‘I’m a true fan:’ Rider fans return to Mosaic Stadium for rescheduled game

Despite a night past most people’s bedtime, Rider fans are still in good spirits ahead of Saturday’s rescheduled game.

Friday’s match between the undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders and the 3-1 Calgary Stampeders was set to kick off at 7 p.m., but heavy smoke blanketed most of the province, including Mosaic Stadium.

Many fans like Ruth Elliott found themselves waiting for around four hours before the CFL announced the game would be postponed to the following day.

“I was a little puzzled that the CFL wasn’t being a bit more proactive about letting us know what was going on,” she said.

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Luckily for Elliott and her husband, season ticket holders who drove down from Saskatoon, the pair had a hotel room booked.

She said while communication could have been better, it’s a day she won’t forget.

“I’m always going to remember this, and as long as the riders win today, I’ll be happy,” Elliott said.

Darryl Postnikoff and his wife returned to Mosaic Stadium Saturday afternoon for the rescheduled game. He said he gives credit to the Riders for apologizing and honouring tickets for the next day. (Ardenn Lloyd/980 CJME)

Darryl Postnikoff called the situation disheartening and said he felt “ghosted.”

“There was a lack of communication,” he said.

“Them (CLF) saying, ‘Oh, it’s (air quality) getting better.’ But we all have apps on our phones, so we can tell, ‘hmm, it’s not getting any better here.'”

But Postnikoff understands that no one can control the weather, and the football club did the best it could.

He said it was a no-brainer for him and his wife to return to Saturday’s game.

“I’m a true Rider fan just like everybody else, so you’ve got to come back for the game. You can’t miss that,” Postnikoff said.

He just hopes that if something like this ever happened again, communication will be more open.

“Just tell us the truth and be honest,” he said.

Gerry Walkeden and his wife were already in town for a sporting event for their grandkids, so the rescheduled game worked out for them. (Ardenn Lloyd/980 CJME)

Gerry Walkeden said Friday was a good night despite the delay and cancelled game, but agrees communication could have been better.

He’s just hoping for a big Rider win to make up for the situation.

But he doesn’t expect Mosaic Stadium to be packed.

“I think it’s going to be very quiet,” he said. “From what I see, it could be the smallest crowd ever.”

— with files from 980 CJME’s Ardenn Lloyd