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Kate Pettersen: “I grew up on the sidelines” and this weekend she heads to Regina.

Kate Pettersen – On Special To The Snap ahead of the first game at New Mosaic Stadium

The CFL is in my DNA

“I grew up on the sidelines”

I spent much of my childhood hanging out on the sidelines at CFL games. Heading down to what was the SkyDome with my dad and spending time on the field during warm ups as he prepared for his broadcast. Living by the rules of always staying a few steps away during important conversations players and coaches and whatever you do, don’t get hit in the head by a ball.

I have fond memories of interactions with CFL legends like Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Doug Flutie, Mike O’Shea and Damon Allen. I could never forget the road trip to Ottawa where the visiting Calgary Stampeders cheerleaders took me into their locker room to learn about getting game day glammed. To this day, Pinball and I still have a secret handshake that we do every time we see each other. And, the joke never gets old that I fell in love with football because of the free popcorn in the broadcast booth. Thankfully my interest in what actually happens on the field prevailed. I absolutely love this league.

A scheduling conflict left me watching the Riders farewell to old Mosaic stadium from my couch in Toronto, so the first thing I did when the new schedule was released, was highlight the Riders Home Opener in Regina on Canada Day. Yes, please! Of course, the Argos host BC on Friday night so I’ll be in Toronto to fulfill my sideline duties but I didn’t think twice about booking the first flight out Saturday morning.

Regina is a special place for me because of my family history and the experiences I’ve had in the city. My dad, Leif Pettersen, was drafted by the Riders in 1974 and went on to play four years for the green and white with legends like Ron Lancaster and George Reed before being traded to Hamilton. And, like my dad, it’s where things started for me. Fast forward 37 years and I packed up my bags and moved across the country for my first real TV job as a morning news reporter at Global Regina. The city, the Riders organization and most importantly the fans, welcomed me with open arms.

Thinking of #71 today ❤️ Sad to think this is the end of such an incredible era at Mosaic Stadium. My dad's career started in Regina when he was drafted by the Riders in 1974 and mine at Global Regina in 2012. I am forever grateful for my Rider family, especially Jim Hopson and his wife Brenda who took me in as one of their own after my dad passed. Steve Mazurak, my dad's roomie on the road, always brightens my day with his stories from the old days and his smile. From the watching on the sidelines to games in the stands with my friends, my heart is always full when I walk into Mosaic Stadium. I hope everyone has a wonderful time tonight and wish I could be there for one last Bring Em' Out! 🏈 #CFL #farewellseason #riders #saskatchewan #regina #mosaic #sadgoodbye #family #love #memories #nostalgia #football #daddysgirl #ripdaddy

A post shared by Kate Pettersen (@katepettersen_) on

People tell you about Rider Nation and how exciting it is to watch a game at Mosiac Stadium but until you’ve tried it, words really don’t do it justice. There’s something so magical about the atmosphere full of passion, loyalty, excitement and of course, football. Fans wearing watermelons on their heads or decked out in head to toe green, you name it, you can find it at the Rider store. There’s a love for the game and an all-out craziness that consumes you and makes you want to be a part of it.

For many of these fans, like me, their history with the team runs deeper than just a few seasons of fun. They travel hours and hours to see their team play and for many, their loyalty has been passed down from generation to generation. A love for the game, the atmosphere and cheering loudly from the stands.

I can’t wait to be there to experience history and the start of a new future for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. I’ll be sharing details of my adventure on twitter (katepettersen_) and will tell you all about it next week on thesnap.ca. I’m most excited to meet more fans and hear their stories so if you see me, please come and say hi. I’d love to meet you.

Kate