As we approach week 1 of the Canadian Football League’s 2025 preseason, Monday’s line-up features a matchup between western division rivals.

What football games are on today?

Calgary Stampeders at BC Lions

Location: Starlight Stadium, Langford, B.C.
Game Date: Monday, May 19
Time: 4:00 p.m. EST (2:00 p.m. MT)
Streaming: CFL+
Radio: QR Calgary radio

Calgary Stampeders Preview

The Stampeders open their preseason without their regular season starter Vernon Adams Jr., giving P.J. Walker the opportunity to take first-team reps. Walker will make his CFL debut after signing with Calgary in the offseason. Quarterbacks Logan Bonner, Josh Love, and 2025 CFL draft pick Quincy Vaughn will also see action under center during the exhibition contest.

Rookie receiver Damien Alford, selected first overall in this year’s CFL draft, will make his first appearance in Stampeders colors. The coaching staff has made it clear this game is about evaluating young talent. “We decided that the young guys will get the first shot,” said general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson, explaining the decision to leave most veterans in Calgary.

BC Lions Preview

The Lions enter 2025 looking to improve after their West Division Semi-Final exit against Saskatchewan last season. Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke will suit up for the Lions in this preseason opener. Rourke, born in Victoria with family still in the area, is the only projected starter dressing for the contest at Starlight Stadium.

Rourke is working to regain his 2022 form when he won Most Outstanding Canadian. His 2024 return from the NFL produced mixed results with 1,781 passing yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions across nine games. He’ll share quarterback duties with veteran Jeremiah Masoli and developing prospect Chase Brice.

Several Lions players will compete for starting roles, including Tyler Coyle at strong-side linebacker, Robert Carter Jr. at field halfback, Johnny Dixon at boundary cornerback, George Una at right guard, and Carl Meyer at punter.

Head-to-Head History

This marks the 11th consecutive preseason meeting between these teams, a streak dating back to 2013 (interrupted only in 2020 and 2021 when no exhibition games were played). Calgary won last year’s preseason matchup 30-6 at McMahon Stadium.

The teams split their 2024 regular season series with BC winning two of three contests. The lone Calgary victory came by a narrow 25-24 margin in Week 7. The teams will face each other twice during the 2025 regular season in Week 16 (Calgary) and Week 18 (Vancouver).