Raiders won't play Canadian NFL preseason game in Saskatchewan CFL stadium

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If the Raiders are headed to Canada during the NFL preseason, they can cross one stadium off of their list. 

Regina, Saskatchewan's Mosaic Stadium was in negotiations to hold a preseason game between the Raiders and the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 23, according to the Regina Leader-Post, but promoter On Ice Entertainment announced Friday it released its hold on the stadium. 

“We were informed today by the promoter in writing and verbally that he chose not to pursue this event in the Regina market," Regina Exhibition Association president and CEO Tim Reid said in a statement (via the Regina Leader-Post). "As such, there will not be an NFL event at Mosaic Stadium at this time.”

The Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Canadian Football league tenant at Mosaic Stadium, is scheduled to play at home on Aug. 24, leading to concerns that there wouldn't be enough of a turnaround time. 

With Regina out of the picture, Winnipeg might step up in its place. Earlier this week, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers expressed interest in hosting the Packers-Raiders game. 

"The Winnipeg Football Club is always exploring opportunities to host events at Investors Group Field," the Blue Bombers said in a statement (via CBC News). "At this time, the club has no further comments."

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Sources confirmed to NBC Sports California's Scott Bair earlier this month that the Silver and Black was exploring the possibility of playing a preseason game in Canada. 3downnation.com reported that Regina was a possibility, but Friday's announcement pushed it off the table.

As of press time, the weather in Winnipeg was 33 degrees Fahrenheit, but it should be much warmer if Raider Nation rolls through in August. The historical high for the month is 79 degrees. 

So, you can leave the skull-covered parka at home if you make the trip. 

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