With some exciting new signings, the return of Superman, a new head coach, and Team 100 locked in through 2017, there’s plenty to be excited about for the Lions’ 2015 season. Here’s our pick for the five games you definitey don’t want to miss!
1) Orange is the new Green
The Lions host their home opener in Week 3 against their West Division rivals, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the last time these two teams met has left a bad taste in Leos’ mouths. While BC took the series against Saskatchewan last season, it was the 20-16 loss at home that most will remember. Look for the Orange to come out roaring in front of their home crowd, hungry for redemption.
Why it matters:
The Lions play the Riders three times this season, and two of those games are at BC Place. After their home opener, the Leos travel to Riderville where last season, Andrew Harris had a career game. A win at home in Week 3 could very well set the tone for the season and give the Leos the edge to take the season series.
2) Defending Champs hit the Den
The defending Grey Cup champs don’t make their way west until Week 20 when they return to the very same turf on which they won the hardware. The Leos handed the Stamps their first loss in Week 6 last season and forced Bo Levi-Mitchell’s first interception with Ronnie Yell notching a pick-six off the Calgary pivot. It was a different story when the Stamps headed to BC in Week 20, handing the Leos a 33-16 on their way to a first-place finish and eventual Grey Cup.
Why it matters:
Ummm…beating the defending champs to end the regular season in your home stadium? Yeah.
3) Twice as nice with the Riders
Andrew Harris has been training vigorously in the off-season after an ankle injury sideined him midway through 2014. Expect the star running back to come back hungry in 2015 and eager to continue the terror he started last season in Week 3 in Saskatchewan. Depending on how the previous two contests go with the Riders, this Week 15 matchup could be a tie-breaker.
Why it matters:
Anytime Riderville invades BC Place, it’s always a big game, but imagine how sweet it would taste beating the guys in green twice at home.
4) The Grey Cup hosts commeth
This should be a special game for recently returned Geroy Simon as the first time the blue and gold came to BC in 2014 was the night the Lions raised no. 81 to the rafters. While the Leos lost that contest, they came fighting back in Week 12 downing the Bombers 29-9 at BC Place and then beating them in a nail-biter in Winnipeg to eliminate the Bombers from the playoffs and clich their own spot for the 18th consecutive season.
Why it matters:
The Bombers were aggressive in free agency and the off-season, especially in beefing up their O-Line, while the Lions have mostly stayed away from multiple signings, focusing on their veteran corps. With a chance to win the Grey Cup at home, expect the Bombers to come strong down the last stretch of the season.
Team 100 did serious collateral damage to the Bombers run game in the last two meetings; expect that same fire in 2015.
5) Redemption
The Lions and Als met three times in 2014, with the winner outscoring the loser a total of 115-31, including a hard loss for the Lions in the Eastern Semi-Finals.
Why it Matters:
The last game of the season; the most recent game in memory. The Lions want that one back.
The Week 9 matchup will be the first for these two teams in 2015. The Leos have a bye in Week 10 and then head to Montreal to meet the Als again. A redemption win at home heading into a bye-week mid-season could mean everything for momentum.
Agree with our list? Disagree? Let us know! Which games are you most excited for?
BC Lions 2015 Home Schedule 
Single-Game Seats & Ticket Packs on Sale NOW!
