‘The crazier, the better’: Bomber fans show to Banjo Bowl in style

Fans wearing Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes inspired hats are pictured outside Princess Auto Stadium for the 2026 Banjo Bowl game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sept. 12, 2026. (Daniel Halmarson/CTV News Winnipeg)

Thousands of Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans marched into Princess Auto Stadium for Saturday’s Banjo Bowl against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and some truly stood out in the sea of blue and gold like ‘The Winnipeg Warrior’ Ken Burns, who chooses from one of 16 costumes every time the Bombers take the field.

“There’s weather, there’s comfort, there’s whether you’re sitting down or not,” Burns told CTV News about his selection process. “And for a big event like the Banjo Bowl—you got to go with this one.”

Burns wasn’t the only supporter at the tailgate parties with some added flair to his gameday outfit.

One group of friends found inspiration from Fred Flintstone and the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes for their latest look with a set of tall, blue furry hats. The group’s ‘Grand Poobah’ said it’s fun coming up with new and creative ways to show their love for Winnipeg’s professional football team.

“We’re here to cheer them on and yell as loud as we can so we can get them to win these games for us,” Brad Bouchard told CTV News. “And we’re proud of the boys.”

Many Bomber fans also excel in the hair and makeup department by adding gold streaks to their locks, a little bit of paint to their faces, or a whole box of dye to their beards.

“The blue beard usually comes out for Banjo Bowl,” Bomber fan Chris told CTV News.

His wife Michelle added, “The crazier, the better,” is the ideal way to show up on gameday.

Some other fans chose to arrive in style—several motorhomes with blue and gold stripes and Blue Bombers decals were parked throughout the University of Manitoba campus. A CTV News camera also captured two men portaging a canoe down University Crescent prior to kickoff.

Meantime, Tony Carvalho opted to roll in on two wheels. His Harley Davidson motorcycle is an ode to the team he’s followed since childhood.

“I love them, I love them… Always have,” Carvalho said.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 19-6 in Saturday’s Banjo Bowl.