Moe: Fans could cheer on the Riders at Mosaic Stadium this summer

If Saskatchewan residents meet COVID-19 vaccination targets by June 20 and masking and gathering restrictions are lifted July 11, then fans could be back at Mosaic Stadium for Saskatchewan Roughriders games this summer.

During a news conference Tuesday, Premier Scott Moe was asked whether fans could “bleed green” in the stands this year.

Moe said he and some of his cabinet minsters have been in touch with the Riders organization to talk about gathering sizes.

“Now they know what they have in front of them with respect to what the future may look like should we hit these metrics, which I expect we will,” Moe said.

Moe didn’t know whether the stadium would be full at first, and it will be up to the Riders staff and leaders to figure out how they’ll gradually build the numbers that they can handle safely in the stands.

He added it’s going to be up to the fans to see how comfortable they’ll be going to games.

“Me for one, if I’m able to receive my second dose even prior to that, I’m going to,” he said. “I have no problem attending a Roughrider game regardless of the number of people that are going to be in the stands. It’s about time that we get out and beat the (Winnipeg) Blue Bombers.”

However, the premier also mentioned he would likely carry a mask with him to the games and put it on when he felt it necessary to do so. He said anyone anywhere in Saskatchewan should feel comfortable putting on a mask if they choose to, if or when they feel it’s necessary at any given location, including Mosaic Stadium.

Moe said he looks forward to ultimately attending a Roughriders game this summer as soon as it’s possible.

“If I’m able, I’ll be at the very first Roughrider game to cheer on, with many other Saskatchewan people, the greatest football team in the world,” he said.