Image Credit: BC Lions

By Victor Kaisar

FanFest Returns

BC Lions FanFest returning to Hillside Stadium on May 24

Mar 17, 2025 | 11:55 AM

KAMLOOPS — Mark your calendars Kamloops as the BC Lions say FanFest will take place in a little over two months, on Saturday, May 24.

The Leos are moving the popular event back to Hillside Stadium, after parts of it were held downtown last year. This year’s FanFest will be held between 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

“This is just about making it most logistically enjoyable for our fans,” BC Lions Communications Manager, Matt Baker, told CFJC Today.

“The street festival atmosphere was really good, it drew lots of great reviews but I think after much discussions it was talked about maybe simplifying a little bit and getting it back to the roots and having it all in one spot.”

Question of the Week

Are you pleased with the government's plan to eliminate the provincial consumer carbon tax?

6h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: In times of crisis, important things get ignored

Mar 16, 2025

Two and Out

PETERS: Economic uncertainty bears unsettling resemblance to COVID-19 pandemic for Canadians

Mar 14, 2025

Baker says there will be activities for the entire family during FanFest, which is held in conjunction with training camp in Kamloops. He also says fans will be able to watch an open practice as the Lions gear up for the 2025 CFL season.

“There’s going to be games and face painting and bouncy castles for the kids,” Baker said. “Accessibility is huge, getting player autographs, getting to talk to players, take pictures that is what makes the Canadian Football League more unique.”

The ever-popular Play with the Pros Clinic for kids aged six to 13 will also be held between 6:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., May 24. Baker says registration will open soon.

“I encourage parents with kids interested to keep checking our website everyday, because you’re right that will sell-out quickly,” Baker said. “It’s definitely one of our fun events. It really gets people excited and the players get into it too.”

First-year Lions players will report to Hillside Stadium for training camp on May 7. Veteran players will join them three days later on May 10.

The Lions will play two pre-season games this year – against Calgary at Starlight Stadium in Langford Victoria Day Monday, May 19, and then at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Friday, May 30.

They will host the Edmonton Elks at BC Place on Saturday, June 7 to begin the CFL regular season.

The Lions have been coming to Kamloops for training camp since 2010, and will be here until at least 2026. There is also an option for 2027 included in the current agreement with the City of Kamloops.

During training camp, the Leos take over Hillside Stadium, as well as parts of the Tournament Capital Centre and other facilities on the Thompson Rivers University campus.

You can find a schedule of events for FanFest here. A full training camp schedule will be released in early April.

“FanFest is a marquee event on our calendar that helps us officially launch a new season while enabling our great fans to establish a connection to our team,” Lions president Duane Vienneau, said in a news release.

“We thank our great Lion fans and great partners at BCLC for making this event possible to execute.”