B.C. Lions to face Grey Cup champion Argos in 2013 CFL home opener

The B.C. Lions released their 2013 Canadian Football League schedule this morning and fans won't have to wait long to get a glimpse of the defending champions. After opening the season in Calgary on June 28, the Lions play host to the Toronto Argonauts in the first game of the year at B.C. Place Stadium on July 4. That game will mark the 1,000th game in B.C. Lions franchise history and the 500th game the team has played at home.

While opening night is always special, the featured game on the calendar comes much later in the season. Lion legend Geroy Simon makes his first—and only—regular season visit to Vancouver with his new team the Saskatchewan Roughriders on October 4. They will see Geroy two weeks earlier when they visit Regina on September 22.

In all, the Lions will play six of their nine home dates on Friday or Saturday nights. They will also host a Sunday afternoon showdown and a holiday Monday game (a 4 p.m. start on August 5 versus Winnipeg) in addition to the Thursday night home opener.