Riders to hold lottery for limited tailgating spaces, winners to pay $500 for pass

Season ticket members must enter an online draw by March 5 for a chance at $500 season tailgate passes.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are set to introduce tailgating in the 2026 season, the club announcing Monday it will hold a lottery among season ticket holders for passes in the debut season.

According to the team, space for the new tailgating space is limited, leading to the lottery’s creation.

Season ticket members can log into their Rider account manager or follow a link in an email sent Monday morning to register.

“The tailgating area itself will be open to the public by foot on game days, and all Rider fans are encouraged to visit. Coors Light® Tailgate passes are currently available to Season Ticket Members only, as one of many special Season Ticket Member perks,” a news release from the team said.

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“No single-game tailgate passes will be offered for 2026. Future seasons may see expanded capacity and additional public access options.”

Tailgating at Mosaic Stadium became possible after a change to provincial legislation was introduced. The team said Monday it’s still working with the province on the finalized set of regulations, but fans will be able to bring their own alcohol and prepare their own food within the designated area, subject to provincial guidelines.

• Saskatchewan tailgating act introduced in legislature

“Each successful applicant will receive two adjacent parking spaces, one for vehicle parking and one for their tailgate setup,” the release said.

The passes will cost $500 for a full season or $50 per game and also include any home playoff game at no additional cost.

The deadline to enter the lottery is March 5, and selected season ticket holders will be contacted by the club in April. The lottery is free to enter, with payment only needed once a member has been selected and formally offered a tailgate pass.

A football tradition in many areas, most other CFL teams allow tailgating in some capacity, a list that will now include the Riders.

• Here’s what tailgating looks like across the CFL

The team said additional details will be sent out once regulations are finalized by the province.