ESTEVAN — There aren’t many events or organizations older than Estevan’s 111-year-old Orpheum Theatre.
But two of them are the Grey Cup, which was first contested in 1909, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who played their first game in 1910.
So, it’s fitting the Orpheum will be showing the Nov. 16 Grey Cup, pitting the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Montreal Alouettes. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m.
Jocelyn Dougherty, who owns the theatre with her husband Alan, is a Riders’ season ticket holder with a good friend, who is going to the game in Winnipeg.
“Since I can’t go to see it live, we [Alan and I] decided to do the next-best thing and show it on the big screen,” said Jocelyn Dougherty.
Admission is by donation to Estevan Special Olympics. Representatives from the chapter are expected to be present. The theatre’s concession will also be open to serve popcorn, snacks and beverages.
“Many of the athletes from the Special Olympics are very good customers of ours, and we understand they are always looking for more ways to make their activities more affordable, thus we thought it was a great partnership,” said Dougherty.
She believes Special Olympics is a fitting beneficiary for the game, because it’s also a sporting organization.
Fans are encouraged to don their green and white and show up when doors open to get their preferred seat.
“We’re looking forward to watching the game with fellow Rider fans and cheering on the team to victory, of course, all together,” she said.
The Orpheum has shown big games and other special events in the past. Earlier in the season, it showed the Banjo Bowl between the Riders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. And it has shown the Grey Cup in the past.
Dougherty noted Grey Cup is always a bigger draw when the Riders are playing. The celebration in front of the Orpheum after the 2007 Grey Cup, when the Riders beat the Bombers, remains a favourite memory.
“A small parade formed from all the people that were there, and we went up and down Fourth Street with the flags in the air. It was a lot of fun,” she said.
SaskToday and the Sports Cage will have coverage leading up to and during the game.
