The university and the Roughriders announced Tuesday that the CFL team will be returning to the main Saskatoon campus for Coors Light Training Camp, as part of a three-year agreement with USask.
“We are thrilled to renew our relationship with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and to have our University of Saskatchewan campus serve as the home for training camp for the next three years,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff. “We are also grateful to the provincial government’s $3.14-million investment in 2020 to replace the artificial turf at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park, which has created a state-of-the-art safe playing surface for our Huskie student-athletes and community users and has helped position our university to host major events like Roughriders training camp. We look forward to welcoming the team back to campus, including the many former Huskie Athletics student-athletes who have moved on to professional careers with the Roughriders.”
Roughriders training camp will run from May 15-June 3 this year, with practices located at USask’s Griffiths Stadium from May 15-May 27. The team will host its Green and White game on May 28, before returning to Regina on May 29 for the remainder of the preseason. Rookie camp will run from May 11-13 at Griffiths Stadium.
The Roughriders were last in Saskatoon for training camp in 2019.
“After two years away from the University of Saskatchewan we are thrilled to have a renewed partnership with the University of Saskatchewan and to bring our team up to prepare for the 2022 season,” said Roughriders President and CEO Craig Reynolds, a USask alumni member. “We have missed being in Saskatoon and are really looking forward to spending more time with our fans located in the central part of province and beyond.”
The university is excited to have the opportunity to host Roughriders training camp once again, with several former Huskie football players on the Roughriders’ roster this year.
“We pride ourselves on our incredible facilities and we know that our turf, along with the Ron and Jane Graham Clubhouse, are world-class,” said Huskies Chief Athletics Officer Shannon Chinn. “Having the Roughriders on campus is beneficial to our program as our Huskie student-athletes, fans and community will be able to experience a professional training camp in our own home.”
After hosting training camp in Regina in 2021, due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Roughriders Vice-President of Football Operations Jeremy O’Day is happy to return to USask.
“The University of Saskatchewan has always been a fantastic host and the facilities are ideal for what we need to run a safe and successful training camp,” said O’Day. “With everything our players, coaches and staff need within walking distance on campus, it allows us all to focus on putting together the best possible team and a strong 2022 season.”
The Roughriders will also be participating in the Huskies Football Foundation’s Dog’s Breakfast with four members of the 2007 Grey Cup championship team appearing as the keynote speakers for the fundraiser. O’Day, 2021 Plaza of Honour inductee Andy Fantuz, former Roughrider defensive back Tad Kornegay and Moose Jaw native Scott Schultz will appear in conversation with TSN broadcaster and former Roughrider Glen Suitor.
In addition, members of the Roughriders, including quarterback Cody Fajardo, receiver Shaq Evans, kicker Brett Lauther and offensive lineman Dan Clark, will attend the event. Tickets are available by visiting the USask website.