Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look back at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list ...
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have big plans for the 2026 CFL season.
While the players will be looking to win back-to-back Grey Cup championships, fans can look forward to a number of themed games at Mosaic Stadium.
Read more:
- Regina-born Roughrider receiver Mitch Picton retiring after nine seasons
- ‘Doing great’: Huskies quarterback Anton Amundrud looking forward to return after cancer treatment
- CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston attends Dogs’ breakfast, discusses 2027 changes
Single-game tickets are currently on sale for all 10 regular-season home games, the team said, along with season tickets.
But the Riders’ first game in Saskatchewan this season won’t be played in Regina. Instead, the team is heading to Saskatoon on May 23 for a pre-season game at Griffiths Stadium against their perennial rivals, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Roughriders will return to Mosaic Stadium on June 13 for the team’s home opener against the B.C. Lions, which will feature a celebration of the team’s 2025 championship victory, along with the first tailgating party after a chance to Saskatchewan’s laws.
The game will see the championship banner hung at its permanent home. Fans will have a chance to see the cup up close, with a flyover by the Canadian Forces also scheduled.
During the June 26 game against Toronto, the Riders will be wearing white for the Prairie Blizzard game.
“Fans are encouraged to show up in white and help turn Mosaic Stadium into a full-on Prairie Blizzard,” the team said in a statement.
The game will also feature a grad walk, with graduating students stepping onto the field for a special celebration.
The July 12 game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats has been dubbed “The Green Prix.”
“It’s a day of cool rides and Rider Pride with a pre-game Show & Shine, plus a Coors Light Tailgate packed with horsepower. This is a game day built for car lovers and football fans alike,” the team said.
The Riders are heading to summer camp on July 23 during the home game against the Edmonton Elks. The team said the “Camp Riderville” game will feature alternate uniforms, a concert series performance and a minor football showcase.
The Rider Farm Show game is set for Aug. 7, as the team welcomes the Ottawa Redblacks to Mosaic.
“Dust off your boots, Rider Nation, it’s time to tip our cowboy hats to the greatest football fans in the country, with an ode to, well… the country,” the Riders said.
“Our matchup with the REDBLACKS features a tractor pull, mechanical bull, and a host of other nods to our agricultural heritage. Plus, enjoy additional game day moments throughout the evening as we celebrate our prairie roots.”
The circus is coming to town on Aug. 29, as the team welcomes the Toronto Argonauts to Regina for the Family Day Carnival game.
“A pre-game football showcase brings the next generation to centre stage before kickoff, and Jr. Rider Cheer returns to the halftime spotlight,” the Roughriders said.
“Fans will also get another look at the Rider Nation Alternate uniforms, with energy and excitement packed into every moment of the day.”
But the game on Sept. 6 is likely the one Rider fans will be most excited for, as the Roughriders take on the Bombers in the 61st Labour Day Classic, with prairie pride on the line.
“From refreshed retro uniforms to a Pepsi Summer Concert Series performance and all the intensity on the field, this one delivers on every front,” the team said.
“We’d say you don’t want to miss this one, but you already knew that!”
The Riders’ annual Lights Out game will be helpd against the Calgary Stampeders on Oct. 2, featuring an electric powwow demonstration at halftime, celebrating Saskatchewan’s Indigenous culture. The Riders’ will be wearing a special Indigenous logo on thier helmets during the game.
On Oct. 17, 80 years of Rider history will be celebrated during “Legends Night” at the team’s home game against Montreal.
“It’s an anniversary edition at Mosaic Stadium, featuring the return of retro jerseys as we induct Dan Clark, Rob Bagg and Paul McCallum into the 2026 Plaza of Honour,” the Riders said.
“The celebration begins with minor football pregame, showcasing the next generation of Rider talent.”
The final themed game of 2026 is set for the match against Edmonton on Oct. 24, with a nautical theme – “Pirates of the Prairies.”
“It’s the last of our regular season home games, as we voyage toward the post-season with a celebration of Rider Nation, the heartbeat of our club,” the Riders said.
“Plus, for the final time in 2026, fans are invited onto the field post-game to close out another unforgettable regular season of Saskatchewan Roughrider football.”
