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If You Build It They Will Come

March 16, 2017 By Brian Wawryshyn

The football tradition of tailgating has a long history, especially in the United States. The two go hand in hand and some enjoy the pregame festivities of a good tailgate more than the game itself.

This week, the BC Lions hinted that this tradition could eventually take place in the shadows of BC Place Stadium. A survey sent out to season ticket holders included this question:

“ If there was a pre-game tailgate experience in a parking lot adjacent to BC Place, where you could bring your own picnic-style food, set up lawn chairs and enjoy pre-game beverages (provided by a licensed 3rd party) up to 2 hours before the game, would you be interested in purchasing a parking pass for your vehicle at this event?”

As someone who has tailgated for almost 13 years, and has fought for the right to do so, I am encouraged that the club has decided to explore this idea. There are obstacles to overcome of course, and in the e-mail, the club acknowledges that “There are still many steps that need to be taken in order to bring some of these great ideas to life…”.

One of those steps would be to work with the various levels of government, and the people who own the parking lots surrounding BC Place Stadium, which has always been brought up in my discussions with the Lions about tailgating and the lack of it in the past.

The quote above also speaks of “bring your own picnic style food”. It’s unclear whether that would include barbeques being permitted, which has also been an issue we have fought for in the past. And really, without a BBQ, a lot of the fun of tailgating is taken away. The smells of the food wafting throughout the lot, the competition between tailgaters to cook elaborate meals are all part of it.

Currently, our group tailgates at the parking lot at Quebec and Terminal, across the street from Science World, thanks to the fine folks at Easy Park, and some help from the city of Vancouver, I was able to get permission to use the lot. As a community, we police ourselves and after we have left, you would never know a tailgate party happened. We leave the lot free of garbage and have never had an incident that would put this privilege in jeopardy.

The perception of some is that tailgating is about drinking, but it isn’t. It’s about cooking yourself and your friends a nice pregame meal and having a few beverages. But most of all it’s about the social aspect and spending time with friends and fellow fans to get geared up for the game. We’ve hosted fans from other teams and Lions players have popped by on their way to and from games.

One thing that is missing from our tailgate is that we aren’t near the stadium. It takes away a little of the atmosphere, and we have about a 15-minute walk to and from the stadium.

The Lions proposed model seems to be following one implemented in Toronto last year, their first at BMO Field. From all accounts, it was a success there and while you can argue it didn’t help their attendance, those that took part enjoyed the experience. Barbeques are permitted, and while you can’t bring your own alcohol, an ice-cold beer is reasonably priced at $4.00.

In Calgary, the tailgating capital of Canada, season ticket holders are sold tailgate passes and there is a waiting list to get one. I would imagine this would be a part of the Lions plan as well, and it’s a good way to do it. It’s another perk of being a season ticket holder and if you abuse the privilege you lose your pass.

Some, even in my group, won’t like this and may even choose to just stay where they are without the imposed rules of any sanctioned tailgate. However, the Lions need to start thinking out of the box to get fans back inside the stadium. This is a good start, and one I would likely support depending on the cost. Making going to a game an event is a key, especially to the younger demographic that the Lions have seen stay away from attending games.

Hopefully, the Lions can work out the issues and make this happen. If you build it, they will come. I’ve seen it happen myself.

The End of an Era in BC

February 9, 2017 By Brian Wawryshyn

On Friday, the BC Lions will likely announce the release of veteran defensive back Ryan Phillips. It will mark the end of an era in the Lions Den and will be the final chapter of one of the best defensive backfields the CFL has ever seen.

Like Korey Banks, and Dante Marsh before him, no player can escape the clock that GM and Head Coach, Wally Buono has in regards to players. Phillips and Buono had been in discussions over his role for 2017, and a reported pay cut as well. The two sides couldn’t agree on those scenarios and it’s reported that Phillips asked for his release.

In their prime, Banks, Marsh and Phillips formed “Lockdown U”. A self-named moniker that held true for several seasons and struck fear into receivers and quarterbacks across the CFL. All three should be inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame one day, and if all is right in the world, all three will also be added to the Lions Ring of Honour as well.

Dante Marsh never played again after his release, Banks ended up in Winnipeg and didn’t last long after they decided he wasn’t a starter. Phillips obviously still feels he can play and is also chasing that 50^th interception, just two away from the mark.

So he will test the waters and see if there are any takers while leaving behind the only CFL team he has played for.

Following the release of Marsh, I wrote a blog a bout how Phillips was the last man standing from the trio of Lockdown U. It was meant as a tribute to Ryan, but as any proud player would, he took exception to my thought that while he wasn’t the best tackler on the team, his leadership was invaluable. We talked about it, and I apologized if he saw it as a slight, but it was never my intention to insult him. He played two more seasons for the Lions and was a huge contributor in mentoring young players like Keynan Parker, Ronnie Yell and TJ Lee, among others.

At the end of last season, Phillips said he had no desire to play anywhere else but BC. Obviously, he has changed his mind, and he has earned that right to try and continue his career. He’s been around Wally Buono long enough to realize that this day might be coming, and he’s ready to end his career in another uniform, just like Geroy Simon. No player is immune when Buono decides the best before date has come.

But make no mistake, Phillips bleeds orange and understands the business of football. Don’t be surprised that when he finally decides to hang up his cleats, he signs a one-day contract in BC and retires a Lion. Very rarely in sports these days do players finish their careers with one team, and Phillips lasted longer than the average player does.

He’s one of the all-time greats, not only as a BC Lion, but as a CFL player, and we were lucky to have him in orange and black as long as we did.

He’ll always be a Lion, no matter where he finishes his career and Lions fans will be ready to welcome him to the Ring of Honour, along with Banks and Marsh when and if the club deems it appropriate. And if there is any question about that, this blogger will be sure to be campaigning hard for it to happen.

Thanks for the memories RP, and all the best on your new adventure.

Crunch Time is Here For BC Lions Free Agents

February 7, 2017 By Brian Wawryshyn

With a week to go before CFL Free Agency opens, Wally Buono and the BC Lions still have some work to do. It’s crunch time for both management and players, and there should be more announcements on signings coming in the week leading up to free agency.

Let’s take a look at where the Lions stand at the moment and some of the key names involved.

Signed:

DB Steven Clarke, LB Solomon Elimimian, RB Jeremiah Johnson, LB Nehemie Kankolongo (N), FB Rolly Lumbala (N), WR Nick Moore, DB Keynan Parker (N), G Hunter Steward (N), DL Bryant Turner Jr.

The Lions got things done early with Solomon Elimimian and it’s a good thing they did with the eventual departure of Adam Bighill. The reigning CFL Defensive Player of the Year will be counted on to continue his all-star play as well as mentor the replacement for Bighill.

Offensively the biggest story so far was getting Jeremiah Johnson signed to a new deal assuring the Lions keep at least half of the CFL’s best rushing attack intact. Farhan Lalji announced on Twitter that the Lions will not be bringing back Anthony Allen, so it remains to be seen what they do with their running game, and if they look at deploying an alternating running back system once again.

On the offensive line, the signing of Hunter Steward will ensure the unit of Jovan Olafioye, Kirby Fabien, Cody Husband and Antonio Johnson will have the chance for continuity, at least to start training camp, with Charles Vaillancourt ready to push for a more prominent role as well.

The rest of those signed, are key depth pieces, and some of them will be looking to play even larger roles this season

Unsigned:

DL Mic’hael Brooks, WR Bryan Burnham, WR Marco Iannuzzi (N), DB TJ Lee, K Paul McCallum (N), WR Terrell Sinkfield Jr., DB Ronnie Yell.

Obviously, the biggest name here is Bryan Burnham who has had numerous NFL workouts this off-season but is still without a contract. The Lions recently re-signed Nick Moore who is coming off an knee injury, but would dearly love to have Burnham back after his breakout season made him a fan favourite and one of the most reliable receivers in the league.

Marco Iannuzzi is still unsigned and it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t want to be back. He’s a reliable receiver that can also return kicks for you. Do the Lions see Stephen Adekolu, Brett Blaszko, or Shag Johnson as players that are ready to take the next step? If so are they willing to let Iannuzzi test the market?

Defensively, the secondary is another key area that needs to be addressed. With Anthony Gaitor released to join Adam Bighill in New Orleans, Ronnie Yell and TJ Lee are pretty important pieces. The issue is that both are coming off pretty serious injuries, and Buono will likely be wary of any huge raises for those players, considering his prudent handling of the same situation with Solomon Elimimian.

That said, the Lions found those players, and they may be confident that can find more if the two sides can’t come to an agreement. Still, a secondary takes some time to gel, and hopefully at least one of the two return.

A tweet by @News1130Sports suggested that the agent for Yell says the two sides are not far apart and his client wants to play in BC, despite some cryptic tweets from Yell early last week.

Settle? Yaaaaa I'll pass.

— Ronnie Yell (@_donpolo) January 31, 2017

So much luv, I appreciate you all, I gotta make them feel me like y'all do. #LUV

— Ronnie Yell (@_donpolo) February 5, 2017

Farhan Lalji says things aren’t going well on the Yell and Lee front.

Steward's deal is for 1 year. So he can try NFL again next year. Negotiations also aren't going well w/ DBs TJ Lee & Ronnie Yell. #BCLions

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 6, 2017

News 1130 says there is hope on Yell.

Ronnie Yell's agent says they've not far apart in talks, his client wants to return to #BCLions

— NEWS 1130 Sports (@NEWS1130Sports) February 6, 2017

It sounds unlikely that Mic’hael Brooks will be back with the Lions. He is intent on finding work in the NFL and if he doesn’t it sounds like he’s looking for money the Lions might not be willing to pay. The fact is, international defensive lineman are part of a pretty deep talent pool, and the Lions probably feel they can plug that hole and they added some insurance when they re-signed Bryant Turner Junior. Jabar Westerman will be allowed to test the waters of free agency, and will likely get a few offers. Whether this an exercise to determine the value and give the Lions a chance to match remains to be seen. It could also mean a bigger role for David Menard, which would be much deserved.

With Bazzie gone, the Lions have some work to do here, either in free agency, or finding that next Cameron Wake.

Released:

DL Alex Bazzie, DB Anthony Gaitor, P Richie Leone, LB Bo Lokombo (N), LB Adam Bighill (Contract clause).

Retired:

C Tim O’Neill (N)

Will go to free agency:

RB Anthony Allen, DL Jabar Westerman (N)

Wally Restored the Roar, But Work Remains On And Off The Field

November 21, 2016 By Brian Wawryshyn

The BC Lions thought they had a shot. Hell, the way they played this season, a lot of people thought they had a shot.

But in the end they came up against a juggernaut that looks to be poised to win the Grey Cup, posting one of the most impressive seasons in league history along the way. The Lions have come a long way in one year, but there is more work to be done, and that was made clear on Sunday.

Make no mistake, the return of Wally Buono had a huge impact on turning this team around. You only have to listen to the players to realize the difference he made. He surrounded himself with good young coaches, who also made strides this season. Khari Jones made the offence dynamic again, with an effective rotation based running game and a vertical passing attack.

Mark Washington had the Lions defence near the top of the league in several categories, and had to work through some major injuries to his secondary, while the defensive line while special teams were solid under Marcello Simmons and one of the most exciting players in the league, Chris Rainey, who remains under contract through 2017.

The Lions have a lot of key pieces in place, including a young dynamic quarterback in Jonathon Jennings, who makes some mistakes from time to time, but isn’t afraid to push the ball downfield, and is only going to get better. They have a young offensive line that was able to stay healthy and gel for the first time in several seasons, and they have two draft picks in the first round to build on that depth if they choose to.

Buono will face challenges and turnover with 24 free agents on the roster this off-season, none bigger than their leader on defence, Solomon Elimimian. Punter Richie Leone will likely get NFL tryouts, and Paul McCallum isn’t the long term answer they need for a place kicker.

Off the field the Lions will face challenges as well. A playoff crowd of just over 19,000 emphasized the work they have cut out for them in that department. Somehow this team has to tap into an apathetic Vancouver sports scene. Winning helps, but there needs to be a connection made with the ticket buyer, through programs and promotions that excite them.

While their street party is nice, the team should explore the option of sanctioned tailgating. The lots around BC Place won’t be there forever, so work a deal out with the lot owners and the city to use them while you can. Other events use these lots, there should be no reason why the Lions can’t utilize them. Follow the model in Calgary where you sell a tailgate pass to season ticket holders, and promote a true football game day experience. If you have to, control the environment by selling beer as they do in Toronto at BMO Field. Make game day an event.

They made some nice additions to the in game experience this year. A drum line that adds atmosphere and that can hopefully be expanded. Some great fan prompts on defence, the addition of an air raid siren to prompt noise on defence instead of constant prompting over the loud speakers. Fans started to catch on to that, and they should keep it up in 2017.

Bringing Fan Fest back to the lower mainland, or at least doing one for your season ticket holders would be good as well. Kamloops is a great for training camp and the Lions have a good setup there. But you need to do an event for your season ticket holders locally. A season ticket holder forum or dinner would also be a nice addition. Make those that support you feel part of the team.

The Lions digital team of Matt Baker and Cole Jackson produced some excellent content this year and the Lions all-access post game videos are some of the coolest things any team in any league has done. In fact, in my opinion, that initiative should be given some type of league award.

Their work in the community continues to be stellar. I don’t think there is a team in the city that does more on a daily basis in this regard.

Then there is the question of leadership at the top. David Braley continues to own the team, but was largely absent due to health issues. Dennis Skulsky who had planned to step back had to stay full time to assume the duties that Braley couldn’t. It may be time for Braley, as much as he’s done for the Lions and the league in general, to put the franchise in new hands. Preferably to a local owner with ties to business community and someone who truly understands the challenges of the Vancouver market.

Wally Buono restored the roar to the Lions in 2016. The challenge now is to take them to the next level in 2017. He’s done it before, and he can do it again, but there is lots of work to do.