U of R Rams support potential for U.S.-style tailgating

The University of Regina Rams expressed support for U.S.-style tailgating at its games if Saskatchewan were to follow Ontario in allowing it outside sporting events.

Before Ontario announced the move in Thursday’s budget, the government of Saskatchewan said it would be open to exploring the option if there was support for it here.

“I think it’s something that can be a good addition to the fans’ experience,” said Rams President Brian Eltom.

The club used to hold barbecues and sell alcohol before games at the old stadium but Eltom said that’s not really possible after moving into the new Mosaic Stadium.

Fans occasionally gather for a pregame party at The Owl, the campus bar, and take a shuttle to Rams home games.

“The closer to you can make that experience to the actual venue where the event is being (held) would only be better,” said Eltom.

Eltom said the level of support at Rams home games depends on what the weather is like and who they are playing. He said their best crowds are during games against the Saskatchewan Huskies, their provincial rivals.

While fan turnout isn’t at the same level of Roughrider games, the Rams believe tailgating could be beneficial. The Riders draw fans to pregame events in Confederation Park, while the Rams don’t have that option.

The Rams also differ from the Roughriders with a later start to their season, which Eltom admits would limit the amount of games when tailgating could be held.

“We don’t start playing until September. We’ve got maybe one or two games were it probably makes sense and then after that the weather starts to get a little bit cold. I don’t know people’s desires to stand out there in the cold,” said Eltom.

Depending on potential law changes to allow tailgating, Eltom understands the decision would likely be up to Evraz Place, weighing the value of tailgating, depending on any associated costs.

Paula Kohl, a spokesperson for Evraz Place said if the province were to legalize tailgating, “we would work in partnership with the Riders to determine their vision for the game day experience and what that would entail. At this point, we haven’t discussed it with the Rider organization or done any analysis on the impact to our operations.

She added, “If the Rams were looking to have tailgating as part of their game-day experience, they would work with our organization to outline needs. However, at this point, tailgating isn’t legal and those discussions haven’t taken place.”