Gong Show

What a gong show.  I wish I was only talking about the product on the field during Saturday's late (8pm) tilt between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders.  Instead, I'm going to relate to you a different story.  This is a fans perspective and has little to do with the game but perhaps gives us some behind the scenes insight of some kind and a warning of expectations.

View from the End Zone Field level

I am a Roughriders season ticket holder and as such accumulate Rider Rewards from various things including purchases and attending games.  You redeem the rewards for different "experiences" on game day.  I redeemed 1000 rewards for two pregame end zone experiences.  I received an email confirmation stating I would receive another email regarding details.

The confirmation email came Saturday.  Remember it was a Saturday game.  I also live in Saskatoon so that means it's a travel day.  The email stated the passes were now available to pick up and that I would need to provide photo ID and it gave office hours.  That's it.

I replied to the email and asked for more details such as what time do I need to be there?  Which to me if of the utmost important part of the whole experience.  What if I was coming from Nipawin?  What if I was coming from out of province?  I got the response below:

Did you see instructions?  Because I don't see instructions.

OK.  Fine.  Whatever.

We set off from Saskatoon to Regina.  I arrive at 6:30 and go directly to the Ticket Office (Hubby entered the stadium) where I was directed to the game experience desk.  There was a huddle of people - fans and volunteers.  The Volunteers smiled and said I'd have an amazing time.  I talk to the Desk Person and checks the list of people who have redeemed rewards and my name is not on the list.  Great.  Another Desk Person checks and there's an envelope there with my passes in them.  Great!  They add my name to the list, oh but first I and everyone in my party needs to sign a waiver.  Wha?  It's in case I get hurt or they want to use my image on the Maxtron.  Ok.  Weird but I sign the thing.  I mean I could get hurt at any point in the stadium just sitting in the stands couldn't I? NO ONE CHECKED ID NOR ASKED FOR MY TEAM CARD. Remember my Husband had already gone inside?  So they tell me to talk to the Volunteers inside and he can sign a waiver there.  They stamp my hand and I leave with my passes.

Good grief.

Inside Mosaic Stadium I hunt down my Husband and we go find the Volunteers to escort us down to the field.  They check my pass and check my stamped hand but I'm not on the list.... Then I mention (and I shouldn't have) that Hubby had not signed a waiver....  Mass confusion.  They didn't know what to do.  One person said go down.  Another said to wait and they'd ask another guy.  Finally the guy says screw it and let's us go down.

Now once safely in the end zone the experience was pretty cool.  Naaman Roosevelt came along slapping everyone's hands and I was amazed how sticky his gloves were.  I saw Manny Arceneaux greeting fans.  I saw Zach Evans with fans.  It was pretty need to stick my toes on Mosaic Stadium turf.  We took a ton of photos.  

We loved it.

The getting there not so much.

Will this prevent me from wanting to redeem rewards for other things?  No.  I expect better though.  The email wasn't straight forward.  The people in the office didn't know what was what.  The volunteers were confused.  This is the jewel of the CFL.  Everyone should know what's going on and be in control the whole time.

Then there was the game...

If you missed the game these were the highlights - Gainer's eyes returned to black, the St Louis Blues were there with the Stanley Cup, Tenille Arts sang a cool rendition of Oh Canada and our offensive star was the little girl in sparkly sneakers running out to retrieve the kick off tee.

Around the league attendance is down and on July 6th 29000 were in the seats.  It was a super late game and frankly, Rider Nation is tired of turning up.  We've typically been the fans who show up no matter what and what I'm seeing has nothing to do with ticket prices or game day experiences.  We are fed up with always being the ones who are the example and for what?  To get slaughtered 37-10 in our own house.  It's embarrassing.  It's shades of 2015.  

Let's hope we see a different organization when the Saskatchewan Roughriders host the BC Lions in Week 6.