Roughriders to bring pre-season game to Saskatoon
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are set to bring a pre-season game to Saskatoon for the first time since 1991. The game will be hosted at Griffiths Stadium on the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) campus in 2026.
Roughriders made the announcement on Friday, saying the team will play 10 regular-season home games at Mosaic Stadium in 2026, rather than the usual nine.
This change is due to BMO Field hosting 2026 World Cup soccer events, resulting in both Roughriders-versus-Argonauts games being held in Regina.
'Bringing a Saskatchewan Roughriders pre-season game to Saskatoon is a very exciting and unique opportunity for the city,' said Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan, Alana Ross.
'This is more than a football game — it's a celebration of community pride, provincial unity, and the shared love of the game that brings our province together. We can't wait to cheer loud for Rider Nation in Saskatoon next May.'
Tickets for the Saskatoon pre-season game will be sold separately, with purchase and pre-sale details to be announced later.
Saskatoon to host Roughriders' next pre-season game
Roughrider Season Ticket Members' packages will include 10 regular-season home games, plus a possible playoff game.
'We are absolutely thrilled to bring Rider football to Saskatoon!' said Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block. 'Let's pack the stands and show the league what Rider Pride really looks like!'
The last Roughriders pre-season game in Saskatoon was in 1991.
Block said the city used to host the games more frequently and hopes this becomes a tradition again.
'Having this be an annual [event] would be a beautiful nod to not only our city, but the unbelievable unity we have right across this province,' Block said.
She welcomes fans from across the province to attend.
'Saskatoon is going to be more than ready to roll out the red carpet and make sure that our neighbours across this great province are treated to the warm hospitality of this city,' she said.
Discover Saskatoon says the game will be a boost for local businesses.
'Visitors come here and fill our hotels. They dine in restaurants, they shop in our stores and experience all that Saskatoon has to offer, and the result is millions in economic activity,' said Terri Nielsen, vice-president of destination management.
The Roughriders are no strangers to Griffiths Stadium, having held their annual training camp there for years.
The U of S says the connection between the two continues to grow.
'There's a strong connection between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Huskies,' said Cheryl Hamelin, vice-president of university relations at U of S.
'Hosting the game is just one more opportunity to strengthen our deep partnership.'
Roughriders say the complete 2026 season schedule, including the dates of the Saskatoon pre-season game and the 10th home regular season game, will be unveiled in the offseason.
Roughriders to bring pre-season game to Saskatoon in 2026
(Hayatullah Amanat/CTV News)
--With files from Stacey Hein
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
32 minutes ago
- CBC
Canada Games cycling brings historic race through downtown St. John's
A much cooler day in downtown St. John's didn't stop heated competition at the Canada Summer Games, as parts of the annual pedestrian mall were turned into a high-speed track for cycling. The criterium races in road cycling were held Saturday on a 1.3 kilometre track across the downtown area. Racers started at Supreme Court in St. John's and rode down Water Street, travelled along Beck's Cove to reach a straightaway at Harbour Drive before travelling up Job's Cove and back to Water Street to complete a lap. The streets were lined with spectators, either watching from the sidewalk or using the pedestrian mall patios at downtown restaurants. "We thought it was going to be really, really cool, but today is just blowing my expectations out of the water entirely. The city has turned out in droves, and most people don't even know about cycling," Karl Smith, co-chair of the Canada Games Host Society, told CBC News after the women's race. "You saw the excitement in that race, and you can't help but be excited when you see something like this." The format of the criterium race also added some drama. The race, also known as a crit, operates under a point system. Points are awarded to the first four riders who cross the finish line every five laps, and double points are awarded to the top four riders at the halfway point and in the final sprint. Smith, also a local cyclist, said the tension and high speeds made him want to get in on the action. "I wanted to be out there so bad, I tell you," he said with a smile. "I wouldn't be able to keep up, but I would have enjoyed it." Ed and Rowanne Collier were among the spectators. They said watching bikes rip through downtown St. John's was a spectacle. "It's great. I love it, I love it. It's amazing," Rowanne said. WATCH | The Canada Games takes to the streets of downtown St. John's: The pedestrian mall was on wheels, as Canada Games cyclists ripped through downtown St. John's 15 hours ago The criterium road-cycling race saw competitors tear through downtown streets, around a 1.3 km track. There were high speeds — and high drama. The CBC's Alex Kennedy was there. Courtney Abbott, a Team Newfoundland and Labrador cyclist from Mount Pearl, said she soaked in her first shot at national competition in front of the home fans. "Everybody cheering me on is so much fun. Not even people I know, just cheering me on is just so much fun," Abbott, 18, said. "They're waving cowbells, Newfoundland flags. It gets the energy going, and me pushing a lot harder." Abbott also competed in races on the Team Gushue Highway over her week at the Canada Games, and said it made for a memorable experience. "The overall atmosphere is just, like, unimaginable."
CBC
32 minutes ago
- CBC
Rapid, Wild post shutout wins in NSL
Social Sharing Delaney Pridham scored in the eighth minute then added another goal eight minutes later as the visiting Ottawa Rapid defeated the Montreal Roses 2-0 in Northern Super League action on Saturday. Melissa Dagenais made two saves to record the clean sheet for the visitors. WATCH | Rapid shut down Roses 2-0, tighten up 2nd place in NSL standings: Rapid shut down Roses 2-0, tighten up 2nd place in NSL standings 16 hours ago The Roses controlled possession for 59 per cent of the match, and outshot the Rapid 15-6, but the visitors led 3-2 in on-target shots. The Roses took six corners, while the Rapid received the only two yellow cards of the match. The Rapid overtake the Roses for second place with a 7-4-5 record and 25 points. Wild defeat Tides In Calgary, Kathryn Harvey scored in the 59th minute and the host Wild defeated the Halifax Tides 1-0. Stephanie Bukovec made three saves to record the clean sheet. Calgary Wild defeat Halifax Tides at McMahon Stadium 14 hours ago Kathryn Harvey's first NSL goal lifts Calgary Wild FC to a 1-0 victory over Halifax Tides FC. The Wild controlled possession for 58 per cent of the match. The Tides outshot the hosts 13-9, but Calgary led 4-3 in on-target shots. The Wild took eight corners compared to the Tides' seven, and the visitors took three of the match's four yellow cards.
CBC
5 hours ago
- CBC
'A big loss for the community': Friends, family mourn Scarborough basketball player
Scarborough community members are mourning a young basketball star in the making who recently lost his battle to brain cancer. CBC's Naama Weingarten spoke to teammates and friends about how they're remembering Affan Razzaq.
