The Saskatchewan Roughriders aren’t just bringing a preseason game to Saskatoon; they’re bringing an experience. And if you ask team president and CEO Craig Reynolds, it’s going to feel a lot bigger than a tune-up in May.
“We’re kind of treating it like a mini Grey Cup,” Reynolds said Tuesday on The SportsCage.
That’s not just talk.
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.
And judging by early interest, it’s working.
“It’s the number one question I get right now: How do I get tickets?” Reynolds said.
The team is aiming to pack more than 10,000 fans into the Huskies’ home stadium. This venue typically seats around 6,000, but will be expanded with standing-room areas to create what Reynolds describes as a “vibrant college-style atmosphere.”
If you’ve 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.
“It's going to feel packed and have lots of good energy,” Reynolds said. “It’ll feel bigger than what the number actually is.”
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’ 2026 calendar.
It may not count in the standings, but it’s going to feel like it does.
Tickets for the contest are on sale now.
