REGINA (SBP) — Coming off one of their least successful campaigns in recent memory, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have announced a promotion to best sum up the 2011 season; “Dress like an Empty Seat” day will take place this Saturday when they take on the Hamilton Tiger Cats.

“This should be a really successful promotion,” said a Rider Marketing director, “I can assure you that, with the creativity and spirit of our fans, you are going to see a lot of people that look like empty seats at Mosaic Stadium this Saturday.”

The empty seat promotion is the latest in a series of great marketing campaigns for the team. It all started years ago when the Watermelon Helmet was born.

“Those were some great campaigns,” said the marketing director, “people would do all sorts of things with the watermelons. It became a cross country symbol of Rider Nation.

“Maybe this dress like an empty seat thing will take off as well if we keep having seasons like this past one.”

Fans have embraced the concept and are prepared to get involved.

“If the Riders lift the blackout for the game, you can bet that the seat I would have occupied will look like it’s empty,” said Rider fan, Gurn Blahovich as he looked for his TV remote control in preparation for the game, “Anything to support the team.”

The Roughriders have prepared for the anticipated noise level for the game by holding team practices at a quiet idyllic park just north of the city at Regina Beach.

“This assured the players of how silence can be deafening,” said an assistant coach, “I know some of the receivers were shocked at how aggressive the quarterback’s calls are when there’s nobody around to make any noise. It really does shake you up and take you out of your game. We are now prepared to play with only the gentle ambiance of the city around us.”

Rider players have assured fans that the setting won’t be anything new as the atmosphere is expected to be like playing the Argonauts in Roger’s Centre in Toronto.

“The only difference is the quality of night clubs to hit after the game.” said a Rider player.

Prizes for best dressed empty seat include a the fan’s choice of sports car from a local dealership. To avoid confusion with actual empty seats, fans must be present to collect the prize.

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