The countdown to the CFL Western Final is on – and fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders were gearing up for the big game on Saturday afternoon.

Thousands of people gathered outside Princess Auto Stadium for a party before kick-off. The stadium is sold out for Saturday’s game, but there’s no word yet on a big favorite.

Bombers fans outnumbered Riders fans outside Princess Auto Stadium on Nov. 9, 2024. (Zachary Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg)

“What it means to be a Bombers fan is to take the good and the bad,” said one fan at the tailgate. “When they win, we celebrate. When they lose, we hope for the best.

“But we’re still True Blue.”

The Bomber-‘Rider rivalry was on full display, with fans coming from near and far to cheer on their favorite team.

Saskatchewan Roughriders fans gather in enemy territory before the CFL West Final game on November 9, 2024. (Zachary Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg)

“It’s always a good atmosphere,” said one Saskatchewan fan. “Either they come to Saskatchewan or we come to Winnipeg. We all get along at the end of the day, but when it comes game time, it’s all about what happens on the field.

“We’re going to kick your butt,” one Bombers fan said in a message to the Roughriders.

Thousands attended a pre-game party ahead of the CFL West Final at Princess Auto Stadium on November 9, 2024. (Zachary Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg)

Others said they enjoyed the community atmosphere.

“It’s really nice because you can see all the Bombers fans cheering and the food here is just amazing,” said another Bombers fan. “And I love being here.”

Whoever wins Saturday’s game will advance to the Gray Cup, where they will face the Toronto Argonauts after their 30-28 victory over the Montreal Alouettes.

The CFL West Final will begin at 5:30 p.m. PT at Princess Auto Stadium.