Logistical challenges for B.C. Lions training camp in Kamloops loom, with contract extension unsigned

The Lions live on campus at TRU during camp, lodging in an 11-storey residence tower and often eating at the nearby Campus Activity Centre.

TRU is next door to scenic Hillside Stadium, where camp practices are held, and that venue is adjacent to the Tournament Capital Centre, which features the Canada Games Aquatic Centre, workout facilities and meeting rooms.

“The facilities here are second to none,“ Rigmaiden said.

The TRU exam period concluded for this winter semester on April 29, leaving ample time for students to vacate the residence building before the Lions arrived, the CFL club bringing a bulky roster that was trimmed periodically throughout camp. Training camp wrapped up on Thursday (May 28).

This year, the Lions opened mini-camp on May 6 and the veterans arrived on May 10.

CFL training camps next year are scheduled to open in the third week of April (mini-camp on April 21; training camp on April 24), the new wrinkle a change from the traditional format, with the league pushing up the start of its regular season to Victoria Day Weekend.

The tail end of the TRU winter semester next year will overlap with Lions’ camp by about one week, so some students will still be on campus and living in the residence building.

“That seems to be the crux of it, just that timing, and it sounds like it’s affecting a lot of teams because a lot of teams are using universities for their camps,” said Dusan Magdolen, cultural services and events manager for the City of Kamloops. “This is a big contract for TRU dorms. So, is there a possibility to talk to them? Exams end at the end of April, but it’s not like everybody has their final exam on April 28th, right?”

Magdolen said there is intention from both the city and the Lions to activate the contract extension.

“I’m hopeful they can make it work between adjusting how they [the Lions] do things a little bit, looking to work with TRU,” Magdolen said. “If they [TRU] can congregate all the people that will still be there for that final week onto one floor and give them [the Lions] the rest of the floors … something like that. The news wasn’t announced that long ago, so they’re [the Lions] kind of having to sort that out, as well, while running their current camp.”

Magdolen said that if supplemental hotel accommodation is required by the Lions during the first week of camp, the city will encourage talks with local hotels and Tourism Kamloops.

“Maybe the groups can make it work because it’s a fairly big impact to anybody that’s taking them in, so well worth it, and it’s still a bit in the shoulder season,” Magdolen said. “So they might be able to work a deal with a hotel, but I think they’re still having to crunch some numbers and figure some of that out.”

How food service for the Lions at TRU may be affected due to the scheduling change will be of concern, along with the possibility of splitting team members between the dorm and outside accommodation, and the operational roadblocks that may present with travel to the stadium.

Lions’ president Duane Vienneau will be at the forefront of the camp decision for next season. CFJC reached out for comment, with a Lions’ spokesperson replying to say discussions are expected to resume soon and logistical issues will be examined, but the club’s focus for now is on the beginning of the 2026 regular season.

The city paid the Lions $56,650 and $58,350 to host camp in 2025 and 2026, respectively. The price tag for 2027 if the option is triggered is $60,000.

“Those things are set,” Magdolen said when asked about the cost to host camp in 2027. “Obviously, if they get into dire straits, that becomes a conversation and maybe we have to take that forward and go, ‘Hey, this is what’s needed because of these things happening,’ but we also have to balance. There are all kinds of community-impact things that we could support. It’s a balancing act, but we’re definitely committed to it and want them to come back.”

When the Lions are in town, there is an estimated economic spinoff of $300,000 per year into the community, the city told CFJC in 2024. The deal includes marketing of Kamloops and the Tournament Capital brand at Lions’ home games and events throughout the season, along with other perks.

FanFest is held each year, attracting tourists to the city and its hotels and restaurants.

Communities across the province are often rumoured to be interested in snaring Lions’ camp, but what Kamloops offers has proven hard to beat.

“Our players and coaches get what we want out of this process,” Rigmaiden said. “It’s all about evaluation. If it were up to me, I think we’d be here for a long time, but that’s something that’s going to be above my pay grade. These are problems our president Duane Vienneau is absolutely adept to handle and we’re absolutely counting on him.”

by Marty Hastings

Logistical challenges for B.C. Lions training camp in Kamloops loom, with contract extension unsigned

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