For years, it\u2019s been the one thing missing from the Saskatchewan Roughriders game-day experience. Not the noise. Not the passion. Not the sea of green. Tailgating.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s about to change.<\/p>\n
Riders president and CEO Craig Reynolds confirmed Tuesday the organization is rolling out a full tailgating setup at Mosaic Stadium for the 2026 season and it won\u2019t be a small trial run. It\u2019s a significant step toward reshaping how fans experience game day in Regina.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re excited to talk about tailgating,\u201d Reynolds said on The SportsCage. \u201cIt\u2019s going to totally change the atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n
The designated tailgate zone will be located just south of the Brandt Centre, stretching toward the rail line a space many fans already know as a pregame gathering area. Now, it\u2019s being formalized and expanded into something much bigger.<\/p>\n
The setup will accommodate approximately 200 tailgating groups, with each group getting two spaces one for their vehicle and another to build out their setup.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s where things could get interesting.<\/p>\n
Barbecues, smokers, tents, couches it\u2019s all on the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever the heck they\u2019re going to bring,\u201d Reynolds said with a laugh.<\/p>\n
Beyond the individual setups, the Riders are also planning a beer garden adjacent to the tailgating area, creating a central hub where fans can move freely between parties, meet up with friends, and soak in the pregame atmosphere.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a model that\u2019s long been a staple in U.S. college football and the NFL but one that has never fully taken hold in Saskatchewan. Until now.<\/p>\n
And if there was any doubt about demand, it didn\u2019t last long.<\/p>\n
Reynolds said the response was immediate when registration opened, with the first tailgating spot entered for within seconds.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was like, boom, someone was ready,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
That kind of reaction doesn\u2019t surprise anyone who understands Rider Nation. For years, fans have made parking lots, backyards, and side streets their unofficial gathering spots. What\u2019s been missing is a centralized, sanctioned space to bring it all together.<\/p>\n
Now, they\u2019ll have it.<\/p>\n
And with that comes the potential for something more than just pregame burgers and beers.<\/p>\n
Across the football world, tailgating has evolved into a culture complete with traditions, rituals, and a sense of identity unique to each fan base. In Buffalo, they jump through tables. In the SEC, it\u2019s all-day parties that rival the game itself.<\/p>\n
So what will it look like in Saskatchewan?<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the question Reynolds is most curious about.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait to see the traditions that get created. Our fans are great at that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Given the creativity and commitment of Rider fans, it likely won\u2019t take long to find out.<\/p>\n
Because in Saskatchewan, gathering before the game has never been the issue.<\/p>\n
Now, it finally has a home.<\/p>\n
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