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Banjo Bowl
Banjo Bowl
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Banjo Bowl
First meetingSeptember 12, 2004
Blue Bombers 27, Roughriders 24
Latest meetingSeptember 6, 2025
Blue Bombers 13, Roughriders 21
Next meetingSeptember 12, 2026
Statistics
Meetings total21
All-time seriesBlue Bombers lead, 13–8
Largest victoryRoughriders: 55–10 (2009)
Blue Bombers: 51–6 (2023)
Smallest victoryRoughriders: 25–24 (2012)
Blue Bombers: 27–24 (2004)
Longest win streakBlue Bombers: 5 (2019–2024)
Current win streakRoughriders: 1
(2025–present)

The Banjo Bowl is the annual rematch game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) after the Labour Day Classic. While the traditional Labour Day Classic game is always played on the Sunday before Labour Day at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan (previously held at Taylor Field), there is usually a rematch on the following weekend between these two rival prairie teams at Princess Auto Stadium (previously held at Canad Inns Stadium) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

History

[edit]

From 1982 to 2003 consecutively, Saskatchewan hosted Winnipeg in the Labour Day Classic. This game was always held in Regina on the Sunday before Labour Day Monday. Some of these Labour Day Classic games were part of a home-and-home series. In 1984 and 1988, Winnipeg hosted Saskatchewan in the game before the Labour Day Classic. In 1986, 1991 to 1995, and 1998, Winnipeg hosted Saskatchewan in the game after the Labour Day Classic.

Dave Ritchie, Winnipeg's head coach from 1999 to 2004, would ask, "Why can’t we play [the Labour Day Classic] game in Winnipeg once in awhile?"[1] Ritchie knew the visitors should have a clear disadvantage playing in a jacked-up, jam-packed stadium, and felt that Winnipeg should benefit once in a while.[1] At one time, there were discussions about occasionally letting Winnipeg enjoy the home-field advantage and perhaps alternating year by year the site of the Labour Day Classic.[1] Every year starting in 2004, Saskatchewan has hosted the Labour Day Classic and Winnipeg has hosted the Labour Day Rematch. As of the 2025 season, Winnipeg leads the series 13–8.

As on Labour Day weekend when many Winnipeg fans visit Regina to support the Bombers, many Saskatchewan fans visit Winnipeg the following weekend to support the Roughriders. Many come, tongue-in-cheek, with banjos.

Despite not being an official event, the Canadian Football League website promotes the game by referring to it as "Banjo Bowl" in some of its online coverage[2] as does the league's official television broadcaster, TSN.[3] In 2013, the Premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall, joined in the spirit of the event by posting a video on his YouTube channel making reference to the rivalry and the Banjo Bowl game.[4] The Roughriders themselves have avoided the use of the title "Banjo Bowl" in official communications, referring to the game as the "Labour Day rematch".[5]

Name

[edit]

The "Banjo Bowl" moniker was coined by Blue Bombers board member David Asper in early 2004, inspired by an infamous comment made by Bombers placekicker Troy Westwood in the week prior to a 2003 Western Division Semi-final game between the two teams. Westwood was quoted in the media as saying that people from Regina were "a bunch of banjo-pickin' inbreds", which was a reference to the scene and song "Dueling Banjos" from the movie Deliverance.[6][7] He later sardonically apologized for those comments, saying that "the vast majority of the people in Saskatchewan have no idea how to play the banjo."[8] This further fuelled the Winnipeg–Saskatchewan football rivalry and has made the rematch game even more of an event. The game has been sold out every year since 2005.

Results

[edit]
Year Date Winner Score Venue Attendance TV Roughriders QB Blue Bombers QB
2004 September 12 Blue Bombers 27–24[9] Canad Inns Stadium 27,160 Sportsnet Henry Burris Kevin Glenn
2005 September 10 Roughriders 19–17[10] Canad Inns Stadium 29,653 CBC Marcus Crandell Kevin Glenn
2006 September 10 Blue Bombers 27–23[11] Canad Inns Stadium 30,026 TSN Kerry Joseph Kevin Glenn
2007 September 9 Blue Bombers 34–15[12] Canad Inns Stadium 29,783 TSN Kerry Joseph Kevin Glenn
2008 September 7 Roughriders 34–31[13] Canad Inns Stadium 29,770 TSN Michael Bishop Kevin Glenn
2009 September 13 Roughriders 55–10[14] Canad Inns Stadium 29,533 TSN Darian Durant Michael Bishop
2010 September 12 Blue Bombers 31–2[15] Canad Inns Stadium 29,533 TSN Darian Durant Steven Jyles
2011 September 11 Roughriders 45–23[16] Canad Inns Stadium 30,518 TSN Darian Durant Buck Pierce
2012 September 9 Roughriders 25–24[17] Canad Inns Stadium 30,077 TSN Darian Durant Joey Elliott
2013 September 8 Blue Bombers 25–13[18] Investors Group Field 33,500 TSN Darian Durant Justin Goltz
2014 September 7 Roughriders 30–24[19] Investors Group Field 33,234 TSN Darian Durant Drew Willy
2015 September 12 Blue Bombers 22–7[20] Investors Group Field 35,156 TSN Brett Smith Matt Nichols
2016 September 10 Blue Bombers 17–10[21] Investors Group Field 33,234 TSN Darian Durant Matt Nichols
2017 September 9 Blue Bombers 48–28[22] Investors Group Field 33,134 TSN Kevin Glenn Matt Nichols
2018 September 8 Roughriders 32–27[23] Investors Group Field 33,134 TSN Zach Collaros Matt Nichols
2019 September 7 Blue Bombers 35–10[24] IG Field 33,134 TSN Cody Fajardo Chris Streveler
2020 Not played due to COVID-19
2021 September 11 Blue Bombers 33–9[25] IG Field 33,234 TSN Cody Fajardo Zach Collaros
2022 September 10 Blue Bombers 54–20[26] IG Field 33,234 TSN Cody Fajardo Zach Collaros
2023 September 9 Blue Bombers 51–6[27] IG Field 32,343 TSN Jake Dolegala Zach Collaros
2024 September 7 Blue Bombers 26–21[28] Princess Auto Stadium 32,343 CTV[29] Trevor Harris Zach Collaros
2025 September 6 Roughriders 21–13[30] Princess Auto Stadium 32,343 TSN Trevor Harris Zach Collaros

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Banjo Bowl is the annual rematch game in the Canadian Football League (CFL) between the and the , typically held in shortly after the Classic to heighten the prairie rivalry between the two teams. The event originated in 2003 from a provocative comment by Bombers Westwood, who sarcastically referred to residents as "banjo-pickin’ inbreds" ahead of a Labour Day matchup, intending to fire up the rivalry but sparking backlash. Westwood's follow-up "apology"—jokingly claiming that most fans lacked the skill to play the —further fueled the banter, leading Bombers executive to formalize the name "Banjo Bowl" for the subsequent rematch as a signature event inspired by intense U.S. rivalries. The inaugural Banjo Bowl occurred in 2004 at Winnipeg's Canad Inns Stadium, drawing 27,160 fans and supporting charities from the outset. Since its debut, the Banjo Bowl has become one of the CFL's most colorful and enduring regular-season spectacles, with 21 editions played as of 2025 (cancelled in 2020 due to ) and the holding a 13-8 series lead, outscoring the Roughriders 599-449 overall. Hosted at since 2014, the game consistently sells out, achieving 21 straight sellouts and averaging approximately 31,608 attendees per contest, while boosting local sales and embedding itself in prairie through fan traditions like air-banjo celebrations. The winner is traditionally awarded a unique trophy: an actual custom .

Overview

Format and Significance

The Banjo Bowl is the annual post- rematch between the and the of the Canadian Football League (CFL), serving as the Winnipeg counterpart to the Labour Day Classic and forming a key part of the league's late-season schedule. This Prairie rivalry game is typically held the weekend following the Labour Day Classic in early September at the Blue Bombers' home stadium in , completing a home-and-home series that underscores the intense regional competition between the two teams. The matchup has been a fixture since 2004, amplifying the longstanding animosity between the clubs, which dates back to their first encounter in 1936. The inaugural official Banjo Bowl took place on September 12, 2004, at Canad Inns Stadium in , where the Blue Bombers secured a narrow victory over the Roughriders. Established as a deliberate effort to create a signature event for Blue Bombers fans, akin to prominent rivalries, the game quickly became a highlight of the CFL calendar by capitalizing on the post-holiday timing to sustain momentum from the contest. No Banjo Bowl was played in 2020 due to the , which led to the cancellation of the entire CFL season that year. As one of the CFL's most anticipated and fiercely contested games, the Banjo Bowl often draws crowds exceeding fans, reflecting its status as a major draw in a league where average hovers around 22,000 per game. The event's intensity frequently influences West Division playoff seeding, with outcomes directly affecting team records and postseason positioning in a tightly contested . As of 2025, 21 Banjo Bowl games have been played, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of CFL tradition and fan engagement.

Venue and Attendance

The Banjo Bowl is primarily hosted at in , , a modern outdoor facility with a of 32,343 spectators. The stadium opened in 2013 as Investors Group Field following construction that began in 2010, marking a significant upgrade from the previous venue and serving as the home for all Banjo Bowl games since that time. Prior to 2013, the event was held at the aging Canad Inns Stadium from its inception in 2004 through the 2012 season, before the site was demolished to make way for urban development. The evolved with Investors Group Field rebranded to IG Field in 2019 and then to in 2024, reflecting corporate sponsorship changes while maintaining its role as a hub for on the campus. Attendance for the Banjo Bowl has consistently sold out annually since , averaging over 32,000 fans per game and underscoring the event's status as one of the Canadian Football League's most anticipated matchups. The record crowd of 35,156 was set in 2015, the second-largest home attendance in history at the time. While the rivalry's intense draw ensures robust turnout irrespective of the teams' records, factors such as early —ranging from mild to chilly conditions—can affect overall fan comfort and participation in outdoor activities, though it has not prevented sellouts. Game-day logistics at emphasize fan engagement, including in "The Lot," a popular adjacent parking area where supporters set up grills, games, and social gatherings hours before kickoff to build excitement for the contest.

History

Inception and Naming

The Banjo Bowl originated from a controversial radio comment made by kicker Troy Westwood in 2003, ahead of the Classic against the . Westwood referred to Roughriders fans as a "bunch of banjo-pickin' inbreds," mocking as a rural, backwater province. This remark ignited widespread backlash from Saskatchewan fans and media, intensifying the longstanding rivalry between the two teams. Following the 2003 Labour Day Classic and the ensuing playoff matchup, Blue Bombers board member proposed embracing the controversy by naming the 2004 home rematch against the Roughriders the "Banjo Bowl," suggesting it to team president Lyle Bauer and marketing director Jerry Maslowsky as a way to capitalize on the publicity and boost attendance. Asper's idea drew inspiration from high-profile U.S. rivalries like the , aiming to create a signature event that highlighted the heated competition. The name was adopted to turn the insult into marketable energy, positioning the game as Winnipeg's counterpoint to the Roughriders' Labour Day Classic in Regina. The inaugural Banjo Bowl was officially designated for September 12, 2004, at Canad Inns Stadium in , marking the first time the rematch was branded under this moniker. Initial marketing efforts focused on banjo-themed promotions to amplify the rivalry's fun yet fierce tone, including a weekend of events such as the Banjo Bowl Social with prize draws and trivia, a Family Fun Day featuring autographs and appearances, and pre-game performances by the banjo-playing band White Hot Chilly Pickers. Merchandise like Banjo Bowl t-shirts and posters was sold, with proceeds benefiting the , while the game itself included a outhouse-building contest sponsored by Windsor Plywood to tie into the rural . These elements helped establish the event as a cultural highlight of the interprovincial feud.

Key Milestones

The Banjo Bowl's early years were marked by dominance, securing three victories in the first six editions from 2005 to 2010, which helped establish the rivalry's intensity on the prairies. This period included a decisive 55-10 rout in 2009, where the Roughriders capitalized on eight Winnipeg turnovers to defend their title emphatically. These wins underscored Saskatchewan's edge in the series during a time when both teams were rebuilding, contributing to sold-out crowds and growing fan engagement since 2005. The rivalry faced significant disruptions in 2020 when the entire CFL season, including the Banjo Bowl, was cancelled due to the , marking the first absence of the game since its inception. The 2021 season resumed amid ongoing health protocols, with a shortened schedule starting in August and several games rescheduled due to outbreaks, including cross-division matchups that altered divisional standings and playoff paths for both prairie teams. Despite these challenges, the Banjo Bowl returned on September 11, 2021, with Winnipeg prevailing 33-9 in front of a limited crowd, highlighting the event's resilience. Momentum shifted decisively toward the from 2019 to 2024, as they captured a five-game winning streak in the Banjo Bowl, bolstering their West Division campaigns. This run included clinching playoff berths during the rivalry game, such as in 2023 when a dominant 51-6 victory over secured postseason entry and set a sellout attendance mark of 32,343 at . The streak ended in 2025 with 's 21-13 upset win, snapping Winnipeg's hold and reaffirming the Roughriders' competitiveness. These pivotal Banjo Bowl outcomes have influenced broader playoff trajectories, notably propelling to appearances in 2019 after a 35-10 win that aided their 13-5 regular-season finish and West Division title, and in 2023 following the 51-6 blowout that capped a 14-4 campaign en route to the conference final.

Results and Records

All-Time Series Summary

The Banjo Bowl series between the and the has been played 21 times since its inception in 2004, with the Blue Bombers leading the all-time record 13-8 following the 2025 contest. All games in the series have taken place at what is now in (formerly Canad Inns Stadium until 2013, Investors Group Field from 2013 to 2019, and IG Field from 2019 to 2024), resulting in no away victories or neutral-site outcomes to factor into the aggregated statistics. The highest combined scoring total in a Banjo Bowl game is 74 points, achieved in 2022 when the Blue Bombers defeated the Roughriders 54-20. The largest margins of victory stand at 45 points each, recorded by the Roughriders in their 55-10 win in 2009 and by the Blue Bombers in a 51-6 blowout during the 2023 edition. The Blue Bombers hold the longest win streak in series history with five consecutive victories from 2019 to 2024, while the Roughriders' longest streak is two games, achieved in 2008–2009 and 2011–2012. Of the 21 games, seven have carried direct implications for West Division standings, often serving as pivotal contests in the playoff race.

Year-by-Year Results

The Banjo Bowl has been held annually since 2004, except for 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
YearDateScoreAttendanceNotes
2004September 12Winnipeg 27–24 Saskatchewan27,160Inaugural Banjo Bowl; Winnipeg clinched a playoff spot.
2005September 10Saskatchewan 19–17 Winnipeg29,653Saskatchewan completed a Labour Day/Banjo Bowl sweep.
2006September 10Winnipeg 27–23 Saskatchewan30,026-
2007September 9Winnipeg 34–15 Saskatchewan29,783-
2008September 7Saskatchewan 34–31 Winnipeg29,770Saskatchewan mounted a 17-point fourth-quarter comeback.
2009September 13Saskatchewan 55–10 Winnipeg29,533Saskatchewan scored 31 points off turnovers.
2010September 12Winnipeg 31–2 Saskatchewan29,833-
2011September 11Saskatchewan 45–23 Winnipeg30,518Saskatchewan scored 28 points off turnovers.
2012September 9Saskatchewan 25–24 Winnipeg30,077Saskatchewan won on a last-second field goal.
2013September 8Winnipeg 25–13 Saskatchewan33,500First game at Investors Group Field.
2014September 7Saskatchewan 30–24 Winnipeg33,134First game at IG Field (now Princess Auto Stadium).
2015September 12Winnipeg 22–7 Saskatchewan35,156Winnipeg extended a winning streak.
2016September 10Winnipeg 17–10 Saskatchewan33,134Winnipeg's sixth straight win.
2017September 9Winnipeg 48–28 Saskatchewan33,124-
2018September 8Saskatchewan 32–27 Winnipeg33,134Saskatchewan scored 23 points off interceptions.
2019September 7Winnipeg 35–10 Saskatchewan33,134-
2020-Cancelled-Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
2021September 11Winnipeg 33–9 Saskatchewan33,234First Banjo Bowl post-COVID; limited capacity initially but full by game time.
2022September 10Winnipeg 54–20 Saskatchewan33,234-
2023September 19Winnipeg 51–6 Saskatchewan33,234Winnipeg clinched playoffs.
2024September 7Winnipeg 26–21 Saskatchewan33,234Winnipeg's fifth straight win; sold out.
2025September 6Saskatchewan 21–13 Winnipeg33,234Saskatchewan ended Winnipeg's streak.
As of 2025, Winnipeg holds a 13–8 all-time series lead.

Cultural Impact

Rivalry Traditions

The Banjo Bowl fosters a vibrant array of pre-game rituals that highlight the intense Prairie rivalry between and fans. Tailgating parties outside have become a , where supporters from both provinces gather for barbecues, games, and friendly banter hours before kickoff, often drawing crowds of dozens per group despite the competitive tension. These events emphasize community spirit, with fans donning team colors—blue and gold for Bombers supporters and green for Roughriders fans—creating a sea of contrasting attire that underscores the "invasion" of away loyalists into home territory. A element of the rivalry is the Banjo Bowl trophy, awarded to the victor since the game's inception in 2004 as a playful nod to the event's origins. While entertainment varies, it often incorporates local flavors through performances that celebrate regional culture, though specific acts rotate annually to keep the intermission lively. Fan rivalries extend beyond the field into digital and travel realms, with supporters engaging in spirited trash-talking via social media under hashtags like #BanjoBowl, amplifying the two-week buildup from the Classic. Cross-province journeys are common, exemplified by organized "Rider Pride" bus trips from cities such as Regina and , transporting hundreds of green-clad fans to for the rematch and turning the stadium into a hotbed of away-team energy. The game's community ties are strengthened through charitable initiatives, and raffles of Westwood-signed memorabilia that have raised funds for local causes in both provinces. These efforts transform the rivalry into a platform for goodwill, with fans from rival sides collaborating on drives that benefit food banks and youth programs, reinforcing the event's role in regional solidarity. Fans often celebrate with air-banjo gestures, mimicking playing the instrument during scoring plays or victories, further embedding the event in prairie culture.

Media and Broadcasting

The Banjo Bowl has been a staple of Canadian national television broadcasts since its inception, primarily airing on TSN, Canada's primary sports network for CFL games. In recent years, select editions, such as the 2024 game, have expanded to CTV for broader reach on conventional television. The 2025 game aired on TSN. Internationally, the game is available through in the United States and the CFL's free streaming service, CFL+, for viewers outside . Radio coverage remains a key component, with local broadcasts on 680 CJOB in for Blue Bombers fans and 620 CKRM in Regina for Roughriders supporters, providing play-by-play commentary that captures the regional intensity. Viewership for the Banjo Bowl has consistently ranked among the higher-rated CFL regular-season games, reflecting its status as a marquee rivalry matchup. The 2022 edition drew 656,500 viewers on TSN, the 2023 game drew 688,100 on TSN, and the 2024 edition drew 571,000 on CTV, surpassing the league's season average in prior years. Overall CFL regular-season viewership on TSN rose 11 percent in 2023, reaching an average of 483,900 per game, with streaming options contributing to broader accessibility. Post-2020, streaming has seen notable surges, driven by the launch of CFL+ in 2023, which offers free global access and has expanded international audiences for high-profile games like the Banjo Bowl. Promotional coverage amplifies the event's hype through dedicated pre-game specials on CFL.ca and the official team websites, featuring analysis, player interviews, and historical retrospectives. The have contributed significantly with oral histories of the rivalry; an initial edition was published in 2020, detailing its origins and cultural significance, followed by an updated version in 2025 that includes recent milestones and participant accounts. Media coverage has occasionally spotlighted controversies, particularly the amplification of former Blue Bombers kicker Troy Westwood's remark, which fueled ongoing banter in pre- and post-game analyses. Post-game commentary often emphasizes the rivalry's intensity, with outlets like TSN and 3DownNation highlighting emotional stakes and fan reactions that underscore the Banjo Bowl's role in sustaining CFL interest across the prairies.

References

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