REGINA -- The Saskatchewan Roughriders might not have won the Grey Cup last year, but that didn't stop the CFL club from enjoying a record-breaking season.
The Roughriders announced a record profit of $3.1 million for 2009 at their annual general meeting Saturday. The franchise also exceeded the $30-million plateau in total gross revenue.
Saskatchewan finished atop the West Division standings in 2009 for the first time in 33 years. The Riders advanced to the Grey Cup before losing a heart-breaking 28-27 decision to the Montreal Alouettes.
The Alouettes won the game on Damon Duval's 33-yard field goal on the final play. The winning boot came after the Riders were called for too many men on the field after Duval had missed from 43 yards out moments earlier.
Amazingly, the Riders sold $7.1 million in merchandise last season, an increase of nine per cent from 2008.
The Riders also generated record revenue from ticket sales. Total gate receipts were $10.2 million, a 10 per cent increase from 2008. The club's season-ticket base increased 10 per cent from the prior season as a result of increased capacity at Mosaic Stadium due to available temporary seating.
Saturday's meeting marked the final official day for chairman Rob Pletch, who had served in that capacity the past three years. Roger Brandvold, a Senior Vice-President and Partner at Connor Clark & Lunn Private Capital Ltd., takes over as chairman.
