One signature event precedes another this weekend at Mosaic Stadium.
Saskatchewan Roughriders supporters will be able to meet the players and get autographs on Saturday during Roughrider Fan Day.
The family-friendly function is to be held in advance of the 60th Labour Day Classic, which will pit the Roughriders against the arch-rival Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Kickoff is slated for Sunday at 5 p.m.
“It really has become a whole weekend worth of events,” President-CEO Craig Reynolds said.
For Fan Day — presented by Capital Automotive Group — the doors open at 10 a.m. (Gate 1 only).
At 10:30 a.m., the Roughriders’ walk-through practice will begin.
Players and coaches will then be available on the concourse for a one-hour autograph session that is to commence at 11:30 a.m.
Also beginning at 11:30 a.m., the field will be available to the public. The Family Fun Zone, various partner activations, Gainer the Gopher, the 620 CKRM Rider Pep Band and the Harvard Media Rider Cheer Team will add to the festivities.
“I think what’s really cool about Fan Day is it’s a free event,” said Karina Peterson, the Roughriders’ Manager, Game Entertainment and Community.
“For anyone who is a Rider fan, it’s a great opportunity for them to come and connect with our brand on a more personal level by getting to meet the players and Gainer and the Cheer Team and experience the field the day before such a big game.
“For anyone who isn’t a fan, it’s also a really unique opportunity to get to come to Mosaic Stadium and be introduced to what we are as the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
“I think it’s a really cool event because it targets two completely different markets and provides a big opportunity for both our fans and those people who aren’t fans but want to become one to enter the stadium and interact with our brand in a really cool way.”
Better yet, the options — like the inflatables — are ever-expanding.
“For Fan Day this year, we’re taking a lot of what we’ve done in the past and trying to elevate it and create room for more fans,” Peterson said.
“This season has been a really exciting one for us and the fans have really jumped on board. With that, we want to make sure that we’ve created an environment that creates space for everyone who wants to be at Fan Day.
“We’re trying to create more activities and more things to do down on the field as well. I know often lots of people get tied up on the concourse waiting in line to see players. There’s a lot happening on the field as well, so fans can go down and enjoy the beautiful stadium on the turf as well.”
This is all a buildup to this season’s first of three meetings between the Roughriders and Blue Bombers.
Saskatchewan enters Sunday’s game with a league-best 8-2 record. The Roughriders are followed in the West Division standings by the Calgary Stampeders (7-3) and Winnipeg (6-4).
The Labour Day Classic, presented by Mosaic, will also be the Roughriders’ Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Day.
“We’re really excited about that,” Peterson said. “We’re hosting 150 representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces at the game as well. Along with that, our anthem singer will be a representative of the military.”
On top of that, the team and its fans will commemorate the Classic’s diamond edition.
“It’s a huge milestone,” Reynolds said. “Sixty years is a long time to consistently be doing something. For the Labour Day Classic to survive all 60 years, playing the same opponent, is pretty special.
“The one constant has been the Roughriders’ ability to bring the province together. Nowhere is that more evident than on Labour Day.
“It’s always a sold-out crowd. There’s always unique energy in there. You always get Rider fans from across the country and across the province.
“It’s just an outstanding atmosphere.”
FANS, FITNESS AND FOOTBALL
Following Roughrider Fan Day, a free-of-charge fitness event will be held on the field at Mosaic Stadium.
Saturday’s one-hour session — presented by GoodLife Fitness, a Club partner — is to begin at 4 p.m.
Fans of all ages are invited. Gym experience is not required.
All attendees who sign in will receive one free ticket voucher to a future 2025 Roughrider home game (Labour Day Classic excluded).
