Tailgating is a great football tradition and as Lions fans we have few options to partake in this fun pastime. Cooking good food in a parking lot amongst fellow fans is a great way to get primed for the game and you meet some great people at the same time.

You don’t have to be a member of BCLionsDen.ca to enjoy a tailgate party. If you’re a Lions fan, or even better, just a fan of of the CFL, stop by and introduce yourself. Bring some grub, your gas grill, some cold beverages, or hot if you prefer, and enjoy the company of friendly Lions fans.

If you’re new to tailgating, here are a few golden rules you should follow to ensure that these functions will be allowed to continue.

Respect what others have started:

Everyone who attends our tailgates has a great time. These things only work because we are responsible and follow our own rules. This season members of BCLionsDen.ca and others will be tailgating in Lot 9 at Empire Field. For a lot of us, this is a real special part of our game day experience, and we’d like to keep it that way. So if you want to cause problems and ruin things for others, then please find another place for your pre-game activities. It only takes one bad apple to ruin it for everyone else.

Respect your neighbours space:

Respect of those around you is key to keeping our tailgaters a success. We also advise that children are often present, so please respect that fact as well and act accordingly around them. Parents should make sure their children are supervised. Your tailgate setup should be contained to your parking spot only.

Use plastic cups:

Please bring cups to drink your preferred beverage. Bottles are discouraged for obvious reasons, cans are highly recommended!  If you don’t have cups with you, please ask one of the regulars who will be glad to provide you with one, or direct you to someone who can. Bring a recyclable bag to put your empty cans in.

Leave the lot as clean as when you got there:

Once we leave, no one should be able to tell a den of hungry and thirsty Lions fans just sat there for 3-4 hours, tailgating up a storm. Take with you what you brought, and make sure all garbage is picked up and taken with you. It’s a real slight against our group and makes our city look like crap to leave your mess behind. Be responsible, and don’t leave your mess for others to clean up.

Fans of ALL teams are always welcome:

As die hard CFL fans, we often travel to other CFL cities to watch our Lions play. Whether you’re an Eskimo, Stampeder, Argo and yes even if you’re a Rider fan (Joke!!!), you are always welcome at our tailgaters. The CFL is a great vehicle to meet people from across the country, who share your love of Canadian football. If you’re from out of town and are attending a Lions game stop by, we’ll buy you a beverage. We all need opponents for our teams to play!

And the most important rule: HAVE A GOOD TIME & BE SAFE!

Tailgating just adds to the whole football experience. We’re all here to have a good time, so come and join us, introduce yourselves and have a good time. Once you get the bug, and see how much fun we have, you’ll be hooked. Above all be smart and make sure you have a safe way to get home after the game!

Where is our tailgate party?

As we mentioned above, our tailgate party this year will be held in Lot 9 at the PNE. Cost to park is $20.00 down from $25.00 from last season, but the options are few. If you choose to walk in and join us, please consider making a donation to one of the regulars who provide the grills and cups and equipment that makes your experience an enjoyable one.

It should be a great season, and if we all follow these simple rules, tailgating can become a great part of your game day experience! See you in the lot!

Also, please be aware of the official PNE Tailgating rules:

‘Tailgating’ will be allowed on PNE on-site parking lots up to three hours prior to the start of each BC Lions home game. Fans wishing to tailgate must abide by the following safety guidelines:

• Tailgating will be allowed on all five PNE operated on-site lots at Hastings Park.
• All cars in the tailgate lots must use one spot and must pay for that spot by purchasing a ticket from the parking attendant.
• Parking stalls are available on a first come, first serve basis.
• All garbage must be bagged and secured in vehicles prior to departure for the game, and must be taken home with you to dispose of.
• All barbecues must be propane operated and must be attended at all times. NO CHARCOAL BARBECUES ARE PERMITTED.
• A fire extinguisher must be present at the tailgate.
• All tailgaters must use appropriate washrooms.
• As per the BC Liquor Control act, public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.