By MURRAY McCORMICK, Leader-Post August 24, 2010
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders continue to be among the CFL's best draws.
The Edmonton Eskimos have sold 45,000 tickets for Saturday's game, which is significantly better than their season average of 31,763 over their first four home games at Commonwealth Stadium. Dave Jamieson, Edmonton's director of communications and marketing, told Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun, that's due to the Roughriders coming to town.
The Edmonton Eskimos have sold 45,000 tickets for Saturday's game, which is significantly better than their season average of 31,763 over their first four home games at Commonwealth Stadium. Dave Jamieson, Edmonton's director of communications and marketing, told Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun, that's due to the Roughriders coming to town.
"Every visit by the Riders is a hot ticket, regardless where either team sits in the standings," Jamieson said. "I call it the 'Yankees effect,' where the brand is so strong that it pulls even casual or marginal fans out to the park.''
Saturday's game remains a draw the discrepancy between each team. The Riders are 5-2, good enough for second place in the West Division. The Eskimos are tied for last in the CFL with the B.C. Lions at 1-6.
"The rivalry is as strong as it has ever been, and we're counting on Eskimos fans to be out in force to counteract the Saskatchewan effect ... and be wearing our shade of green,'' Jamieson said.
The Rider Nation proved the strength of the rivalry in 2009. On Sept. 26, the Riders and Eskimos drew CFL regular-season record 62,517 spectators. Commonwealth Stadium can seat 60,081. The Riders won that contest 23-20.
The Riders recently announced that their Sept. 17th game against the Calgary Stampeders is sold out. That's their sixth consecutive home sell-out this season. In 2009, they sold out eight of their nine home regular-season games.
This year, the Riders have played three road games and all of those contests have featured sellouts. An alert reader pointed out that there have been 10 sell-outs in the CFL this season through 38 games and the Riders have been involved in seven. The Montreal Alouettes played in the other three.
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There has been a growing discussion about which is the best team in the CFL.
That talk has focused on the Calgary Stampeders (6-1-0), the Alouettes (6-2-0) and the Roughriders, who have earned the attention. Warren Woods of Global TV asked Riders middle linebacker Barrin Simpson and head coach Ken Miller for their input on the debate. Simpson and Miller both said the Riders, which was to be expected. They provided more insights when asked why.
"We grind, we work hard and we play 60 minutes,'' Simpson said. "We have a family concept. You know how if you're little brother gets into a fight, everyone else jumps in? We have that concept. We stay focussed and make sure we're doing the best we can do on the practice field.''
Miller felt it was the team's cohesiveness that contributes to the success of the Riders.
Miller felt it was the team's cohesiveness that contributes to the success of the Riders.
"I really believe that they are a mature team,'' Miller said. "Not age-wise but they are mature emotionally. They do a great job of preparation and working with each other in getting themselves to play well.''
Simpson, who is in 10th CFL season and first with the Riders, kept the discussion in perspective.
"You can't be the best team in football right now,'' Simpson said. "That will be displayed in the Grey Cup. The two teams that play in the Grey Cup and the one that wins is the best team.''
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The bye week may be gone but it's not forgotten.
The Roughriders may have three practices under their belts since returning from a week off but they still appreciate the time off. The Riders last played on Aug. 12 when they beat the B.C. Lions 37-13.
"When you bang your body up as much as we do, you need a break,'' said veteran running back Wes Cates. "It's sucks that we don't get a second bye because it keeps guys from getting injured late in the season. It helps take some of the soreness and swelling out.''
Coaches don't have the physical woes associated with a long season but they also need a break. Bob Dyce, the Riders' passing game co-ordinator and receivers coach, returned to his Winnipeg home for five days to see his family.
"It's always great to see your family,'' Dyce said. "It's nice to relax and re-focus. It's also great to get back to work.''
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