The BC Lions will visit Mosaic Stadium to take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL Western Division semi-final on November 2.
Tickets are available HERE for a home playoff game on Saturday that is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.
“Certainly in Saskatchewan, with the great fan base we have, they’ll be rocking,” says veteran long snapper Jorgen Hus before his seventh postseason game as a Roughrider.
Saskatchewan earned hosting privileges by finishing second in the West. BC came third.
“There’s no better feeling than playing at home,” says catcher Kian Schaffer-Baker. “(Opponents) know there are 12 people on the field, but it feels like there are 30,000 people on the field coming at you.
“The fans were interested for all four quarters. That’s the best part. Until the clock hits zero, we know the entire stadium will be packed and everyone will be on their feet, screaming.
“We’re just asking you (the fans) to bring the most energy you’ve ever brought to that stadium.”
The Mosaic Stadium crowd was energized by the events of October 12, when Saskatchewan defeated BC 39-8 to ensure a winning season and, better yet, a home playoff game.
A week before the blowout win over BC, the Roughriders had clinched a playoff spot.
“I’ve been waiting for this for three years,” says two-time 1,000-yard receiver Samuel Emilus, the Roughriders’ 2022 first-round draft pick.
“In my first two years I didn’t have a chance to make the playoffs. This year, with the new coaching staff and the new group of guys, we have a chance.
“Having him at home is very important for the fans and for us, because there will be a different atmosphere.”
Trevor Harris has experienced the atmosphere from both sides.
Harris, once a familiar face as a visiting quarterback, has called signals for the green and white since 2023.
“The crowd here brings the energy,” said 12th-year CFLer says. “When you score a touchdown, instead of just pumping your fist and dancing and hearing boos, you can celebrate with the crowd.
“His energy is contagious. That they are here for us and have that energy is huge. It always has been.
“Even when I played here as a visitor, I loved the energy the fans brought. If we can fill Mosaic, I know they will continue to help us have that advantage.
“And we have to do our best to make sure we bring victories home to them.”
In addition to cheering the team on, the energy of the fans can also have an impact on the way the visiting team plays.
“If your quarterback has a quiet cadence and you have to get your head down to see the snap instead of the communication being verbal and audible, it makes a difference because of the split second a defense can change.” ”Harris notes.
“The most important thing this crowd can bring is energy and we need our fans to show up and really show the rest of the league what this advantage is: the best fan base in the league.”
The winner of the Roughriders-Lions game will face the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West final on November 9.
The ultimate goal is to advance to the 111th Gray Cup Game, scheduled for Nov. 17 in Vancouver.
“We want so much – yes“Too bad, to give this province what it deserves,” says first-year head coach Corey Mace.
