With last week’s mini-camp in the books and the calendar about to flip to May, preparations for training camp and the 65th season of BC Lions football have kicked into high gear. Wally Buono and his entire coaching staff have already begun the long office hours required to put a championship football team on the field. Here is a look at some upcoming important dates on the Lions’ calendar!

Thursday, May 3rd- 2018 CFL Draft

The fun officially gets underway at 5:00 PM Pacific Time, with the Lions picking third and seventh overall after a trade with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. GM Ed Hervey, CFL Draft Coordinator Geroy Simon, and the entire brass continue to evaluate all of the important magnets on their draft board. The Lions also hold the 12th, 21st, 38th, 46th, 47th and 54th picks. Their fourth-round selection ( 29th overall) was traded to Ottawa for Odell Willis, while the eighth-round pick (63rd overall) went to Saskatchewan to complete the trade for safety Mike Edem on May 12th, 2017. The Lions’ 47th overall selection comes from the Riders in that same deal.

Once again, there is no shortage of elite offensive line prospects projected to go in round one. UBC’s Dakoda Shepley signed with the New York Jets over the weekend, while Bowling Green product Ryan Hunter agreed to a deal with Kansas City. David Knevel of Nebraska and Mark Korte of the Alberta Golden Bears are scheduled to visit various NFL mini-camps. BCLions.com will have full draft coverage, including articles, videos and behind the scenes content in the club’s war room.

Saturday, May 12th- Dallas Free Agent Camp

The club’s final US free agent camp takes place at Eagle-Mustang Stadium in Richardson, Texas. Quarterback Ricky Lloyd, who attended last week’s OTA, attended the free agent camps in Los Angeles and San Jose.

Saturday, May 19th- All Players and Staff Report To Hillside Stadium in Kamloops

Unlike the last several years, there will be no three-day rookie camp for first-year CFLers ahead of the main event. Following the first official team meeting of 2018 on Saturday night, the double practices kick off on Sunday, the 20th. Click here for the entire training camp schedule, including practice times.

Saturday, May 26th- Fanfest, 5:00-10:00 PM at Hillside Stadium

Lions fans making the trip up to training camp and those in the Kamloops area can start making their plans! Once again, the event will feature a scrimmage game, autograph opportunities and some food and beverage options. Full details to follow.

Friday, June 1st- Preseason Opener In Calgary

For a second straight year, the pre-season starts with a short flight from Kamloops to Calgary. The team will immediately return to Kamloops until camp breaks on Wednesday, June 6th.

Saturday, June 16th- Regular Season Opener Vs. Montreal

Eight days after a home pre-season tilt with the Blue Bombers, it all begins for real against another squad looking to bounce back from a dismal 2017. This is the first time the Alouettes are here to open the season since 1981.

Buckle up, it’s about to get going!

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com