Riders 'Flame' has mixed feelings about last game at Taylor Field

Superfan Sandy Montieth, better known as the “Flame,” will step foot in Taylor Field for the last time along with 33,400 other fans Saturday evening.

“My heart and soul is with the old stadium, but I’m excited about the new one because it’s time for a change,” he said.

“I love the atmosphere in Taylor because the fans are just so great.”

The game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and B.C. Lions starts at 5 p.m.

Montieth has been a season ticket holder since 1976.

“The power went out and the scoreboard quit working back in the day (couldn’t remember which year) , but I remember having to announce to the fans and broadcasters on my megaphone the amount of time on the clock,” he said.

“Me and Dave Ash (who has passed way) never had so much power over the fans that day,” he joked.

One his favourite memories is of the 77th Grey Cup in Toronto when the Roughriders edged the Hamilton Tigercats 43-40 on Dave Ridgway’s game-winning field goal.

Montieth travelled back from the Skydome, now Rogers Centre, that night and had no time to remove his green and white make up.

“It wasn’t as tough to get through airport security back then,” he said.

Montieth and the Riders then went to Taylor Field to shoot some flames in front of 13,000.

“That was just an awesome experience,” he said.

Montieth already has his season tickets for the new Mosiac Stadium and hopes to for another 40 seasons.

“The stadium is old and I think it’s time for a change to modern technology,” he said.

“I’ll miss her, but never forget her.”

– With files from David Kirton.