REGINA — Mosaic Stadium could soon undergo major renovations.
Per a report at Regina’s executive committee meeting Wednesday, the city is looking to invest $8.2 million in capital upgrades before the stadium hosts the Grey Cup in 2027.
These upgrades plan to address expiring LED video display boards and systems and the replacement of the artificial turf, according to the report.
The funding would be drawn from the city’s revitalization initiative stadium reserve — part of the $120 million in cash the city held as of Dec. 31 — and is designated exclusively for capital upgrades to Mosaic Stadium.
If fully approved, the reserve, which is already in a deficit, will have a negative balance of $10.5 million.
Regarding the project going over budget, there will be multiple options for the city during the procurement process to ensure costs don’t exceed $8.2M. In any scenario where over-budgeting occurs, a decision on funding would return to council, said Kurtis Doney, deputy city manager of city operations.
As for longevity, the turf is anticipated to last 10 years, with the city having a 10-year warranty. Meanwhile, the audio-visual system will have a two-year warranty, with an extension of up to 10 years, said administration.
Paying for changes
Last fall, the Canadian Football League (CFL) announced changes to the sizes of field dimensions, including end zones, which will be shortened from 20 to 15 yards, and the total yard size will be reduced from 110 to 100 yards.
Part of the project includes turf replacement in response to these changes, frustrating councillors about having the city pay for the costs.
“If the CFL is going to make an extra $83 million [per year] off of this [TV deal], they should be [paying for this],” said Ward 5 Coun. Sarah Turnbull, who introduced an amendment for the CFL/Roughriders to cover the cost of the changes.
Turnbull argued the city has leverage in asking for coverage, given how big the Saskatchewan Roughriders contribute to the CFL.
“We’re 67 per cent of the merchandise sales (according to a 2012 report); we’re between one of the two top teams, and to put the cost on us further for this isn’t right.”
City administration indicated that rejecting turf improvements if funding isn’t provided by the CFL or Roughriders would impact completion by 2027.
Jim Nicol, acting city manager, also said it’s unlikely any funding would come from this.
Another concern raised in Turnbull’s amendment is how university and high school teams — including the Regina Rams, Regina Riot and Regina Thunder — would use Mosaic Stadium given their differing football rules, and who would be responsible for covering any associated costs.
“Are we suddenly going to ask our high school teams or the Regina Rams to be responsible for repainting the field two days before, and how does scheduling work when you have a high school game on a Thursday or Friday and a Rider game on Saturday or Sunday?” noted Turnbull.
Ward 3 Coun. David Froh insisted that funding from the city shouldn't restrict usage of the stadium.
“What I am uncomfortable doing is approving millions of dollars to invest in turf replacement that has the potential, because it does, to reduce usage for public groups.”
However, other councillors believed ensuring groups aren’t impacted should be trusted by the administration and the CFL.
“If they change our fields and allow these junior teams to participate and make it awkward, they’re kind of making their own problem, and I don’t think they’re going to be really that dumb,’ said Ward 9 Coun. Jason Mancinelli.
City administration also noted in its lease agreement with the Riders that responsibility for any capital improvements rests solely with the city.
In hopes of gathering more information, Turnbull withdrew her amendment, which she plans to bring back up next week during Regina city council. The report itself was approved for next week's council meeting in an 8-1 vote, with Turnbull voting against. Councillors Mark Burton (Ward 4) and Victoria Flores (Ward 6) were absent from the meeting.
If the funding is approved next week, upgrades would begin in winter, with completion in the next spring.
