Here’s what you need to know if you’re heading to the Riders’ home opener

It’s game day in Regina as the Saskatchewan Roughriders prepare to take on the B.C. Lions.

If you’re heading to Mosaic Stadium, here’s what you need to know.

Kickoff is at 5 p.m., but there will be plenty happening well before then, including the debut of tailgating in the parking lot adjacent to Mosaic Stadium.

Tailgate passholders can bring their own food and drinks, while all fans are invited to walk through the area to take in the pregame atmosphere.

• Excitement builds for first Mosaic Stadium tailgating experience

For those not interested in tailgating, a beer garden will open three hours before kickoff.

Fans arriving early can also take advantage of Happy Hour special running for one hour starting 90 minutes before kickoff and ending 30 minutes before game time.

A pregame celebration will start well before the gates open at the Security Building Supplies Riderland Park, a free-family focused space where fans can enjoy activities, live music, inflatables, face painting, photo opportunities, autograph signings, and games such as dodgeball and cornhole.

Fans are encouraged to bring cash or a non-perishable food item for Purolator Tackle Hunger. The Grey Cup will be on site from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., giving fans a chance to get a photo while helping out a good cause. Donation bins will be placed around the park and at each gate.

A championship banner will also be revealed on Saturday for the first time since 2013. A pair of Harvard II training aircraft from 15 Wing Moose Jaw will conduct a flyover of Mosaic Stadium just ahead of kickoff.

At the game

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. Fans are asked to download the Rider app onto their phone to have their digital ticket ready to go.

Purses, backpacks, and camera bags are not permitted. A clear bag policy is in effect: each guest, including children, may bring one clear bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”.

Water bottles up to one litre are allowed at Mosaic Stadium, with refill stations located in the south end of the stadium, on both sides of the SaskTel MaxTron.

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Rider transit is also available to get fans to the game for free from various locations across Regina, including Southland Mall, the University of Regina, the Turvey Centre, as well as Victoria Avenue and Scarth Street.

Due to construction on Dewdney Avenue, Warehouse District stops will be located at 6th Avenue and Rose Street, and 8th Avenue and Scarth Street.

Buses will start running an hour and 45 minutes before the game, with the last bus leaving each location 30 minutes before kickoff. The buses will then return to the drop off locations at the beginning of the fourth quarter and continue its rounds.

Anyone who is driving to the stadium, on-site parking, as well as parking along North Railway between Elphinstone Street and Albert Street, is by permit only. All permits or passes must be displayed.

Street parking around the stadium is based on open availability and regular parking rules will apply.

A bike valet will also be available at the southeast corner of Confederation Park, which will open at 3 p.m. Bikes, which will be inside a fenced compound and monitored by volunteers throughout its hours of operation, must be picked up with one hour after the game ends.

At halftime, the Engelheim Minor Football Showcase will feature a youth flag football game.

Jorgen Hus and Mitch Picton will be available for an autograph signing at Pepsi Gate 2 during the third quarter.

After the game

Fans are invited to head onto the field after the game to experience Mosaic Stadium from the Riders’ point of view.

Fans leaving through Pepsi Gate 2 and SaskTel Gate 3 can grab a complimentary Bubly on their way out.

The Rider Store will have 112th Grey Cup Championship flags 40 per cent off for this week’s game-day deal.

More details can be found on the Rider website.