Snoop Dogg to headline concert before historic Elks-Lions CFL home opener

Legendary rapper Snoop Dogg is set to headline the pre-game concert this Saturday before the highly anticipated CFL game in Vancouver. The B.C. Lions will be facing off against the Edmonton Elks at B.C. Place in what will mark the season opener for both teams. This game is historic as it will feature two Canadian starting quarterbacks, B.C.’s Nathan Rourke and Edmonton’s Tre Ford, marking the first time since 1968 that two Canadian QBs have started in the opening week and the first time it’s happened in the same game.

The Lions are pulling out all the stops for the season opener, hosting the fourth concert kickoff with Snoop Dogg as part of the pre-game festivities. Team president Duane Vienneau expressed his excitement about the game, stating that the addition of the concert has electrified the atmosphere. Vienneau hopes that the concert will attract new fans to support the Lions.

“We like kicking off the season with a big punch,” Vienneau said. “Our job is to get ’em there, and then the coaches’ and the players’ job is to put on a good performance on the field … and then next thing you know, we’re continuing to build our attendance.”

In terms of the game itself, B.C.’s Buck Pierce and Edmonton’s Mark Kilam will be making their CFL head-coaching debuts. Rourke, a native of Victoria, re-joined the Lions last season after stints in the NFL with multiple teams. Despite some struggles last year, Vienneau expressed confidence in Rourke’s abilities.

“He’s put in a lot of effort and work. And we’re all very, very confident that Nathan will get back to the form he was in when he was here in ’22 and was just lighting up the league,” Vienneau said.

On the other side, Ford, Edmonton’s first-round pick in ’22, is looking to lead the Elks to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. With the guidance of Kilam and the experience of Ford, Edmonton is aiming for a successful season.

Pierce, who previously served as an assistant with Winnipeg, has joined the Lions as head coach. With his experience in helping the Bombers secure Grey Cup victories, Pierce is looking to lead the Lions to a successful season.

Overall, the stage is set for an exciting matchup between the Lions and the Elks, with the added bonus of a pre-game concert featuring Snoop Dogg. Fans can expect a thrilling game and an unforgettable experience as the CFL season kicks off in Vancouver.