The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced Monday morning that, with a targeted start date of September 17th, all fans attending games at Mosaic Stadium will need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, or provide a negative COVID-19 test result. The announcement came as seven other teams in the league made similar announcements in recent weeks.  

“In consultations with local medical health officers this past week, they voiced their support to begin requiring proof of vaccination at Roughrider games,” said President and CEO Craig Reynolds in a written release. “After speaking with our stakeholders, including the City of Regina - our stadium owner, REAL - our stadium operator, and the CFL, we decided that this is the right decision for our Club and for our fans.” 

In the release, the team indicated they have been leaning on the expertise of the public health officials in the re-opening of Mosaic Stadium, and since the season started in August, the significant increase in cases, as well as the nature of the Delta variant of COVID-19, became a concern.  

Those who are under the age of 12, who are currently unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19, will be exempt from the vaccine requirement. For those who are not vaccinated, or are partially vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before the start of the game will be required.  

“We continue to strongly encourage all of our fans to get fully vaccinated for the safety of themselves and others and to wear masks to our games as an extra layer of protection,” Reynolds added. 

The Roughriders are now working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, public health officials and REAL on the logistics of accepting proof of vaccination. The details are not available, but the team has stated they will make the details available once finalized.