The 2003 BC Lions finished in fourth place in the West Division with an 11–7 record, but they made the playoffs because of the "cross-over" rule.

They appeared in the East-Semi Final.

During the off-season, Bob Ackles engineered the move of longtime Calgary coach Wally Buono to the Lions.

The Lions were also aggressive in free agency signing former Stampeder Dave Dickensen as quarterback.

The Lions wore orange alternate uniforms c. 1954 to celebrate the team's 50th season.