The Atlantic region will have a hint of green this summer as the Saskatchewan Roughriders take part in Touchdown Atlantic for a second straight season.
A full-time football venture to that section of the country remains the long-term goal for the Canadian Football League as they continue to explore on how to turn that a dream into a reality.
Roughriders President and CEO Craig Reynolds joined Michael Ball on the SportsCage on Friday and one of the items discussed was the possibility of a potential franchise added to the eastern part of the country.
One scenario that has been reported lately is the league taking ownership of the franchise until a proper owner can be found.
That news comes on the heels of the league finding a new owner in Montreal. Pierre Karl Peladeau recently purchased the Alouette’s franchise.
Last season, the Roughriders took part in Touchdown Atlantic for the first time when they met the Toronto Argonauts in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. The Riders President and CEO felt the atmosphere in the east coast was spectacular.
“It was outstanding. The buzz in the city, obviously aided by our fans.”
Reynolds added that a lot of Roughrider fans will get a chance to experience the event after missing out last year.
“They were sad they weren’t able to join us last year and hopefully many of those will join us this year.”
Huskies Stadium in Halifax will be the site for the 2023 version of Touchdown Atlantic , there will be temporary seats added to the facility for the contest.
Despite playing on the road the week before in Vancouver against the BC Lions before the cross-country trek to Nova Scotia for the neutral site matchup against Toronto on Saturday, July 29. Reynolds anticipates another great trip for the green and white to the east coast.
“We’re lucky to be apart of it. We put up our hand right away.”
Saskatchewan will get a chance of erasing the memories of last year’s Touchdown Atlantic contest against the Argonauts. Toronto defeated the Roughriders in the Week 6 contest 30-24 after linebacker Wynton McManis returned an interception for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter for the game-winning score.
A pre-sale for the tickets for the 2023 edition of Touchdown Atlantic began last week.
