After months hiding a B次元官网网址榤onumentalB次元官网网址� secret from his family, friends and the community, Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson has finally come clean.

The B.C. Lions will touchdown on Monday May 19 at LangfordB次元官网网址檚 Starlight Stadium for a pre-season game against the Calgary Stampeders, he confessed at a press conference on Thursday (Feb. 6), finally unburdened of his secret.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e just been chomping at the bit to get here and announce this,B次元官网网址� he told Goldstream Gazette after the announcement. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been very hard to keep it a secret from friends and family B次元官网网址� my wife knew something big was happening.B次元官网网址�

His next stop? Straight to his parentsB次元官网网址� house to surprise them with the news. B次元官网网址淭hey're going to be very excited.B次元官网网址�

Already confirmed for the starting line-up is Victoria-born star quarterback Nathan Rourke, who describes playing on home-turf as B次元官网网址渆xtra special.B次元官网网址�

The Langford game will mark the return of the Lions to Starlight Stadium, who used the venue as a training ground ahead of last yearB次元官网网址檚 Touchdown Pacific event in Victoria. Rourke says he and his teammates are excited to return and experience the thrill of playing again in a smaller stadium.

B次元官网网址淭he guys felt like it was a little bit like a college field,B次元官网网址� he said about the Victoria game. B次元官网网址淏ecause the fans are just right on top of you B次元官网网址� so the smaller venues are really fun actually, because they're just a lot more intimate.B次元官网网址�

As well as kicking off the season on home-turf, the quarterback hopes to also kick-start the next generation of Vancouver Island football stars.

B次元官网网址淚t's always cool to be that kind of inspiration for kids,B次元官网网址� said Rourke, who was drafted by the Lions in 2020. B次元官网网址淕rowing up for me, there was not a ton of Canadians that did what B次元官网网址� I aspired to do, and so to be able to be that is really special."

Goodmanson agrees, noting the event will provide a unique opportunity for local youths to witness professional sports in their hometown, especially for LangfordB次元官网网址檚 junior football club, the Westshore Rebels.

B次元官网网址淭hese guys are going to love watching the Lions,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淎nd we've had Rebels players make it to the CFL.B次元官网网址�

When the Lions played in Victoria last year, Destination Greater Victoria estimated the overall economic impact was $16 million for the region. 

It is anticipated the May 19 game will have the same effect for the Capital Regional District, Langford especially, says Goodmanson.

B次元官网网址淭his could not have come at a better time,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲e really can't overemphasize how much of a benefit this could be to the local economy B次元官网网址� it is a fantastic move for us.B次元官网网址�

For Duane Vienneau, president of the B.C. Lions, the decision to return to Langford was an easy one, after the reception the players received last year ahead of the Pacific Touchdown event.

B次元官网网址淲e knew we had to come back and have a game here,B次元官网网址� he said.

Game day at Starlight Stadium will also include a fun line-up of pre-game fan activities including live music, food trucks, and a variety of family activities and games.

Ticket go on sale March 11, with priority given to B.C. Lions season ticket members, who will be able to opt in for their seats to the Langford pre-season game.

B次元官网网址淲hether you're a lifelong fan or new to the game, this is an event you won't want to miss,B次元官网网址� said Goodmanson. B次元官网网址淏ring your family, your friends and neighbours, and let's fill Starlight Stadium with our cheers and enthusiasm. 

B次元官网网址淕o Lions.B次元官网网址�