The BC Lions Football Club will begin the 2009 CFL regular season on the road with a rematch of their West Division Semi-Final from a year ago as they travel to Regina to take on the Roughriders on Friday, July 3.
The Leos will launch their home schedule a week later on Friday, July 10, as they play host to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The rest of the recently released 2009 CFL schedule includes six more Friday night match-ups as well as two Saturday night games under the dome. The Lions will become road warriors of sorts as they venture away from BC Place for three consecutive games in October but will enjoy a slight advantage over division rivals finishing the regular season with a two-game home stand.
"We are pleased with the 2009 schedule," said Lions vice president, business, George Chayka. "Friday nights have been secured for games during the summer with a consistent starting time of 7:30 pm and our two Saturday night games in the fall will begin at 7:00 pm."
The remainder of the Leos' home schedule includes two visits by the Grey Cup champion Calgary Stampeders on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, October 31, as well as two visits by the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday, August 7 and Friday, October 2. The Edmonton Eskimos will make one trip to BC Place on Friday, November 6th to finish up the 2009 regular season.
"I believe this is a good schedule for our team but one that will also present some challenges which is great for fans," said Lions GM and head coach, Wally Buono.
"From a player standpoint, consistently playing on Friday nights at home makes our practice schedule more effective and it will be an advantage to finish with two home games against division rivals."
East Division champion Montreal Alouettes will make the trek west on Friday, September 4, while the new-look Toronto Argonauts make their lone trip to Vancouver on Saturday, September 19. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will travel out west on Friday, August 21.
During the pre-season, the Lions travel to Calgary on Wednesday, June 17, and will face the Edmonton Eskimos at home on Tuesday, June 23..
For a complete look at the Lions' schedule, check out the team's website a http://www.bclions.com.
