The BC Lions will be kicking off their home-opener with a new owner on Thursday.
The CFL team revealed on Wednesday that Vancouver businessman Amar Doman is assuming ownership of the franchise following last year’s passing of former owner David Braley.
"This is a very proud day for me and my family," Doman said after being introduced at the Leos' practice facility in Surrey, adding he’d like the first home game of the season to sell out.
“2021 is going to be an exciting year for the Lions.”
Doman is the founder, CEO and sole shareholder of The Futura Corp., which specializes in strategic acquisitions.
He’s also board chairman of Doman Building Materials Group Ltd (TSX:DBM), which he acquired in the late 90s (then known as CanWel Building Materials Group Ltd.) and turned it into one of Canada's largest national distributors of building materials.
Braley’s estate had been responsible for the team since October 2020, while no games have been played within the league since prior to the pandemic.
Leading up to the home-opener, the Lions have been consulting with teams such as the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and the MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates to help navigate a restart that will result in changes to everything from tickets to the stadium’s retractable roof.
Not only will Doman be the first new owner in more than 20 years, but fans will have to grow accustomed to cashless transactions at BC Place, and on-field entertainment like drum-lines and cheer squads moving into the stands to ensure they are kept at a distance from players and support staff.
“The COVID crisis was challenging and then losing Mr. Braley along the way made it all that much worse,” BC Lions president Rick LeLacheur said during Wednesday’s ownership announcement.
“There was of uncertainty and today a lot of those questions that have been lingering have been answered. It’s an exciting time.”
