REGINA - Kickoff for the Saskatchewan Roughriders's final preseason game with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has been delayed by an hour.
The club posted the following on their website:
"Due to ongoing air quality conditions, tonight's preseason game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has been delayed to 8 p.m. Current weather modelling indicates that the smoke will continue to clear throughout the next several hours, allowing us to safely play football. This evening's Coors Light Party in the Park has been cancelled. Please keep an eye on Roughriders social media channcels for any further updates."
According to the CFL policy posted at their website:
"If the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI+) reaches 8 or above (as per official metrics provided by Environment Canada at ) during warmups or the game, the onsite League Representative will enact the league’s air quality procedure, which includes automatically stopping the game and sending teams to their dressing rooms."
Reports at the stadium are that air quality had been well above the limit, at the 10 mark.
The Roughriders had been monitoring the smoke and air quality throughout the day. Earlier this afternoon, the Roughriders had issued this statement on the X platform:
"Per league policy, the air quality at Mosaic Stadium is being actively monitored by the CFL and will continue to be throughout game day. At this point we do not expect any delays to kickoff, but will provide updates as required."
The Roughriders issued a further update on the X platform at 4 p.m. stating they have postponed Coors Light Party in the Park to 5:30 p.m.; they will continue to monitor air quality and provide updates as required.
Regina has received a significant amount of smoke throughout Friday from major wildfires that have impacted northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Officials with the SPSA expect air quality to get worse tomorrow.
The game broadcast can be heard on 620 CKRM and across the Riders Radio Network as well as online; tune in for more updated information on the current conditions.
