Photo Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards
Fans are cordially invited to Mosaic Stadium by the Saskatchewan Roughriders before players and staff members Go-Go to Saskatoon for training camp.
The inaugural Rider Rally is scheduled for Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., during which time a variety of activities will take place.
The agenda will include two 45-minute sets by Dangerous Cheese — a colourful cover band that will treat those who attend the event to a slice of 1980s music.
The playlist includes selections such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go!” (Wham!, 1984) and “Beat It” (Michael Jackson, 1982).
The price: You can’t beat it.
Fans of all ages will be admitted free of charge.
“It’s the first time this year for fans to come back to the stadium and take it all in,” says the Roughriders’ Event Co-ordinator, Eva Fletcher, who is integrally involved in the preparations for and execution of the Rider Rally.
Fletcher and her colleagues have been working on the event since February, when it was suggested by Chief Brand Officer Anthony Partipilo.
“We’ve been looking out our office windows at an empty stadium for some time now,” Fletcher says. “We can’t wait to see our fans again and celebrate that football is back and the Riders are back.”
Not only in the stadium, but also on the field.
The program includes a variety of family-oriented activities, such as face-painting, interactive games, a field-goal-kicking station, and an assortment of inflatables.
“The adult-friendly inflatables will be so much fun,” Fletcher says. “That’s a new one for us and for our fans.
“Plus, I get to test them out in advance.”
Where else can you find inflation and free admission?
“For one of the inflatables, you can put on a Velcro vest, run at a fuzzy wall, and stick yourself to it from a number of angles,” continued Fletcher, who clearly has a vested interest.
“I can’t wait to put the Velcro vest on.”
The rest of the program will include appearances by Gainer the Gopher, the 620 CKRM Rider Pep Band, and the 620 CKRM Rider Cheer Team.
Beginning at 11:30 a.m., members of the Cheer Team will teach people how to dance to the Roughriders’ third-quarter-stretch anthem, The Last Saskatchewan Pirate.
Dangerous Cheese’s sets are to begin at noon and 1:45 p.m.
If the mere mention of Cheese tempts the palate,
keep in mind that the Western Pizza outlet will be open on the concourse.
For anyone who has a craving for a deep dive into football, a question-and-answer session is scheduled for 1:15 p.m.
In-game host Mark Johnston will moderate a discussion that will feature quarterbacks Trevor Harris, Mason Fine and Shea Patterson, along with receivers Jake Wieneke and Shawn Bane Jr.
“And the video crew will be here, so you might be on the MaxTron,” Fletcher points out. “So put on your best Rider-themed gear and come on out!”
Free parking will be available on REAL District’s south lot, near the Brandt Centre.
Fans are asked to enter the venue via Gate 1, located on the southwest corner of Mosaic Stadium.
