I can remember coming out of the locker room just before the introduction of the teams and the whole stadium was full and spectacular. We ended up winning and then the following week we played the Grey Cup game at BC Place against the Bombers. You have to remember, McCallum was the kicker in 2004 who missed the field goal in overtime for the Riders. He came up to me and he said, 'Hey Coach, I got this,' and I replied, 'If you’ve got it, go out and do it.' Then he walked out there and kicked a 53-yard field goal under tremendous pressure. Even as the coach, I didn’t think he could do it. I remember Paul McCallum trying a 53-yard field goal. The stadium had just reopen, I think we had played 3 or 4 home games, and then we had a huge crowd for the semi-final. I remember we played the Western Final in 2011 against the Calgary Stampeders. That was not only a memorable win, but memorable because we had so many doubters. Then we got the 1st down, Dave threw a touchdown to Geroy Simon and we ended up going to the Grey Cup. Dave Dickenson replaced Casey Printers and on 3rd and 23 Dave dropped back, held the ball and then threw it to Jason Clermont who caught it for a 25-yard completion. If we hadn’t gotten the 1st down the game would’ve been over. The atmosphere was unbelievable and the game was unbelievable. It was a milestone for the new BC Lions under Bob Ackles because we had a home playoff game and the media doubted that we could ever sell out BC Place. Then when I was with the Lions, I remember our Western Final in 2004 was a sellout. It was such an exciting time because at that point Doug had a huge following and the games were always thrilling with the noise and the crowd. My first game as a head coach wasn’t a win, wasn’t a loss, it was a tie. He did to us what he became famous for, which was throw a touchdown pass late in the game. Then, Doug scrambles around, does a Hail Mary and throws a touchdown which ties the game. The thing that was amazing about that game: going into the last play or two of the game, we were up by 7 points. My first game as a head coach was against Doug Flutie and the Lions at BC Place in 1990. "Looking back on my time at BC Place, there are a handful of games and memories that stand out. This week we chat with CFL legend and former BC Lions head coach, Wally Buono.Īs someone who spent countless hours at BC Place, what are some of your favourite memories at the stadium? We hope this series inspires you to reflect on your own memories at the stadium and look forward to the day when we can be Together Again under one roof! The Together Again series is an opportunity to share stories from British Columbians who have a strong connection to BC Place - and the events that bring it to life.
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