Harps & Angels

Saturday June 10th was the first ever CFL Preseason game held at new Mosaic Stadium.  Hubby and I left Saskatoon and arrived in Regina at 5:30.  We stuck to our normal game day routine of eating at either A&W or Wendy's...choosing Wendy's this time...and heading to Northgate Mall to catch the Football Express to the game an hour before game time.


We anticipated more people taking the bus shuttles for two reasons: they are now free and there are next to no public parking spots at the new stadium.  As new season ticket holders we received an email informing us that limited parking spots were available for the season for $300 and were first come first serve.  They sold out quickly, but we decided for the traffic hassle and money we were better off to stick with the Football Express.


We arrived at Northgate Mall at 6pm to a very busy parking lot.  I pitty the people who were just trying to go to Lowe's to pick up a few things because the parking was full of Rider fans.  We had to park near the bank, walk through a maze of cars and people and waited in line down the first isle of vehicles.  We didn't have to wait in line for long as the buses were coming frequently.  I thought back to 2013 and how we stood in line at Southland Mall to get to the Paul McCartney concert.  This was a far better experience bus wise, yet the excitement and butterflies were still certainly there.  I call those "yay it's football season" feelings.


The bus stopped right at the main entrance of Mosaic Stadium and directly in front of the fancy new Rider Store and Office.  Our gate was Number 2 which was directly to the right.  Going through security was quick and easy.  We walked on to the concourse to see the field open up before our eyes.  We stood against the railing...


...and I swear I heard the plucking of harps and angels singing.


I have never seen anything so amazing before in my life.  Okay, well I've seen Niagara Falls and that's pretty impressive too but this football stadium...Mosaic Stadium...it sparkled and twinkled in anticipation.  It's been there waiting for us to give it personality and here we were to open it up for the first time.  My eyes may have leaked a little.  I thought about last year how the confetti canon went off at Taylor Field plunging everything into darkness and how over yonder Mosaic Stadium was all lit up in it's glory.  I also noted that in the Fan Code of Conduct confetti canons are now banned.

We strolled around the concourse noting the locations of restrooms and concessions.  Hubby went to the upper level and much to his delight found the seats of Roughrider legendary running back George Reed and his wife.  I'm sure he probably got first pick of best seat in the house, however I expect every seat in this house is a good one.  Gone are the days of lugging in seat cushions for the metal planks or wooden bleachers.  Gone are the giant concrete steps of the East Side.  Instead, there are spacious seats complete with cup holders and enough room for spectators to come and go without spilling their wares on you.

We found our way to our seats in end zone section 126 easily although we had two separate couples try to convince us we were in their seats when they were meant for section 127.  I just sat in full awe watching players warm up and stretch but looking around at the wide open space. "It's really real." I kept telling myself.

It's real and it's spectacular.


Just to the right is the Riders tunnel.  I had no idea when I chose our season ticket seats.  We could see them standing and waiting. It wasn't the full on Bring 'Em Out but it was still pretty amazing to see it up close.  I loved how Willie Jefferson came "flying" out with his arms outstretched.  "This is all for us" I thought, "We built this."

It was very disappointing that fans decided to leave early.  The couple beside us said "We've seen how this ends before." as they passed by.  We stayed.  The game ended in a 25-25 tie against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after rookie QB Marquise Williams got us the yards needed for Quinn Van Gylswyk to kick the field goal for the tie.  I laughed as the kids behind us shouted "Go Home!"  We start them young around here.  Since there is no over time in preseason the game was over.  Riders still undefeated at Mosaic Stadium!


It was quick to exit the stadium and we chose to go through Gate 3 to our bus.  We did have to wait in line for a time but it wasn't bad.  We chatted with a few others during that time.  Some people came from Winnipeg for the preseason game.  One fellow was wearing a Bomber jersey and a Rider hat.


The Football Express rolled slowly passed old Taylor Field at Mosaic Stadium.  I had a quiet feeling of sadness as it stood completely empty and deserted.  It too had been a place of sparkle and glory only 4 years ago in the 2013 Grey Cup.  It felt like we should be quiet and give it a moment of silence out of respect but that didn't happen. 


The Beast on Piffles will always hold great memories but we have a new home and new memories will be made.  It's where we can cheer, laugh at Gainer, do the wave and enjoy the game of CFL football together as one big family.  Canada Day is the official home opener when Canada's Team...our Saskatchewan Roughriders...will take to the field and christen Mosaic Stadium properly.  I'll be there to celebrate Canada's 150th.  It's going to be a party.  I hope to see you there.