GC 101 News

I know its late, but here is Friday's announcement for your reference if you need it...

The 101^st Grey Cup Festival unveiled a number of events that will take place during Grey Cup Festival week in November. The announcement was made at a rally held in downtown Regina Friday afternoon.

 

Due to overwhelming demand, tickets to the 101^st Grey Cup Championship Game will be awarded via a Lottery. The intent of the Lottery is to provide the fairest approach to the sale and access to the limited number of remaining and available 101^st Grey Cup Championship Game tickets. The Lottery is intended to give all participants ample time to sign up and have the chance to access tickets to the game.

 

The Lottery itself will begin to collect names using the 101greycupfestival.ca website on a form page on Friday June 21, at 10:00am (SK. time). The Lottery will continue to be open and accept these entries for 101 hours and will close on Tuesday June 25, at 3:00pm (SK. time). Successful applicants will be contacted on June 25^th and those chosen can purchase their 101^st Grey Cup Championship Game tickets from June 27^th to June 30^th (limit of four tickets).

 

Team Party Passes will also be available via a Lottery. Team Party Pass Lottery times and rules are identical to the Championship Game Tickets Lottery (limit of two Team Party Passes per successful applicant). Single day tickets will be sold at the door during Grey Cup Festival week.

 

All other ticketed events below will go on sale at 101greycupfestival.ca beginning July 6^th.

 

“We are very excited about the events being offered at the 101^st Grey Cup Festival,” stated 101^st Grey Cup Festival Executive Director Neil Donnelly. “We felt the variety of events will give CFL fans of all ages the opportunity to enjoy the festivities that the Grey Cup Festival has to offer.”

 

 

 

 

101^st GREY CUP CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

 

The 101^st Grey Cup Championship Game begins at 5:00pm in Mosaic Stadium

 

12noon NOVEMBER 20^th, 2013

101^st Opening Ceremony: Mosaic Festival Village (Downtown, City Square Plaza)

 

Kick-off the celebration with the Opening Ceremonies in the Mosaic Festival Village as we officially commence our 101^st Grey Cup Festival week! This free event welcomes all ages and will feature sport, culture, dance and fiery entertainment.

12noon November 20^th-23^rd, 2013

Mosaic Underground Downtown Tent: Mosaic Festival Village (Downtown, City Square Plaza)

 

In true celebration style, the Mosaic Underground Tent will be a downtown destination for spirited 101^st Festival goers!  This “underground” party will feature live entertainment, special appearances, cool contesting & so much more ALL WEEK LONG!  A Team Party Pass will grant front of the line until 7pm each night…don’t be late!

11am November 20^th-23^rd, 2013

Nissan Family Zone: Mosaic Festival Village (Downtown, City Square Plaza)

 

This family friendly celebration will be a festival of winter activities, inflatable fun, special appearances, carnival games, live entertainment, cook-offs and much more!  Bring the whole family for Saskatchewan fun. 

11am November 20^th-23^rd, 2013

TELUS Street Festival: Mosaic Festival Village (Downtown, FW Hill Mall)

 

Another Festival tradition that offers fun for the entire family!  Don’t miss the autograph opportunities, interactive fun for CFL fans, plenty of games and exciting live entertainment every night.

 

12 noon November 20^th-23^rd, 2013

Riderville: Crescent Point Energy Zone (Credit Union EventPlex, Evraz Place)

Featuring live entertainment, ultra-cool appearances & so much more, Riderville will be a true “Celebration in Rider Nation” and welcomes CFL fans from across the country!  Riderville has joined with several other CFL teams to offer the ultimate fan experience, the Team Party Pass - granting front of the line access until 7pm!

 

12 noon November 21^st-23^rd, 2013

CFL Team Parties: Crescent Point Energy Zone (Cooperator’s Centre, Evraz Place)

 

The CFL Team Parties are a main attraction at every Grey Cup Festival…and the 101^st celebration will be no different!  This year marks the creation of the first ever Team Party Pass, allowing CFL fans the ultimate Grey Cup Festival Experience.  Featuring the Lion’s Den, Stamps House, Touchdown Manitoba, the Double Blue Bash, Tiger Town & the famous Atlantic Schooner’s Down East Kitchen Party… be sure to arrive early and visit them all! 

 

7pm November 21^st-23^rd, 2013

Molson Canadian Live Champion’s Concert Series: Crescent Point Energy Zone (Brandt Centre, Evraz Place)

Don’t miss the opportunity to take in 3 nights of celebratory entertainment, honouring the Grey Cup Champions of 1966, 1989 & 2007…our 101^st Molson Canadian Live Champion’s Concert Series will be one for the ages! 

6pm November 21^st, 2013

Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards: Conexus Arts Centre

The Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards recognizes outstanding achievement at this exciting awards ceremony.  Featuring Brent Butt & Glen Suitor, we invite you to join CFL All-Stars, Coaches, Management, Alumni and more as the CFL celebrates the highlights of 2013.

9pm November 21^st, 2013

Leader-Post Player Awards “Post” Party:  Conexus Arts Centre

A premium ticket to the Awards Show promises this truly memorable experience… join the Nominees, Alumni and other special guests after the Show at the Leader-Post Player Awards ‘Post’ Party.  Enjoy delicious food, featured drinks & entertainment while mingling with CFL Greats.  

12 noon November 22^nd, 2013

CFLAA Legends Luncheon – Presented by Sask Lotteries:  Queensbury Convention Centre, Evraz Place

This luncheon, presented by Sask Lotteries, celebrates our CFL Alumni legends and all things football!  Join the CFL Alumni Association for an afternoon of camaraderie, the annual “Bear Pit”, an exclusive Grey Cup photo opportunity, live auction and commemorative swag.

9:30am  November 23^rd, 2013

Safeway Grey Cup Parade:  The “Green Mile”

The Safeway Grey Cup Parade will be a street stopper, featuring an outstanding celebration of Canadian football, seasonal spirit and of course, the coveted Cup!  The Safeway Grey Cup Parade begins at the Legislative Building, follows the “Green Mile” (of course) and finishes up at Regina Centre Crossing.  This festive display promises something special for the entire family!

 

2pm  November 23^rd, 2013

Cheer Extravaganza:  University of Regina

Saturday afternoon will feature the annual Cheer Extravaganza - a celebration of the CFL Cheer Teams, hosted by the University of Regina Cheer Team.  The extravaganza kicks off with live performances by each team – get ready for cheer, dance, stunting…and a little friendly competition!

5pm November 23^rd, 2013

Scotiabank Gala – Taste of the Nation:  Casino Regina & Delta Hotel

Enjoy an epic journey of fine Canadian food & stunning entertainment at this year’s Scotiabank Gala…this destination evening will be a spectacle of CFL spirit, comedy & music featuring Host Brent Butt & a performance by Juno award-winner, Serena Ryder.

12 noon November 24^th, 2013

Countdown to Kick-Off:  Queensbury Convention Centre, Evraz Place

Join us before the Championship Game at the Countdown to Kick-Off, Saskatchewan’s exclusive pre-game destination!  This premium afternoon features a Tailgate Grill, End Zone Edibles, a football-themed bar and an eclectic collection of truly Saskatchewan entertainment...our “Linebacker Lounge” style reception will be the ultimate stop before the 101^st Grey Cup Championship Game!

12 noon November 24^th, 2013

Pre-Game Party:  Credit Union EventPlex, Evraz Place

Get primed for Game time and rock out with The Sheep Dogs at the 101^st Grey Cup Festival’s Pre-Game Party!  Don’t miss the transformation of Riderville into the ultimate cabaret-style Celebration in Rider Nation for die-hard CFL fans from across the League! 

2pm  November 24^th, 2013

Practice Field Party:  Mosaic Stadium

Join us on the Practice Field for the biggest Practice Field Party of the season!  A re-creation of the Mosaic Festival Village, this family-friendly stop will be in full swing all afternoon and promises to get you warmed up and in the spirit for the 101^st Grey Cup Championship Game!

 

This And That

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has arrived! The start of the 2013 season unofficially begins tonight in Edmonton as the Riders take on the Eskimos in a game you will hear on the Rider Radio Network starting with Michael Ball and "Roughriders Gameday" at 430.  As excited as I am to get the 2013 season underway, I will be headed to the Manitoba capital as I am off to UFC 161 which should be  an adventure in itself.  The question I have is do I wear my Riders jersey to the event or should I wear my Canada baseball jersey. I gotta represent the /=S=/ do I not and its not at a baseball, hockey or basketball game and it is Winnipeg.

 

As one who hasn't been in Winnipeg for years, where does one go for "fun"?

 

It was great to hear that former Riders fullback Chris Szarka will be joining our team on "Rider Radio" this year as he will sit alongside Michael Ball for the post-game shows when the team is on the road if not more. Zark knows his football much like Matt Dominguez and Scott Schultz so I can't wait to hear what he has to say.

 

A lot of people have asked me what role I will be playing on the broadcasts this season and if I'll be back on the sidelines. Lets  just say I'll be popping in here and popping in there in a variety of roles throughout the season. I'm that utility guy coming off the bench. That's fine with me.

 

One reason for yours truly to be interested in the Stanley Cup final. I'm in the top 5 in the Leader-Post playoff draft. I don't know if I can catch the leader since we basically have the same guys left, but who knows!

 

There is talk in the  U-S about the NHL gaining a foothold with some solid TV ratings. Did you know that on the Saturday night when the Hawks won the West by beating L-A that NBC beat out FOX which was carrying a MLB game. Does that say more for hockey or less for baseball?

 

Nothing against Jim Hughson, but if I can watch Mike Emrick, that's what I'm doing. There aren't any better play-by-play guys at hockey than Emrick and Chris Cuthbert.

 

Harry Neale is going to get recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame for his work as a broadcaster. Harry became famous working alongside Bob Cole for so many years. This just makes me ask why Bob Cole isn't getting the recognition first. Say what you will about Bob, and I have been just as critical at times, but the man is a broadcasting icon and Hockey Night in Canada wouldn't have been the same without him. Let's remember Bob is no spring chicken either. Putting Neale in before Cole is a mistake in my mind----maybe they should go in together.

 

Part of me really wants to see Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia paired up together at the US Open.

 

Did anyone notice that the Blue Jays put out the starting threesome of "Johnson", "Dickey" and "Wang" this week?

 

Riders question: What do you do with the receivers that are in camp.  Taj Smith has been amazing from what I've heard, Kierrie Johnson has been tremendous, rookie Alex Anthony has shown he belongs, Jordan Sisco seems to have his head on straight and is impressing the coaches and then you have guys like Greg Carr, Weston Dressler, Geroy Simon and Chris Getzlaf.  Someone with talent is going to go and I would think it might be Carr.  His height is an advantage, but he doesn't have the versatility that Johnson has. I can see Anthony on the practice roster and Sisco perhaps ending up there too. Oh yeah, I forgot about Rob Bagg! I don't envy the coaching staff when it comes to making that decision,

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There was a lot of debate about the Kory Sheets story this week. I don't condone what the Rider running back did in any fashion, but he admitted what he had done and did what he had to to get the charges dropped thus I don't think there is the story there that some seemed to think. However, the Riders are absolutely right when they say he is on strike two. One more screw-up and he --and likely his football career--are over.

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The voice of the Eskimos Morley Scott tweeted on Thursday that the Eskimos practiced their entrance onto the field. ??????  Are the Riders going to practice to "bring em out, bring em out". Somehow I doubt it.

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If you are a wrestling fan and you haven't seen "The Rise and Fall of WCW", I would recommend it. Its a good watch. Its on Netflix right now.

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I was told this week that there might be one or two closed practices a week for the Riders. How on earth will Murray McCormick survive without writing about the wasps?

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Fuddruckers in Saskatoon should take a count as to how much of their business comes from Regina. It seems that everyone I know that went to training camp went to Fudds at some point whether they were there for a day or longer. Anytime I see someone who goes to Saskatoon, they say they were at Fudds. Oh yeah, when I went to the Memorial Cup final, guess where my entourage went before we hit the highway back to Regina. It only begs the question....why doesn't Regina have a Fuddruckers?????

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That's all I got. Time to pack for Winnipeg. I'll be taking photos so you'll get a sampling of them in "Something to Mitch About".

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Go Riders!

 

 

 

 



A Conversation With Darian Durant

I had a chance to speak with Riders quarterback Darian Durant to get his thoughts on the upcoming season for a story that is currently on Riderville.com. Take a listen!

Oops!!!

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ game day plan for traffic turned into frustration and gridlock for thousands of fans trying to get to Investors Group Field for the the team’s first preseason game in the new stadium Wednesday.

Social networking sites filled up with angry comments and discouraging travelogues from people attempting to reach the new facility at the University of Manitoba by car or bus in time for kick off at 7 p.m.

“Someone at the #Bombers needs to be thrown under the bus for this terrible inaugural event… if the bus ever shows up.” tweeted @wpgcameraman.

“While I am confident they will eventually work it out, the first game at #igf leaves nothing but a bad taste in many #bomber fans.” @teddytoba said on Twitter.

When the players took the field, thousands of seats remained empty as many fans were still crawling through bumper to bumper traffic to get there.

“Buses lined up down #ChancellorMatheson cars backed up Waverley -both ways on Pembina” Global reporter Kaleigh Hamilton reported on Twitter.


“people bailing off busses at Pembina & Bishop and hoofin it. 20-30 min delays Pembina. Bishop @ River gridlock.” Mike Thom tweeted. “avg speed on Bishop b/w St. Anne and St. Mary is 14 km/h. I could go on lol. it’s going to take few games to figure this out :)”

“People on our bus got off at University Cres. & walked the 1 mile to IGF!” Tweeted Ray Houssin.

“#WinnipegTransit better have its crap together by August when I’ll be seeing Paul McCartney at #IGF,” tweeted Jennifer Hanson.

Pembina Highway was bumper-to-bumper and moving very slowly.

The comments on transit and traffic weren’t all negative.

“Rapid transit was great! Right up until Uni Cres. Then a nice stroll to #IGF for the #Bombers,” tweeted Andrew Kalicinski.

The Bombers staked a lot on a “transportation plan” that included dozens of transit buses and park-and-ride schemes, to avoid the traffic chaos many feared — and seemed to materialize — when tens of thousands of fans tried to make their way to the new stadium in the south end of the city.



(Global Winnipeg)

Day 11 Rider Report

ROSTER MOVES

ADD Import DB Prince Miller



INJURIES

DB Milt Collins (wrist) day-to-day

WR Weston Dressler (abdomen) day-to-day

WR Aaron Hargreaves (achilles) day-to-day

DB Eddie Russ (knee) day-to-day

DL Hilee Taylor (calf) day-to-day

DB Chip Vaughn (groin) day-to-day

DL Mick Williams (ankle) day-to-day

LB Mike McCullough (bicep) week-to-week

OL Patrick Neufeld (leg) week-to-week

WR Mitch Thompson (ankle) week-to-week

FB Graeme Bell (hand) 9-game



PLAY OF THE DAY

During the morning’s team session, newcomer Reshard Langford had an opportunistic interception. The pass attempt was deflected by the intended receiver before Langford ran under the ball to secure the turnover.



TOMORROW

Players and coaches will take part in final meetings Thursday before traveling to Edmonton in preparation for Friday’s preseason game against the Eskimos.

Day 10 Riders Report

The following is the Day 10 report from the 2013 Roughrider Training Camp.

ROSTER MOVES
ADD Non-import DL David Rybinski

INJURIES
WR Weston Dressler (abdomen) day-to-day
WR Aaron Hargreaves (achilles) day-to-day
DB Eddie Russ (knee) day-to-day
DL Hilee Taylor (calf) day-to-day
DB Chip Vaughn (groin) day-to-day
DL Mick Williams (ankle) day-to-day
LB Mike McCullough (bicep) week-to-week
OL Patrick Neufeld (leg) week-to-week
WR Mitch Thompson (ankle) week-to-week
FB Graeme Bell (hand) 9-game

PLAY OF THE DAY
During the green zone situational team period, quarterback Levi Brown found Jordan Sisco on a corner route in the end zone. The veteran receiver made a quick adjustment to stretch out and make the catch in coverage.

QUOTABLE
“I haven’t played enough games the last few years. It’s an exhibition game but its football and I am excited. I am looking forward to going against some other DB’s.” Rob Bagg looking forward to Friday’s preseason game.

CHL To Ban European Goalies

This will get the debate going.

The Canadian Hockey League is apparently ready to ban junior teams from selecting European-born goaltenders. The CHL is seeing that they are perhaps allowing Euro goalies to learn the game and prosper while Canadian goalies sit on the sidelines. With Canadian goaltending being an issue at the World Juniors over the past few years, this is a move that will allow junior teams to develop Canadian goalies instead of those with a European descent.

I know many won't like this, but I do.