In the CFL, you will find passionate, die-hard fans who will do anything to cheer on their favourite team.
The craziest of them all, without a question, are those who love the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Riders fans, proudly supporting their only professional team, aren't afraid to do anything.
They travel from coast to coast. From BC to Montreal, look into the stands and you will always find a sea of green.
The Roughriders were the 2007 Grey Cup Champions, ending a drought of 18 years. The fans took over the city of Toronto, even holding their own parade. It's been said that the game would not have been sold out if Saskatchewan was not in the finals.
There is something about the team that just draws you in. if you're not even a football fan, being at a Roughrider game is more intense than an NHL game.
The enormous fan base extends from out of Saskatchewan. There are even people in Alberta, who have a choice of Edmonton or Calgary, but prefer the Riders.
The proof was shown last year with record merchandise sales. The Roughrider organization sold more than all other CFL teams combined and tripled.
This year, they have already set new recording, and the season hasn't even begun. The capacity at Mosaic Stadium (formerly Taylor Field) is 28,800. At this point, the season ticket sales stands at approximately 22,000!
That is not the only record shattered. Tickets for the Labour Day Classic, between Saskatchewan and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, sold out in less than an hour, with only about 200 tickets for Blue Bomber fans.
They may add extra bleachers to fit 2000 more fans for that game, but don't be surprised if the Rider fans grab those up.
This looks to be one heck of a season, with pre-season games starting June 13. Can the Saskatchewan Roughriders repeat as Grey Cup champs? The fans sure seem to think so.
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3 months ago
Roughrider fans were definitely very supportive of their team in last year's Grey Cup. I'm from Northwestern Ontario and there are still Roughrider fans around! One of my roommates is a Roughrider fan! They are all over the place and like to cause a ruckus anytime they can! But they are die-hard and definitely love their Roughriders!
Good read!
from 3 months ago
That's awesome that you notice Roughrider fans around!
I'd love to go to a game this year, but that will NOT be easy without planning ahead.. and when you're working, that's not something that's easy to do :/
Might have to pawn off a ticket or 2 from my best friend who has 2 sets of season tickets hehe.
Know what else I love about the team?? The players themselves are very down to earth!! Last year, after the pre-season game in Regina, I got autographs from 13 of the players :)
3 months ago
Nice Lisa! I am assuming you live in Eastern Canada. Am I right? Very nice perspective on life in 'Riderville'. I't would be a hoot if you came out to a game. And stop in Hamilton on the way. It's similar fanfare that makes these two clubs one of the best gameday bargains in Canada. Drop me a line on here if you are heading West anytime soon. Ciao!
from 3 months ago
I am in Saskatchewan, so it makes it easy to go to a Riders game at least :P
3 months ago
I love the RoughRiders, I havent missed a home game in 3 years and I am only 14. They are my favourite sports team in the world. I unfortunately cannot see them doing close to what they did last year this year, I would be very surprised if they did.
from 3 months ago
Glad you make it out to the games :)
I hope I can make it out for at least one game, but like I said to Matt work will get in my way until September.. was supposed to go to the one on Friday, but was working!
3 months ago
Ya I wasn't able to make it to the preseason one. But I havent missed a regular or playoff one, now that I know there are some other fans and other people who write about them on BR I am really looking forward to start writing more about them this summer/fall.
3 months ago
I worked at Memorial Stadium when the Riders came in to play the Stallions in '95. It was a sellout and the stands were full of green.
I remember how LOUD it was that day. One of the loudest functions that I've ever worked any where in or out of Baltimore.
2 months ago
I have been a season ticket holder for 12 years, and have never missed a home game until this year. I have been to over 8 greycup games including last years. I have to say last years was by far the best and disappointing. I was upset that the city of Toronto did nothing to get the city excited for grey cup I hope montreal learned the lesson they did.... be prepared...
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