Mitchell on playing Riders at Mosaic: ‘It’s so fun to go into a stadium where people hate you’

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Calgary Stampeders’ quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell can’t wait to suit up for his first game at Mosaic Stadium in Regina in over three years.

“My favourite thing about Sask is — yeah, it’s hard, it’s tough, communication’s hard — but there’s not a better atmosphere in football when it comes to being out here. It’s so fun to go into a stadium where people hate you. Everybody’s loud. It feels like that college football Saturday,” said Mitchell.

“It’s a great moment and I think these guys are going to enjoy it.”

The 31-year-old has a 4-1 career win-loss record in Saskatchewan, having completed 66 percent of his passes for 1,285 yards with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. He missed Calgary’s 37-10 win at Mosaic Stadium in 2019 due to injury with Nick Arbuckle starting in his place.

Mitchell got off to a poor start this season but showed signs of improvement in a 23-17 win over Saskatchewan last week. He went 16-of-25 for 184 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, albeit in the friendly confines of McMahon Stadium in Calgary.

The two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player suffered a labral tear in his throwing shoulder in 2019, which caused him to miss a start for the first time since 2014. It visibly hampered the quarterback all season, holding him to 11 games and resulting in off-season surgery.

Mitchell pulled himself from the final drive of last week’s game due to shoulder soreness but indicated that he feels ready to play this week.

“I feel strong. Practice felt great. Honestly, offensively we had an amazing practice, so I think I’ll give it a go and give it everything I’ve got,” he said.

At 3-5, the Stampeders still have lots of room to make up in the West Division standings despite last week’s win. The team currently sits in fourth place behind Winnipeg (7-1), Saskatchewan (5-3), and B.C. (4-4), leaving them out of a playoff spot.

Four of Calgary’s next five games are scheduled against Saskatchewan and B.C. with both season series still up for grabs. If the Red and White are able to go on a run over the next few weeks, it remains possible that the club could host a playoff game at McMahon Stadium.