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Rider fans say goodbye to old Mosaic Stadium with final kickoff

WATCH ABOVE: The day has finally come to say goodbye. It's the final Rider game at the old Mosaic Stadium. As Christa Dao explains, thousands of fans are taking to Taylor Field one last time before they say farewell – Oct 29, 2016

The Saskatchewan Roughriders kicked off their final game at Mosaic Stadium to a sold-out crowd of over 30,000 against the visiting BC Lions.

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Fans called it the end of an era, reminiscing outside the stadium doors with memorable stories and highlights.

“[It’s] very nostalgic. When we started coming, our kids were very little, and now they’re old,” Lori Cosh said.

READ MORE: Lions beat Roughriders 24-6 in final CFL game at Mosaic Stadium

Over 600 CFL games have been played at Taylor Field.

Longtime fan Steven Cormons said he still remembered his first game, and the first time he walked through the stadium gates.

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“I’m sad because I think of the very first time I went to this stadium, and went, ‘Wow, I’m sold,'” he said.

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“We travelled for four hours for every game,” the North Battleford resident said.

Other fans like Robert Williams and his son are from Chilliwack, B.C., They travelled to Regina to show their prairie pride.

“I was born here … This is the last game in this stadium. I know it as Taylor Field, not as Mosaic but it’s still the same stadium,” Williams said.

“I love this place. George Reed is one of my favourites. Lancaster and George Reed ruled the team for years,” the longtime fan said.

READ MORE: Fans reminisce ahead of final Riders game at old Mosaic Stadium

Another fan, Hans Madsen of Yorkton, was also in attendance. He’s well-known fan among fans for spray painting his beard different colours.

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On Saturday, he simply spelled out “bye.” Madsen has attended hundreds of game at the old stadium, but said he’s looking forward to a new chapter.

“We come to them all, and we have for many decades, and it’s going to be a little different, but another stage,” Madsen said.

“I’m going to miss the old building, but everything is just moving a few feet over.”

READ MORE: Riders fans share favourite memories from Mosaic Stadium

The city is also pulling out all the stops for the final game, including a fireworks display, 25-minute tribute and live music from Jess Moskaluke at an extended halftime concert. The three-time Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) winner said it’s an honour to play at a stadium she has so many memories of.

“Really cool being on the opposite end, because I’ve been here as a football fan more times than I can count,” Moskaluke recalled.

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“I’ve seen concerts here — I’ve seen Bon Jovi here. So, to be on the other end is not only a dream come true, but also on the other side as a farewell, [it] is a massive honour,” she said.
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