SASKATOON — A couple of big wins are already in the books for the 2026 Saskatchewan Roughriders.
For the first time since 1991, the Green and White will hold a CFL pre-season game in Saskatoon.
The announcement was made on Friday morning, when it was also disclosed that in 2026 the Roughriders will play 10 regular-season home games — instead of the nine that have been the norm since 1986.
With BMO Field hosting World Cup soccer events next summer, the Toronto Argonauts’ home game against the Roughriders will be played at Mosaic Stadium on an as-yet-undetermined date.
Griffiths Stadium, on the University of Saskatchewan campus, will be the site of next year’s home pre-season contest.
“We know we have incredibly passionate fans from Saskatoon and area,” Roughriders President-CEO Craig Reynolds said. “We also know they travel a long way during the summer and fall to attend Rider games.
“We’re happy to play one of our now 11 home games in 2026 right here in their backyard. We know Saskatoon is going to show up with massive energy, like they always do.
“We can’t wait until May 2026 to bring the first pre-season game since 1991 to Saskatoon.”
Also in 2026, Saskatoon will play host to Coors Light Roughriders Training Camp for the 31st time.
Next year’s pre-season game will be a landmark for Griffiths Stadium and the U of S, which will be the site of live CFL competition for the first time. Saskatoon’s Gordie Howe Bowl was the venue when the Roughriders opposed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for pre-season games in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991.
The opponent for the 2026 pre-season game has yet to be determined.
“These events don’t happen without the incredible support and vision of partners who we have with us here in the room this morning,” Reynolds said on Friday.
Next year’s pre-season game will come to fruition with invaluable support from the Province of Saskatchewan, the U of S, the City of Saskatoon, Tourism Saskatchewan and Discover Saskatoon.
“The green carpet shall be rolled out for all of our visitors,” Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block said.
“I get excited about hosting our neighbours from around the province and well beyond. We know we have Rider fans in every province of this country and south of the border as well.
“So come home … come for a visit. We’re happy to host you.”
Season-ticket packages for 2026 will consist of all 10 regular-season home games. Tickets for the Saskatoon-based pre-season game will be sold separately. Details will follow at a later date.
“We love the fact that the Riders are coming up here,” Regina-born U of S Huskies head football coach Scott Flory said. “They’re phenomenal people to work with, with the leadership of Craig Reynolds, Jeremy O’Day and Corey Mace.
“It’s aspirational for our guys to be able to see how professional organizations work, so we’re more than happy to do it. I know the impact on the city. It’s a provincial brand.
“As a kid, I was there. I was in the stands getting Slurpees dumped on me in the south end zone, so I get it.”
Flory can attest to the fact that Griffiths Stadium can accommodate in the neighbourhood of 10,000 people, having seen Huskies fans turn out en masse and occupy every seat and standing-room space.
“I’m pretty sure the magic of a little yellow rope will be holding people back around the track,” Flory said.
“It’ll be crazy. It’ll be a zoo, but it will be outstanding.”
Such are the benefits of multi-party collaboration.
“Today is really a celebration of what happens when community pride meets the power of strong partnerships,” said Terri Nielsen, Discover Saskatoon’s Vice-President of Destination Management.
Reynolds said the concept of a Saskatoon-based pre-season game had been discussed with U of S President Peter Stoicheff for several years. Stoicheff is out of the country and could not attend Friday’s announcement.
“Hosting the game is one more opportunity to strengthen our deep partnership,” U of S Vice-President of University Relations Cheryl Hamelin said.
“The University of Saskatchewan and the Huskies look forward to working with the CFL and the Saskatchewan Roughriders over the coming months to prepare for this game.”
Three members of the Huskies alumni — safety Nelson Lokombo, linebacker Nick Wiebe and offensive lineman Noah Zerr — are currently with the Green and White.
“We try to represent the city and the province as a whole the best that we can as a team,” Lokombo said. “We’re going to continue to try to get better and make the province proud.”
Saskatoon is represented on the current roster by offensive lineman Logan Ferland — who is from Melfort but was born in the Bridge City — and long snapper Jorgen Hus. Ferland and Hus both spend their off-seasons in Saskatoon.
“We’ve always done a really good job of trying to expand and reach everywhere in the province that we can,” said Hus, a Roughrider since 2015.
“In my rookie year, we went all the way to Prince Albert for a day during training camp. We went to Humboldt for a day in 2018 after the tragedy.
“And it’s a great fit in Saskatoon.”
Or anywhere the Roughriders travel to ensure that they represent all of Saskatchewan.
“The Roughriders are more than just a football team. They’re part of our provincial identity,” said Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Advanced Education for the Government of Saskatchewan.
“While beautiful Mosaic Stadium in Regina is their home turf, having them play in Saskatoon is a rare, special opportunity.”
ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP
In May of 2026, the Roughriders’ venue will be the site of another team’s home game for the second time in franchise history.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS’ pre-season opener in their inaugural season was played at historic Mosaic Stadium on June 14, 2014.
Ottawa’s home facility, TD Place, was undergoing renovations at the time. The REDBLACKS did not play there until July 18, 2014.
