L-R: Craig Reynolds, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Chris Lees, president of Canadian Western Agribition, and Chris Lane, CEO of Canadian Western Agribition pose for a photo in their new Agribition-themed Rider jerseys on Nov. 2, 2019. (Jessie Anton/980 CJME)

By CJME News

Agribition, Saskatchewan Roughriders announce multi-year partnership

Nov 3, 2019 | 9:09 AM

Saskatchewan’s love of football and agriculture is coming together in a new partnership.

The Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) and the Saskatchewan Roughriders announced Saturday they’re teaming up ahead of two major events next year: The livestock show’s 50th anniversary and the 2020 Grey Cup in Regina.

Chris Lane, CEO of the CWA, said it’s a natural partnership.

“The Saskatchewan Roughriders are an iconic Saskatchewan experience and we feel Agribition is an iconic Saskatchewan experience as well,” he said. “(Agribition and the 2020 Grey Cup) are going to be happening at about the same time of year, so it’ll really elevate the experience for Roughrider fans and for Agribition fans.”

To start things off, gate admission on the first day of Agribition — both this year and next — will be free, courtesy of the Roughriders. Normal entrance fees will resume for the rest of the week.

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The partnership will also see the Riders participating more in the livestock show with things like fan contests and player appearances.

“That’s a big part of what we do, we try to get our players out in the community, interacting with especially youth — and I know Agribition has a big youth focus so there’s a nice alignment there,” said Craig Reynolds, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

To accommodate next year’s Grey Cup festivities at Evraz Place, Reynolds noted Agribition has also already planned to push back next year’s show as well.

This year, Agribition runs from Nov. 25-30.