Next weekend will be one to celebrate in Rider Nation – no matter how well the Green and White do on the field against Hamilton.
The 2013 Plaza of Honour inductees will officially be put in on Friday and then recognized at half-time of Saturday’s game at Mosaic Stadium against the Tiger-Cats. On Thursday, the Roughriders announced that quarterback Darian Durant (pictured), head coach Corey Chamblin, offensive co-ordinator George Cortez, offensive line coach Doug Malone and defensive lineman Zack Evans will be here as part of the 2013 championship team. They’ll join the other eight players previously announced as being in attendance with more to come. Following is the news release from the Riders…..
DATE: September 28, 2023
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR23-121
RIDERS WELCOME BACK DARIAN DURANT, COREY CHAMBLIN AND MORE FOR SASKTEL PLAZA OF HONOUR
With the 2023 SaskTel Plaza of Honour and Legends Game a little more than a week away, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are thrilled to announce that Grey Cup-winning quarterback Darian Durant and Head Coach Corey Chamblin will return to Saskatchewan for the celebrations alongside dozens of teammates, coaches and Roughrider personnel from the 2013 team.
On November 24, 2013 Durant became the fourth Roughrider quarterback to lead the team to a Grey Cup victory – and he did it in spectacular fashion in front of 44,710 fans at Historic Mosaic Stadium. The fan-favourite signal caller went 17-of-24 for 245 yards and three TDs on route to one of the most memorable nights in Rider history.
In just his second year as the Head Coach of the Roughriders, Chamblin led the Club to a championship, posting an 11-7 record and guiding the team to outscore its opponents 109-61 in the postseason. For his efforts, he was named the CFL’s 2013 Coach of the Year.
Like that unforgettable November day, Saturday, October 7th also promises to be a memorable night at Mosaic Stadium as Durant, along with his teammates and many 2013 coaches, personnel and staff, will be inducted into the SaskTel Plaza of Honour at halftime. Of course, the Grey Cup Trophy will also be in attendance for this special honour!
Game Day will be packed from beginning to end with special moments commemorating the 2013 squad, starting with a team autograph signing in Coors Light Party in the Park at 3 p.m. This will be the only opportunity for fans to meet every player in attendance from the 2013 team in one place.
Also announced Thursday were the returns of offensive coordinator George Cortez and offensive line coach Doug Malone and the attendance of defensive lineman Zack Evans. They will join other previously announced attendees which include Kory Sheets, Tyron Brackenridge, Tristan Jackson, Chris Getzlaf, Neal Hughes, Ricky Foley, Mike McCullough and Chris Best.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats 15 minutes before kickoff to welcome the team back to Mosaic Stadium with a special pre-game event. Halftime will begin promptly with special tribute videos to Wendy Kelly – who will be posthumously inducted as a Builder – and the 2013 Team, with special remarks from select members.
