The Saskatchewan Roughriders have landed in Winnipeg, but the traditional welcome they receive in the city is anything but warm. As preparations intensify for the 112th Grey Cup championship, a compelling question hangs in the prairie air: will the hostile environment typically reserved for the Green and White soften now that they are not facing their arch-rivals, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers?
A Stadium of Mixed Emotions
The Roughriders arrived in the Manitoba capital on Monday, November 10, 2025, greeted by a sold-out Princess Auto Stadium for Sunday's title game against the Montreal Alouettes. This marks Saskatchewan's first appearance in the CFL's championship final since 2013, adding a layer of historic excitement for their legion of fans.
Riders quarterback Trevor Harris admitted he hadn't given the reception much thought until recently. "I hope all the Sask. fans bought the tickets. That's what we're hoping," Harris said. "I think it's going to be half and half. I've gotten a lot of messages from people saying that they're rooting for us; that their whole fan base was rooting for us. Maybe, I guess we'll see. You just never know until it happens."
Thriving in a Hostile Atmosphere
While many tickets were undoubtedly purchased by Winnipeggers before the Roughriders even secured their spot by defeating the B.C. Lions in the West final, a strong contingent of green-clad supporters is expected to make the journey. However, players are preparing for a less-than-friendly welcome from the local faithful.
Linebacker A.J. Allen was more direct in his expectations. "I'm expecting more boos than cheers," Allen stated. "I mean this is our rivalry, right? This is who we hate and who hates us. I don't expect it to be all lovey dovey, but it doesn't really matter, right? We won a lot of away games this season. We're ready for it. We thrive in those situations."
Player Perspectives on the Crowd
Veteran defensive tackle Micah Johnson anticipates a split crowd but is focused on the energy, regardless of its nature. "Little bit of mix, man," Johnson predicted. "We'll see how many Bomber fans are there. I think it'd be a good crowd. Being right here, I think we're going to have a lot of fans here. It'll be fun but in my opinion honestly, boos or cheers, I just want it loud."
Meanwhile, receiver Dohnte Meyers expressed unwavering confidence in the traveling Rider Nation. "A lot cheering," Meyers said. "Because Rider green, they travel well. We're a skip and a hop from home so I think we're going to have some hometown fans here. I think my ears will only hear the Rider green. Riderville loud and clear. I'll tune out all the other stuff."
The stage is set for a dramatic 112th Grey Cup, where the reception for the Roughriders during player introductions will be the first significant indicator of the game's atmosphere. Whether it's a chorus of boos or a surprising mix of cheers, the Saskatchewan squad appears prepared for any scenario as they chase a championship on rival turf.
