~ Tickets and Stadium of the Roughriders 6-23-09
So I went to my first ever CFL game in person and it was of course right here in Saskatchewan. It was a ton of fun, I must admit. It was a pre-season game so I have yet to see the fire in the fans that we witness on television, but none the less it was a great experience. It was also nice to see another fan base that is as passionate a fan base as Nebraska. Granted Nebraska gets 86,000 and there were 29,000+ at the Roughrider game, but still fans were into the game. I really enjoyed the stadium and it had a wonderful view of the city downtown as well as the open fields of Saskatchewan. Jen got us great seats and the fans were all very nice.
It was quite the experience to see people that were 18 or 19 drinking at a football game and not being worried that the cops may come and give them a MIP (Minor in Possession). In the states kids drink before football games, but unless they are 21 they are quiet about it and hide it. Completely different story in Saskatchewan. Many people had two beers and were headed back for more as soon as possible. It was a pretty funny sight and after witnessing their reservation and tact I can honestly say that I see no reason as to why in the states the age is arbitrarily 21.
The only downfall of the whole experience is that we got a ra-tard (see the Hangover, great movie) for an usher. She/he, not too sure, stated that we just needed to go up the steps and to the right and that was our section with our seats. Well of course I lead everyone in that direction because I have never been here and assume that the usher knows her/his way around the stadium better than I do. Low and behold, a group of drunk girls and their boyfriends actually were supposed to sit there. So we talked to them and others around us and found out we were in the wrong place. We had to get up and move, but eventually found the seats we were supposed to be in.
All in all, they have a pretty great little set-up with the Roughriders here in Saskatchewan. They should be very proud of the fanbase and support that is available to them here. We got to see a bit of action with the starters and then a lot of reserve play. However, based on what I saw the offense looks really good and the defense has some work to do. Injuries were already beginning and if the Riders want to have a chance they really need to focus on staying healthy throughout the year. They played pretty well against the defending champs and without a late fumble I am convinced they would have won the game. I know pre-season is not about the winning and losing, but it always feels better to win in the end whether it counts or not. Should be a great year of Husker, Dolphin and Rider football. I can’t wait!!

