Hello Rider Fans, it’s only 8 week until Training Camp 2014 begins at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. Football Operations have been prepping for 2014 once the champagne dried after winning the Grey Cup at Mosaic Stadium this past November.
The first look on the field begins this weekend with the mini camp at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. This camp is made up of recently signed free agent players, a few players that were with the Riders in 2013 and the quarterbacks.
Coaches arrived on Wednesday in preparation for the players to arrive Friday afternoon.
Here’s a little look at the facilities that they will be using at the IMG Academy.
This is the entrance to the brand new stadium that was just a sand pile a year ago.
These two photos are of the locker rooms and offices for the Football, Lacrosse and Track coaches. This will house the Riders for the next four days. We will be using multiple meeting rooms as well as their therapy room where therapist, Ivan Gutfriend will set up shop. As the weekend progresses, we will give you a better look at the players and staff at work in these facilities.
Here’s a look at the 5000 seat stadium. This houses IMG’s football, soccer, track and lacrosse events. A fantastic facility for high school level players. There is a tournament here this weekend, so the Riders will use the two field beside this facility.
The Riders have held their spring camp in Bradenton the past three seasons. Perfect playing surface and all of the amenities the Riders need.
Equipment Manager Gordon Gilroy and his assistant Mike MacNeil have been hard at work making things as much like home as possible. They also have to suit up over 30 new players in helmets and shoulder pads, so there will be some long nights ahead of them.
Can’t lie, sun and palm trees make a great background to begin preparing for the quest towards the 2014 Grey Cup in Vancouver.
