Calgary pub offers a taste of Saskatchewan for displaced Roughriders fans

In Calgary, Alberta, a pub named Pazzer's has become a vibrant hub for fans of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, offering a slice of home for those who have moved provinces. More than six hours away from their home province, these fans find a familiar atmosphere at Pazzer's, which has been serving the Saskatchewan community for over two decades.

“

Game day is a lot of fun. It’s super crazy. It’s very lively and vibrant. Obviously, we see a lot of green. We see the watermelons on the heads.

"Game day is a lot of fun. It’s super crazy. It’s very lively and vibrant," said Stephen Yan, marketing manager for Pazzer's Pub. "Obviously, we see a lot of green. We see the watermelons on the heads." Yan, himself originally from Saskatchewan, noted that the pub was founded over 20 years ago due to a significant migration of Saskatchewan residents to Calgary. Pazzer's has since become a recognized go-to spot, embodying the spirit of "Rider Nation."

“

So, I think it’s in true Saskatchewan Rider Nation fashion, they do turn out.

The pub's culinary offerings are deeply rooted in Saskatchewan's heritage, with a menu heavily influenced by Ukrainian cuisine and inspired by various towns across the province. "The fan favourites are definitely our Weyburn wings and the Regina ribs," Yan shared. "A lot of the food that we have here at Pazzer’s Pub is inspired by Ukrainian roots. In Saskatchewan, there’s a lot of history, especially with the Doukhobor community, that were early settlers in Saskatchewan, so it was really important for us to be able to bring some of that old colonial heritage to the Calgary dining scene."

“

I think there have been a lot of people over the years that have moved from Saskatchewan to Calgary, such as myself. I’m originally a Saskatchewan resident. And so being able to find a home in Pazzer’s was something that was really important for me.

Pazzer's Pub is more than just a place for Riders fans; it cultivates a "hometown warmth" that appeals to many Calgarians. "I think there’s something that is hard to find here in Calgary, to find that community where you feel like you’re welcomed, that you have that hospitality of being able to come in and be welcomed by everyone," Yan explained. The pub's authentic Saskatchewan feel has even attracted notable visitors, including the Riders' head coach, Corey Mace, who gifted the pub a signed flag.

“

The fan favourites are definitely our Weyburn wings and the Regina ribs.