The BC Lions history tells the inspiring story of the Vancouver BC Lions, one of the most iconic franchises in Canadian football. Established in 1954, the Football BC Lions have built a tradition of strength, passion, and success. Their dedication to excellence has made them a cornerstone team in the Canadian Football League’s proud legacy.
Established
1954
City
Vancouver
League History
1958 – Present / Canadian Football League
Team History
1954 - Present / BC Lions
Nickname
Lions - The BC Lions are among the most iconic Canadian Football League (CFL) teams. But did you know BC Lions history and that their nickname has a fascinating origin story?
BC Lions Origin
It all started in 1954 when then-owner Bill Hughes renamed his team from its original moniker—the Vancouver Panthers. He wanted something more symbolic and powerful to represent his football club. After much debate and consideration, he settled on “Lions, " which was meant to reflect British Columbia’s majestic coastal mountain range known as The Lions.
It wasn't just about representing geographical features; there was also an element of pride for local sports fans looking for a team they could call their own. By choosing this name, Hughes showed that he valued loyalty and unity among supporters, which still rings true today with passionate BC Lion fans!
In addition to being geographically significant, the name ‘Lions’ also carries strong cultural symbolism within Canada itself – particularly amongst Indigenous Canadians who view lions as symbols of strength and courage in battle or during difficult times. This further reinforces why this particular choice is so meaningful locally and nationally too!
For over 65 years since its inception in 1954 under Bill Hughes' ownership - The BC Lions history have been proudly represented by their namesake throughout countless games played at home or away - giving sports fanatics everywhere another reason why they should root for them every season! So if you're looking for a CFL team whose history is steeped with meaning behind its name while having plenty of loyal support from locals around British Columbia - look no further than your beloved hometown heroes: The BC Lions!
Championship
Grey Cup 6
2011, 2006, 2000, 1994, 1985, 1964
Stadium
1983 - Present / BC Place
1954 - 1982 / Empire Stadium
Owner
1996 - Present / David Braley
1996 / Canadian Football League
1996 / Nelson Skalbania and Michael Jensen
1992 - 1996 / Bill Comrie
1992 / Canadian Football League
1989 - 1992 / Murray Pezim
1953 - 1989 / Community - Widely Held
1956 - 1960 / John Bassett, Charlie Burns and Eric Cradock
1873 - 1956 / Community - Widely Held
- 1953
- 1965
- 1985
- 1994
- 2000
- 2006
- 2011
-
Lions Team Formation
1On January 22, 1953, the first annual meeting of the club was held. In that meeting, Arthur E. Mercer was hired as the club’s first president. Later in the year, Mercer, Bill Morgan, Bill Ralston, and Whit Matthews went back to the WlFU meetings. This time, they sold the idea of a fifth Western team, and Vancouver was granted a ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1964
After achieving an 11–2–3 regular-season record in 1964, and defeating the Calgary Stampeders in a three-game series in the Western Conference finals, the Lions advanced to meet the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a Grey Cup rematch at Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium. In the rematch, BC got their revenge as Kapp, Fleming, and Bill Munsey, who gave a two-touchdown, two-way starring effort, helped ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1985
The Lions’ 1985 season began with much promise. Mervyn Fernandez shattered several teams receiving records and second-year receiver Jim Sandusky broke the 1,000-yard mark. Rookie defensive tackle Mike Gray was the most visible of several rookies. With the depth and few injuries, the final season record of 13–3 was the best in team history, bringing the Lions their third consecutive ... -
Grey Cup Champs 1994
The 82nd Grey Cup was the 1994 Canadian Football League championship game played between the Baltimore Football Club and the BC Lions at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was the first championship in professional football history to feature a United States-vs-Canada matchup. The Lions won the game by a score of 26–23, on a last-second field-goal by ... -
Grey Cup Champs 2000
The 88th Grey Cup (Canadian Football League championship) was held in 2000 in Calgary. The BC Lions won the game 28–26 over the Montreal Alouettes. The Lions, who finished 8–10 with an overtime loss during the regular season, became the first team ever to finish with a regular-season record below .500 and win the Grey Cup. -
Grey Cup Champs 2006
The 94th Grey Cup game took place on November 19, 2006, at Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba before 44,786 fans. Ticket prices ranged from $141 and $275. The game decided the championship of the 2006 Canadian Football League season. The BC Lions defeated the Montreal Alouettes, 25-14. -
Grey Cup Champs 2011
The 99th Grey Cup was a Canadian football game between the East Division champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the West Division champion BC Lions to decide the champion of the Canadian Football League in the 2011 season. The Lions defeated the Blue Bombers 34–23 and became the first team in CFL history to win the Grey Cup after starting the season with five straight losses. They also became the first team to win the championship ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
BC Lions History
The BC Lions history began in 1954 when the team was founded in VANCOUVER, British Columbia, as part of the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU). When the CFL was officially formed in 1958, the Vancouver BC Lions became one of its cornerstone franchises. Over the decades, the Football BC Lions have built a reputation for consistency, determination, and championship excellence, proudly winning multiple Grey Cups and earning their place among Canada’s most iconic football teams.
Throughout BC Lions history, several defining moments have shaped the franchise. One of the most unforgettable came in 1994, when quarterback Damon Allen led the Vancouver BC Lions to a thrilling Grey Cup victory over the Baltimore Stallions. That championship win became one of the greatest games in CFL history and showcased the resilience that defines Football BC Lions culture. Legendary figures such as Lui Passaglia, Wally Buono, and Geroy Simon have also been instrumental in the team’s rise, helping cement their status as a powerhouse within the CFL league.
Another golden chapter in BC Lions history came during the 2000s under head coach Wally Buono, one of the winningest coaches in CFL history. His leadership brought renewed success and multiple playoff appearances, including Grey Cup triumphs in 2006 and 2011. These victories solidified the Vancouver BC Lions as one of the most successful franchises in the modern CFL era.
Lions Achievements
Beyond the field, the Football BC Lions have played a vital role in their community, inspiring fans throughout British Columbia. The team’s passionate supporters, known for their sea of orange and black at BC Place, embody loyalty and pride unmatched in Canadian sports. Whether at home or on the road, the roar of the BC Lions fans symbolizes unwavering support for a team that continues to define excellence in Canadian football.
1994 Grey Cup Victory
The BC Lions history was forever changed by their dramatic 1994 Grey Cup win. Quarterback Damon Allen’s performance and Lui Passaglia’s clutch field goal delivered an unforgettable victory that remains one of the most iconic moments in Vancouver BC Lions and CFL history.
2006 and 2011 Championships
Under coach Wally Buono, the Football BC Lions captured two more Grey Cups, showcasing consistency and elite play. The 2006 and 2011 titles reflected the team’s ongoing dominance in the CFL and strengthened their legacy as one of the league’s premier franchises.
Community Legacy
The BC Lions are deeply connected to the people of VANCOUVER and all of British Columbia. Their fan engagement, community programs, and youth football initiatives make the Vancouver BC Lions more than just a football team—they’re a symbol of pride for the entire province.
Sports Fan Products
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Retired Number
5 / Lui Passaglia
15 / Willie "The Wisp" Fleming
22 / Joe Kapp
30 / Jim "Dirty Thirty" Young
38 / Byron "By" Bailey
52 / Al Wilson
60 / Jamie Taras
64 / Angus Ried
75 / Norm Fieldgate
81 / Geroy Simon
97 / Brent Johnson
*Blue is this team’s history