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Roughriders to bring pre-season game to Saskatoon
Roughriders to bring pre-season game to Saskatoon

CTV News

timea day ago

  • Sport
  • CTV News

Roughriders to bring pre-season game to Saskatoon

WATCH: For the first time in 35 years, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will play a pre-season game in 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

‘Like I came home': Sask. Roughriders veterans join rookies in training camp
‘Like I came home': Sask. Roughriders veterans join rookies in training camp

CTV News

time11-05-2025

  • Sport
  • CTV News

‘Like I came home': Sask. Roughriders veterans join rookies in training camp

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are back in action, as training camp continues. The first few days were exclusively focused on the rookies, and head coach Corey Mace says once the veteran players hit the field, it showed lots of promise for the 2025 season. 'I told the rookies they had a great camp, that things are going to pick up pretty fast here when the vets came in. And I think they saw that today. So, just for them, the speed of the game, the speed of processing, it was just good, I think, from their experience to see that and what it looks like to be around guys who've done it for a while,' Mace said. This certainly proved true for rookie receiver Daniel Wiebe, a Saskatchewan-born athlete who recently joined the team. 'It's great to be around these guys. They're pro players, they know how to do it. They know how to get the job done. So, [I'm] just trying to learn as much as I can from these guys,' Wiebe said. Wiebe is no stranger to green and white, thanks to his time with the U of S Huskies. Riders training camp is hosted on the Huskies' home field at Griffiths Stadium, which Wiebe described as a full-circle experience. 'It's an amazing feeling, especially being at home with the Riders. I've dreamed of playing with the Riders since I was a kid. So, it's a blessing for sure.' Coach Mace says the rookie has had an impressive week so far. 'He's a confident kid, man, and he knows exactly what it means to be a pro. And it's really special that he's putting on the green and white,' Mace said. While the rookies are finding their footing among the team, several vets shared that they're also thrilled to be back on the turf. 'This is the first time since 2018 I felt like I came home. Stepping into this province, stepping in with these guys, with the coaches and whatnot, I felt like I came home, and I think a lot of guys kind of have that same sentiment,' quarterback Trevor Harris said. Trevor Harris signed a year-long extension during the offseason. While the 38-year-old quarterback battled two knee injuries in the last season, he says thanks to lots of offseason work, his 'knee feels brand new.' Mace also echoes confidence in his quarterback. 'Trevor is a worker... Whether it was rehab or just attacking his offseason, that guy is a worker, and he's probably one of the best on the team. I'm just excited to see him come out here and lead like he has been doing,' Mace said. The 2024 season left the Riders with a 9-8-1 record, and Harris says his confidence in the team's ability to build off of that. 'We got to take the training wheels off toward the end of the year. Now, I think we could be riding some mopeds and some motorcycles by the end of the year,' Harris said with a laugh. Both Mace and Harris shared that the team has remained consistent, and they're building towards big goals in the 2025 season. 'There's no complacency in this group. That's what we love about it... This group is just ready to get going,' Mace said. 'A lot of people talk about continuity, and for very good reason. But I think you have to ask yourself with continuity, have you reached a ceiling? Have we tapped out who we are? And we're not even close to that,' Harris said.

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