Scott Schultz breaks down why Regina could be a smarter choice than Saskatoon for Roughriders’ CFL training camp

Scott Schultz explains why Regina may be a better choice than Saskatoon for Saskatchewan Roughriders’ CFL training camp

Former Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Scott Schultz has shared his thoughts on why Regina could be a more effective location than Saskatoon for the team’s training camp.

“The way I see it, I’m a facilities guy,” Schultz told SportsCage host Barney Shynkaruk. “If I were on the team now, I’d spend all my time at the stadium using the facilities—hot tubs, cold tubs, treatments—everything that’s available. The facility is state-of-the-art. There’s really no other CFL team that has something comparable. Maybe Winnipeg a little bit, but theirs is kind of outdated, very Winnipeg-ish.”

Schultz also stressed that this doesn’t mean Saskatoon should be excluded entirely. “You can still host events in Saskatoon besides training camp,” he said. “They’re doing a game there, and that builds fan engagement. Other activities can also substitute for training camp to grow the Riders’ fanbase in that region.”

Reflecting on his own early CFL career, Schultz recalled missing the first two training camps because he was in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers (2001) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2002). “When I joined the Riders in 2003, we did camp at Luther, and I never got to experience Saskatoon at all,” he said.

The Roughriders will host a preseason game in Saskatoon against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday, May 23. Schultz believes these offsite games are an effective way to engage fans. “You can substitute for a training camp up there with things like that—practices, preseason games. I love that idea. It gives fans in the northern half a chance to be part of the experience.”

Schultz emphasized the advantages of using Regina’s Mosaic Stadium for training camp. “We’re not the NFL, so we don’t get access to the same type of facilities elsewhere. Mosaic Stadium is incredible—state-of-the-art with amenities for players. It makes sense to use them for training camp.”

Schultz, Saskatchewan’s first overall pick in 2001, played with the Riders from 2002 to 2009, winning a Grey Cup in 2007. His experience in both the NFL and CFL gives him a unique perspective on why top-tier facilities and strategic event planning are critical for player preparation and fan engagement.