Young Rider fans starstruck after Fan Day autographs

The countdown is on until Sunday’s historic Labour Day Classic in the Riders’ new digs.

As a primer before the game, thousands of fans flocked to Mosaic Stadium for Roughrider Fan Day on Saturday.

People had the chance to take in a Riders practice and then get autographs from the players afterwards.

Waiting in line among the sea of green and white was 11-year-old Nate McFadyen, who was on a mission to get each player’s signature.

Decked out in his Riders gear, McFadyen said he was most thrilled to meet Cameron Marshall and have the running back sign his jersey.

McFadyen said he was speechless when he met the team.

“I really didn’t even have anything (to say) because I was so, so happy — I didn’t really have any thoughts. I was just happy to be there,” he said.

It’s @sskroughriders Fan Day! Autographs may be over, but that’s not stopping #Riders fans from lining up & players from signing them. #yqr pic.twitter.com/zaY7FwHelM

— Jessie Anton (@jessieanton_) September 2, 2017

Meanwhile, with a stuffed Gainer the Gopher in hand, 11-year-old Marissa Gyori got signatures from both the Riders and their cheerleaders.

“It’s fun and exciting to be here,” she said, adding that getting wide receiver Rob Bagg’s signature was the best part.

Aside from getting up close and personal with the players, fans were also treated to a free barbecue and activities on the field.