REGINA - Football season is definitely around the corner.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders were helping fans get pumped up for the coming CFL campaign by hosting a Rider Rally on Sunday between 11 AM and 3 PM at Mosaic Stadium.
According to the Roughriders’ Manager of Game Entertainment and Events Seth Strankman, they wanted to “kick off the unofficial start of Roughrider season here in Regina.”
The idea was to allow families to be able to come down to the turf and take part in various games and attractions such cornhole, a field goal kicking station, tossing a football, as well as the many inflatables set up. It all took place on a pleasant May morning and afternoon in which weather conditions cooperated.
Fans could meet Gainer the Gopher, and the event saw the first performances of the season from the Roughriders cheer team as well as the Pep Band. Music was provided though live performances from the Eighties cover band Dangerous Cheese.
A particular highlight was hearing from Riders players, with a question-and-answer session on the main stage featuring Trevor Harris, Mason Fine, Shea Patterson, Jake Wieneke, and Shawn Bane Jr.
Strankman said the event was about “getting everyone excited for football. Football’s back in three weeks now, so ready to rock ‘n’ roll.”
There are several more special events that the Roughriders plan to put on in the coming weeks as the season unfolds. Their first home preseason game is May 27 versus the BC Lions, which will also be Community Culture Night with cultural performances.
The regular season home opener is June 16 versus Winnipeg Blue Bombers and is dubbed Dad’s Night Out in celebration of Father’s Day. Kim Mitchell will be on the stage to perform in the Pepsi Summer Concert Series.
