Saskatchewan Roughriders fans will soon be able to prepare food and enjoy alcoholic drinks outside Mosaic Stadium as the province introduced its tailgating legislation on Thursday.
The new Tailgating Act amends the province’s Alcohol Control Regulations to allow for tailgating in a parking lot adjacent to the Roughriders stadium during home games.
Staff, presumably from Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), would supervise the space; vehicle access would be controlled and “clear expectations for conduct would be enforced,” according to the province.
Alana Ross, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said the regulations will include a requirement for a permit and close collaboration with SLGA.
“Allowing tailgating will build on the sense of community that Riders fans are known for across the nation, and we are excited to work with the Roughriders, City of Regina, and REAL District to make this a reality,” Ross said.
“Our shared goal, together with Rider fans, is to set the standard for how tailgating can be done safely and responsibly in Saskatchewan.”
The provincial legislation was developed after the Roughriders approached the government earlier this year, according to Craig Reynolds, the organization’s CEO and President.
Reynolds previously said he was communicating with other teams such as Calgary and Edmonton about their tailgating policies, but that he would expand his research to other markets.
“Our head coach used to play for the Buffalo Bills and they’re famous for their tailgating, so I’m sure Corey [Mace] can connect us down there too, so we’ll see how their tailgating model works,” Reynolds said last week.
The Buffalo Bills’ tailgating policy is as follows:
- Stadium parking lots open four hours before the game, and close two hours after the game.
- Fans must have a valid game ticket to be on premise in Bills parking lots.
- Tailgating must happen in front of or behind the vehicle only.
- Plastic cups or aluminum cans only, no glass bottles permitted.
- All flames and grills must be extinguished before departure.
- No tailgating after kickoff.
Reynolds said tailgating would help create a “buzz” and exciting atmosphere around Mosaic Stadium on game day.
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The Saskatchewan Party government and the NDP Opposition continue to disagree on the best way to deal with tariffs imposed by the U.S. They also can’t agree on how to deal with overloaded hospitals or how to respond to wildfires. What they do agree on – somewhat surprisingly – is involuntary treatment for people dealing with severe addictions and tailgating at Rider games. Political panelists Alexander Quon and Murray Mandryk say this should lead to a spicy session.
The new regulations will be ready for the 2026 CFL season and initial eligibility will be limited to events at Mosaic Stadium for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The province said eligibility could be expanded after the end of the 2026 CFL season.
