Province giving Kelowna $1 million for BC Lions games

The provincial government is giving Kelowna $1 million to help support Touchdown Kelowna, a two-game BC Lions series.

The provincial funding is to help the city host the games and the 10-day fan festival at the Apple Bowl, according to a press release from the Ministry of Tourism issued today, March 26.

“Bringing high‑calibre sporting events like these to smaller communities is an important pillar of B.C.’s Tourism Sector Action Plan to double visitor spending by 2036,” Tourism Minister Anne Kang said in the release.

Touchdown Kelowna’s first game against the Calgary Stampeders kicks off at 4 p.m. on June 27 and the game against the Edmonton Elks is on July 4.

The money from the province is going to go to additional seating at the Apple Bowl, temporary stadium improvements and support for open events related to the games.

Touchdown Kelowna is expected to bring in 35,000 fans and an estimated $60 million economic benefit for the city.

“By supporting Touchdown Kelowna, we are helping strengthen the local economy, support local businesses and create good‑paying jobs, helping build a strong, independent economy for British Columbians and their families,” Kang said.

The 10-day festival is going to have live music and entertainment, food vendors and family-oriented activities, and many of the events will be free.

“Featuring two BC Lions games surrounded by a week-long festival, this event will energize our city and bring fans from across the country, support local businesses and deliver a significant economic boost across our region,” Kelowna mayor Tom Dyas said in the release.