There are certain moments in Saskatchewan sports that stay with you forever — and for me, it goes all the way back to when I was just four years old, experiencing my very first Labour Day Classic at old Taylor Field.
I don’t remember every detail of the game, but I’ll never forget the feeling. The sea of green jerseys, the booming chants of “Let’s Go Riders,” and the way the stands seemed to shake with every big play — it was overwhelming, but magical. At that age, Taylor Field felt massive, almost intimidating, yet it was also where I first understood what Rider Nation was all about.
What stood out most wasn’t just the football. It was the people. Neighbours high-fiving strangers. Families dressed head-to-toe in green. Even the brave Bomber fans in blue, who were greeted with a mix of jeers and laughter, were part of the spectacle. It wasn’t just a game — it was a gathering, a tradition that pulled everyone together.
When the Riders scored, the roar was so loud it rattled the old wooden seats. I can still remember clutching onto my dad’s hand as the noise shook the place. That energy, that passion — it left a mark on me that has lasted a lifetime.
Looking back, I realize that first Labour Day Classic was more than just my introduction to football. It was a rite of passage. At four years old, in the heart of Taylor Field, I became part of Rider Nation.
