BC Lions Season Update: Kelowna Triumph & The Road Ahead

Jen Field

Performance Recap: BC Lions vs. Edmonton Elks

The BC Lions delivered a dominant performance at the conclusion of the "Touchdown Kelowna" series at the Apple Bowl, securing a 36-24 victory over the Edmonton Elks on July 4, 2026. The Lions looked like a different team. This win was a critical turning point for the franchise early in the season.

Finally ending the slump, the victory marked the Lions’ first win of the 2026 season, successfully recovering from a difficult 0-3 start. BC handed the Elks their first loss of the season, ending their undefeated three-game winning streak.

Head Coach, Buck Pierce, praised the squad for getting through the rough patches and standing ground on a great effort that required high-level execution from the offense, defense, and special teams.

Lions’ running back, James Butler, was recognized as one of its top three Players of the Week by the CFL after contributing 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns that helped the Lions control the pace of the game.

Looking Ahead: Return to BC Place

Now the Lions will have a bye week to prepare for the Edmonton Elks once again at Commonwealth Stadium on July 17. The biggest question is whether BC can repeat the formula on the road. Expectation could be a much closer contest than their meeting in the Apple Bowl.

Lions’ homecoming to BC Place later this month should feel more like an opening day celebration than a typical Week 8 CFL game.

BC Place return schedule:

• Next Game: Saturday, July 25, 2026, against the Toronto Argonauts.

• The Venue: This will be the first game played at a newly-renovated BC Place.

• Summer Series: The game marks the start of the BC Lions Summer Series and will include a "Pool Party" theme, a free barbecue on Terry Fox Plaza, and $5 beers throughout the event.