The B.C. Lions are officially opening the upper bowl at BC Place in Vancouver for Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Elks as the lower bowl approaches a sellout.
“The response for our 68th regular season opener has been very enthusiastic and we wanted to do our part to allow as many of our great fans through the gates as possible,” said Lions’ president Rick LeLacheur in a statement.
“Our customers are hungry for football and the chance to enjoy events at full capacity once again and we can’t wait to welcome our great Lions fans through the gates at BC Place.”
A select number of seats in the 400 level will be available for single-game purchase while supplies last.
A club spokesperson indicated to 3DownNation that the lower bowl at BC Place seats approximately 25,500 fans, which means this should be biggest crowd the Lions have had in years. In 2019, attendance peaked at 20,950 when Saskatchewan visited in late July, while the home-opener against Winnipeg drew just 18,058 fans.
The club averaged 12,507 fans per game in 2021, though capacity was limited due to COVID-19 protocols.
The club has a number of pregame festivities lined up for Saturday, including a performance from OneRepublic. The band’s song “I Ain’t Worried” is currently climbing the charts after being featured in the hit film Top Gun: Maverick.
