U of R, U of S teams set to battle for bragging rights

The rivalry between the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan has been ratcheted up.

The universities announced Thursday their sports teams will compete in the inaugural U Prairie Challenge during the 2022-23 season.

The annual points-based competition between the schools will involve 11 men’s and women’s sports — soccer, football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, track and field, and cross-country.

“Becoming an ongoing celebration of university sports in Saskatchewan, the U Prairie Challenge reflects a shared vision between the two universities to generate greater support for our student-athletes and varsity sports overall,” the schools said in a media release.

The 2022-23 U Prairie Challenge begins with a women’s soccer game between the Cougars and Huskies in Saskatoon on Sept. 2.

An official kickoff is set for Sept. 17 at 7 p.m., when the Rams play host to the Huskies at Mosaic Stadium as part of Football Weekend in Saskatchewan. That also will feature a pre-game concert and tailgate party outside of the stadium.

The 2022-23 U Prairie Challenge will conclude in Saskatoon, where the Huskies men’s hockey team is to entertain the Cougars at Merlis Belsher Place early next year.

The kickoff and final events will rotate between Regina and Saskatoon every year.

More information is available at uregina.ca and usask.ca. Fans also can buy tickets on the websites to all of the U Prairie Challenge events.

Are you ready for this?! 🏀🏈🏐🏒⚽️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

📢 Announcing the #uPrairieChallenge, #Saskatchewan's largest varsity #sports competition. It's #UofRegina vs. @usask… and it's coming this September!@ReginaRams @ReginaCougars @HuskieAthletics @USPORTSca

For tickets and info, visit:

— University of Regina (@UofRegina) July 7, 2022