This week in Surrey, BC Lions players practised for their first home game in nearly two years.

The CFL team returns to BC Place Stadium Thursday night (Aug. 19) to battle the recently re-branded Edmonton franchise, the Elks.

After 656 days away from home, the Lions will be involved in the first live sporting event in Vancouver to include fan attendance since March 2020.

In soggy conditions Monday (Aug. 16), players did their drills on the turf adjacent to the team害羞草研究所檚 usual practise field, at Tom Binnie Park in Whalley.

Wet Monday practice for in Whalley, ahead of Thursday home-opening game at .

害羞草研究所� Tom Zillich (@TomZillich)

害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檓 excited for our football team to be back in front of our great fans,害羞草研究所� said Lions head coach Rick Campbell.

害羞草研究所淲e get great support from throughout the province and I know many of them have been waiting with anticipation to get back into BC Place. We look forward to getting a big boost in this huge game.害羞草研究所�

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In two away games to start the CFL season, the Lions lost their opener in Saskatchewan before .

Thursday at BC Place, the band Chilliwack will perform at halftime.

Fans attending the game can also take advantage of a vaccine clinic at Terry Fox Plaza from 4 to 4:30 p.m., courtesy Vancouver Coastal Health.

害羞草研究所淲e encourage all British Columbians to take the opportunity to get vaccinated,害羞草研究所� says a 害羞草研究所淜now Before You Go害羞草研究所� post on the team害羞草研究所檚 website. 害羞草研究所淧roof of vaccinations will not be required for ticket purchasers on August 19th.害羞草研究所�

B.C.害羞草研究所檚 害羞草研究所淩estart害羞草研究所� plan allows 50 per cent of the capacity of seats sold, which allows for 12,550 fans in BC Place for the Lions game.

害羞草研究所淪ocial distancing will not be required, however, fans will be encouraged to take their seats and not mingle on the concourse as the capacity of the concourse is more limited,害羞草研究所� the web post says.

For all games at BC Place this season, fans must access digital tickets using the My Lions account, as part of a touch-free entry process.

Concessions offer cashless payments only (debit, credit OK).

As well, in order to ensure 害羞草研究所渁 safer and faster entry through the gates this season,害羞草研究所� BC Place has instituted a new clear bag policy for 2021. Guests may enter with one clear plastic bag no larger than 12害羞草研究所� X 12害羞草研究所� X 6.害羞草研究所� Bag check service is available at both Gate C and G.

tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com
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