
BC Lions players during training camp in Kamloops in 2022. (Photo via Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)
The BC Lions will continue to call Kamloops their training camp home after coming to an agreement with the City for two more years with an option for a third.
The agreement guarantees that the Lions will come to Kamloops for their three-week long training camp in 2025 and 2026, and potentially 2027 if the City triggers the option for the extra year.
The Leos take over Hillside Stadium, as well as parts of the Tournament Capital Centre and other facilities on the Thompson Rivers University campus during training camp, which has been held in Kamloops since 2010.
“Right now Kamloops is the right spot. If you don’t have the facilities and the things needed to run a professional football camp than it’s a no go,” Lions General Manager and Director of Football Operations Neil McEvoy told NL Sports.
“Until we can’t come to an agreement we will just keep going. I like the fact it’s something we know. We will just continue to make it as good as it can be.”
The @BCLions and the City of Kamloops have extended their Training Camp agreement now through 2026 with an option for the 2027 season. Next year will be 15 years in the Tournament Capital. #Kamloops pic.twitter.com/gtTUWz5Xis
— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) August 6, 2024
Dušan Magdolen, the City’s Cultural Services and Events Manager told NL Sports that the City will pay the Lions $56,650 in 2025, $58,350 in 2026 and $60,000 if the option for 2027 is triggered.
Those figures are up slightly from the $55,000 the City paid the Leos as part of the previous agreement that was inked in 2022. According to the City, Kamloops gets an estimated economic spinoff of $300,000 per year through numerous in-game and other promotions at Lions’ home games and events during the season.
“Not only does this partnership speak to the calibre of our facilities, amenities, and staff, but gives our city the opportunity to connect with BC’s premiere football club through programs, engagement events, and the ever-popular FanFest,” Magdolen said.
A new addition this year was an expanded Fan Fest that saw the event take over a section of the downtown core of Kamloops.
More to come