Okanagan College steps up to support Touchdown Kelowna

Touchdown Kelowna takes the field this Canada Day week, bringing a football festival running from June 27 to July 4, anchored by two regular season BC Lions games in Kelowna. 

The Lions will face the Calgary Stampeders on June 27 and the Edmonton Elks on July 4 at the Apple Bowl, marking a rare opportunity for fans to experience regular season CFL football in the city. Additional festival activities will include concerts and a fan festival with interactive games and experiences for the whole family. 

Touchdown Kelowna is delivered through a partnership between the BC Lions and the City of Kelowna, with Okanagan College stepping up as the Presenting Sponsor to help make the event possible. As part of the partnership, the Lions will call the Okanagan College campus home between the two games, with the College providing on-campus housing and playing a hands-on role throughout festival week. 

“We are grateful to Okanagan College for their partnership, their continued contributions to our community, and for recognizing the importance of bringing events like this to Kelowna,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “We are ready to welcome the BC Lions and football fans from across the country, and we look forward to the energy and economic activity this event will bring.” 

Okanagan College is also leading volunteer recruitment for the event and actively participating in festival programming, planning, and on-campus activities.  

The Touchdown Kelowna event is expected to attract significant attendance throughout the week, generate national broadcast exposure, and deliver an estimated $50 to $60 million in economic impact. Benefits are anticipated across tourism, hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors, including increased hotel occupancy, restaurant traffic, and passenger activity at Kelowna International Airport. 

Hosting Touchdown Kelowna aligns with the City’s broader commitment to sport, community connection, and social wellness by creating opportunities for people to gather, celebrate, and share in a nationally recognized event during Canada Day week. 

Tickets are available beginning on Feb. 26 at bclions.com/touchdown-kelowna.