Riders CEO says revenue isn’t driving tailgating request

The Saskatchewan Roughriders hope to bring tailgating to Mosaic Stadium next season. Donavan Maess has more.

According to Saskatchewan Roughriders President and CEO Craig Reynolds, creating additional revenue isn’t the motivation for pursuing an official tailgating experience at Mosaic Stadium.

As part of the throne speech on Wednesday, the provincial government indicated it hopes to introduce a new regulatory framework that will allow tailgating events at Mosaic Stadium prior to games.

When asked about providing a revenue estimate for tailgating events, Reynolds stressed the major factor for the request was adding to the game day experience.

“It’s really hard to know, but honestly, it’s not about the revenue. It’s about the experience and the environment and creating an exciting event,” said Reynolds. “Take Labour Day as an example. You take the Western final, which we’re going to host shortly, as an example. When there’s a buzz and there’s an atmosphere, you tend to sell more tickets, you tend to get people really excited about your product.

“It’s not really about the revenue. It’s about taking an already exciting atmosphere at Mosaic Stadium and making it even better,” he said.

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Reynolds added that the tailgating request was in response to high demand from the Riders fanbase.

“This is something that our fans have been asking for for years. We obviously do a tremendous amount of listening to our fans. We do a tremendous amount of more formal surveying. Without a doubt, it’s the number one suggestion we get around can we make tailgating a possibility at Mosaic Stadium. So it’s something we approached the provincial government with that feedback and we’re really excited to hear today that it’s a possibility.”

A number of CFL teams have tailgating as part of their game day experience according to Reynolds. Calgary, Toronto, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and most recently Edmonton, offer tailgating for its fans.

Rick Bennett, the President and CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), is in favour of tailgating proposal.

“Yesterday, I was with Craig Reynolds at the legislature for the speech from the throne and I couldn’t have been happier,” said Bennett. “I think that it just creates a more vibrant community that really helps every aspect of the REAL District, as well as the Riders, in terms of building that greater fanbase. I’m all over it, hugely supportive of it and really proud of that our team had a small part in moving that ahead as well.”

The current legislation prevents organizations from bringing in outside alcohol for events. The legislation would have to be changed to allow tailgating events and Reynolds said the Riders are prepared to work with the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority [SLGA] on the process.

“We’ll work with the SLGA. That’s obviously top of mind for us existing in the stadium,” said Reynolds. “Between security, policing, limited access, all of those things are going to be considered. But really, we’re going to work closely with SLGA to make sure we’ll exceed whatever regulations that they impose.”