It was in 2019 that the Saskatchewan Roughriders last held their training camp in Saskatoon, and specifically at the University Of Saskatchewan’s football stadium. That specific location is of course where the Huskies play out of. The deal is apparently part of a three year agreement between the Riders and the University, as Global News reports.
The stadium has gone through some renovations apparently, specifically a $3.14 million amount of work done to the turf as the aforementioned piece suggests. It was because of this work done that the team was forced to relocate as was reported in the past by Global as well, back in 2020. Training camps are scheduled to run from May 15th through to June 3rd, and of course practices at Griffith’s will follow down the line, as is normal.
Roughriders president and CEO, Craig Reynolds, had this to say on the matter:
“After two years away from the University of Saskatchewan we are thrilled to have a renewed partnership with the University of Saskatchewan and to bring our team up to prepare for the 2022 season…
When you actually host camp here and get immersed in a different city with a different set of fans, it’s important for the players to understand this is the province’s team, it’s not just Regina’s team…When you see the great fan support here, I think they see that.”
via Global News
University of Saskatchewan President, Peter Stoicheff, also had a few words to add on the news:
“We look forward to welcoming the team back to campus, including the many former Huskie student-athletes who have moved on to professional careers with the Roughriders…”
via Global News
Shannon Chinn, who is the Saskatchewan Huskies chief athletics officer, also put forth an opinion:
“We had a phenomenal run to the Vanier Cup this year, which really created interest and buzz around football in Saskatoon…
Bringing the Riders back up, just keep that continuous buzz of football; continue getting more fans out to our games, more people interested in football…it’s phenomenal for everyone.”
via Global News
And in the end it is that interest that the entire league needs right now. That support from the fan base, and the Riders seem to be concentrating on that, which is more than what the Commissioner of the league is worried about at the moment.
This move can only add to the interest of the team and perhaps even push them further and light a fire beneath them, and after such a disappointing end to the 2021 season, I’d say that that would be more than appropriate, dear readers.
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