Saskatchewan Throne Speech Ushers in Tailgating Era for Roughriders Fans: A Green Wave of Celebration Hits Regina
By Jordan Hale, Saskatchewan Sports Correspondent
Regina, SK – October 28, 2025
In a move that’s got Roughriders Nation buzzing louder than a pre-game chant at Mosaic Stadium, the Saskatchewan government dropped a game-changer in its 2025 Throne Speech: The Tailgating Act, set to legalize those epic parking-lot parties before Saskatchewan Roughriders games starting in 2026. Delivered by Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre on October 22 amid the opening of the fall legislative session, the speech painted a vision of a “strong, safe, and secure Saskatchewan”—but it was the nod to tailgating that stole the show, igniting cheers from fans who’ve long dreamed of firing up the grill without fear of a fine.
For years, die-hard Rider supporters have navigated a patchwork of rules that banned open alcohol consumption in the stadium’s parking lots, turning what could be a full-throated festival into a whispered workaround. No more. The new legislation, to be tabled this session, will create a regulatory framework through the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) for permitted tailgating zones. Permits will cover everything from coolers stocked with Grain Belt to pop-up cornhole tournaments, all under the watchful eye of Regina Police Service (RPS) to keep the vibes high and the incidents low. “This is about amplifying the electric atmosphere that makes Rider game days legendary,” said Premier Scott Moe in a post-speech scrum, flashing a grin that could light up Taylor Field. “Fans asked for it—simply because they asked. We’re delivering.”
The Roughriders organization couldn’t hide their excitement. President and CEO Craig Reynolds, fresh off a 2025 season that saw the team clinch a playoff spot with a nail-biting West Semi-Final win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, called it the “number one fan request” during years of surveys and town halls. “We’re really excited,” Reynolds told reporters outside the legislature, his green tie matching the sea of Rider scarves in the crowd. “This isn’t about revenue—it’s about community. Mosaic already pulses with energy on game days; tailgating will make it explode.” He hinted at drawing inspiration from U.S. models like the Buffalo Bills’ raucous Highmark Stadium lots, where fans don elaborate costumes and build tailgate empires hours before kickoff. “We’ll collaborate with SLGA on rules—designated areas, no glass, responsible service—but expect fireworks, literally and figuratively.”
Not everyone is popping corks just yet. Opposition Leader Carla Beck of the Saskatchewan NDP raised eyebrows at the throne speech’s priorities, questioning why tailgating got prime billing alongside heavy hitters like The Compassionate Intervention Act for involuntary addiction treatment and amendments to the Firearms Act. “Go Riders—nothing wrong with that,” Beck said in a pointed media availability. “But while we’re celebrating with coolers, what about tariffs crushing our canola farmers, health-care wait times, or affordability that’s squeezing families? The throne speech says a lot about what this government values.” Her comments echoed a broader NDP critique: in a province grappling with federal trade spats and economic headwinds, is legalizing lawn chairs the best flex?
Still, the fanbase isn’t sweating the politics. Social media lit up like a Rider touchdown, with #TailgateGreen trending province-wide. “Finally! Grillin’ steaks and chantin’ ‘Waterloo’ in the lot—Rider pride unlocked,” posted @RiderDieRegina, a tweet that racked up 2,500 likes by evening. Grey Cup Fun Police, the CFL’s tongue-in-cheek enforcers, chimed in with mock outrage: “Tailgating at Mosaic? We’ll need extra officers for the cheeseburger violations!” Their post, announcing the news live from the legislature, drew 6,000 views and a flood of replies from fans sharing mock tailgate menus—perogies with a side of sauerkraut, naturally.
Economically, it’s a slam dunk for Regina. Tourism Regina and the Regina Hotel Association are already plotting “Tailgate Weekends,” bundling game tickets with downtown pub crawls. “This could reignite our hospitality sector,” enthused Tracy Johnson, Tourism Regina’s director. “Fans from Saskatoon to Seattle already flock here—tailgating adds that extra draw, filling hotels and firing up food trucks.” Rick Bennett, CEO of the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), which oversees Mosaic, sees it boosting the venue’s profile beyond football. “We’ve got Foo Fighters booked for 2026—imagine tailgating for that. It makes Mosaic a year-round hub.” Projections peg an influx of $5-7 million annually from out-of-towners, per early chamber of commerce estimates, turning game days into economic touchdowns.
Safety nets are woven in tight. RPS Chief Evan Bray confirmed the force’s “strong partnership” with the Riders and SLGA, promising enhanced patrols without stifling fun. “We’ve got protocols for crowds this size—think Labour Day Classic on steroids,” Bray said. “Expect ID checks at entry points, sober rides initiatives, and zero tolerance for over-serving. It’s celebration with guardrails.” SLGA echoed the sentiment, vowing to roll out permits by spring 2026, timed for training camp hype.
As the Riders gear up for the West Final on November 8—hosting the Calgary Stampeders in what could be a preview of tailgate glory—the province’s football fever hits fever pitch. Mosaic, the $280-million jewel opened in 2017, has hosted record crowds of 33,000-plus, but tailgating could push that envelope. Veterans like season-ticket holder Gary “Gridiron” Kowalski, 62, from Weyburn, remember the pre-Mosaic days when tailgating was de facto at Taylor Field. “Back in the ’80s, we’d park on the grass, crank the tunes—pure magic,” he reminisced over coffee at a Regina Tim Hortons. “This brings it back, legal and loud. My grandkids will love it.”
Critics like Beck aside, the Tailgating Act embodies Saskatchewan’s scrappy spirit: resource-rich, community-driven, and unapologetically fun. With the legislative session running through December 8 and resuming in March, eyes are on the bill’s tabling—expected before the holiday freeze. If it passes, 2026’s home opener against the B.C. Lions could dawn a new era: lots filled with smoke from barbecues, air thick with “Sweet Caroline” sing-alongs, and a province united in green.
For now, Riders fans are toasting the tease. “It’s not just about the beer,” Reynolds wrapped up. “It’s about belonging—the heart of why we play, why we cheer.” As Regina’s skyline glows under autumn skies, one thing’s clear: Saskatchewan’s throne just got a whole lot more comfortable. Game on.
