catch the Lions there this season.
Love to go see them in Empire field.
Hope to see the Lions win.
I’d like to cheer them on.
Never been to a football game. Love to go.
I’ll bring my orange pom pom to the game.
Good luck to the Lions.
Go Lions Go.
Love to go. Hope there are too many drunks, though.
Go Lions!
Go Lions Go! Miss 604 Rocks!
The Lions and the PNE all in one day… great fun!
GO Lions!!! Awesome contest!
Thanks!
Lions rocks!!!! Go team go!
The Lions might not be doing as well as previous season but they still are fun to watch, especially at empire field. Go Lions Go!!!
Can still have fun at the game – even if they come in second place during the game!
I just moved to Vancouver and would LOVE to see a BC lions game!
love the lions 🙂
Red- 44! Red- 44! Hut!
Me and my orange BC Lions hat are ready to go to the game! Plus, visit the PNE for free before the game! That would be a great day!
My son joined a football team this summer and he has never been to a football game, it would be awesome to take him, what a great summer memory.
I would love to see Empire stadium and watch the Lions go to work! It would be a perfect chance to take my wife to her first football game. ROAR!
Here’s to hoping the season will turn around. It’s been years since I last attended a Lions game but would love to check one out at Empire Field!
Love that the Lions are playing outdoors!
I would love to see the Lions play at Empire Staduim this season!
Go Lions Go!
Go Lions!
I just moved here from Calgary, so it would be great to see my Stamps once again. (I hope this doesn’t hurt my chances of winning)
Go Lions Go!!!
Go BC Lions! It would be great to see a BC Lions game at Empire Field!
I’m going regardless if I win tix or not. They are going to win this game.
Go Lions Go!
Empire stadium looks like a fantastic place to watch a game. It is too bad the Lions are struggling so much this season.
Never been to a Lions game – first time for everything!
I’ve never been to a football game either… about time to start 🙂
Go Lions!!
Love Empire Field and of course the BC LIONS!
I have yet to experience the Lions play in the Empire! Would love to go cheer them on!! 🙂
Go Leos Go!
I’d love to get to Empire for a game!
Would be so excited to see the Lions at Empire! Will for sure share the info! 🙂
Winning these tix would make my hubby’s day. He’s a real Lions “Die Hard”
Woo hoo!! I won! Thank you so much to Miss 604 and Brian Wawryshyn! 😀