The Saskatchewan Roughriders aren\u2019t just bringing a preseason game to Saskatoon; they\u2019re bringing an experience. And if you ask team president and CEO Craig Reynolds, it\u2019s going to feel a lot bigger than a tune-up in May.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re kind of treating it like a mini Grey Cup,\u201d Reynolds said Tuesday on The SportsCage.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not just talk.<\/p>\n
With the Riders set to host a preseason game at Griffiths Stadium on May 23, the organization has already formed multiple planning committees in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan and Discover Saskatoon. The goal? Turn a simple exhibition into a full-blown event.<\/p>\n
And judging by early interest, it\u2019s working.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the number one question I get right now: How do I get tickets?\u201d Reynolds said.<\/p>\n
The team is aiming to pack more than 10,000 fans into the Huskies\u2019 home stadium. This venue typically seats around 6,000, but will be expanded with standing-room areas to create what Reynolds describes as a \u201cvibrant college-style atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve ever been to Griffiths, you know exactly what he means. Tight sightlines, fans on top of the action, and just enough energy to make it feel louder than it should.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s going to feel packed and have lots of good energy,\u201d Reynolds said. \u201cIt\u2019ll feel bigger than what the number actually is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Add in a 5 p.m. kickoff, early summer weather, and a built-in Huskies-style pregame party, and suddenly this preseason stop in Saskatoon is shaping up to be one of the most unique events on the Riders\u2019 2026 calendar.<\/p>\n
It may not count in the standings, but it\u2019s going to feel like it does.<\/p>\n