Roughriders to bring pre-season game to Saskatoon

WATCH: For the first time in 35 years, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will play a pre-season game in Saskatoon.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are set to bring a pre-season game to Saskatoon for the first time since 1991. The game will be hosted at Griffiths Stadium on the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) campus in 2026.

Roughriders made the announcement on Friday, saying the team will play 10 regular-season home games at Mosaic Stadium in 2026, rather than the usual nine.

This change is due to BMO Field hosting 2026 World Cup soccer events, resulting in both Roughriders-versus-Argonauts games being held in Regina.

“Bringing a Saskatchewan Roughriders pre-season game to Saskatoon is a very exciting and unique opportunity for the city,” said Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan, Alana Ross.

“This is more than a football game — it’s a celebration of community pride, provincial unity, and the shared love of the game that brings our province together. We can’t wait to cheer loud for Rider Nation in Saskatoon next May.”

Tickets for the Saskatoon pre-season game will be sold separately, with purchase and pre-sale details to be announced later.

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Roughrider Season Ticket Members’ packages will include 10 regular-season home games, plus a possible playoff game.

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Rider football to Saskatoon!” said Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block. “Let’s pack the stands and show the league what Rider Pride really looks like!”

The last Roughriders pre-season game in Saskatoon was in 1991.

Block said the city used to host the games more frequently and hopes this becomes a tradition again.

“Having this be an annual [event] would be a beautiful nod to not only our city, but the unbelievable unity we have right across this province,” Block said.

She welcomes fans from across the province to attend.

“Saskatoon is going to be more than ready to roll out the red carpet and make sure that our neighbours across this great province are treated to the warm hospitality of this city,” she said.

Discover Saskatoon says the game will be a boost for local businesses.

“Visitors come here and fill our hotels. They dine in restaurants, they shop in our stores and experience all that Saskatoon has to offer, and the result is millions in economic activity,” said Terri Nielsen, vice-president of destination management.

The Roughriders are no strangers to Griffiths Stadium, having held their annual training camp there for years.

The U of S says the connection between the two continues to grow.

“There’s a strong connection between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Huskies,” said Cheryl Hamelin, vice-president of university relations at U of S.

“Hosting the game is just one more opportunity to strengthen our deep partnership.”

Roughriders say the complete 2026 season schedule, including the dates of the Saskatoon pre-season game and the 10th home regular season game, will be unveiled in the offseason.

--With files from Stacey Hein