Mosaic Stadium 2.0

With great anticipation I await the opening of the new Mosaic Stadium in Regina. As I can't be at the game I will be watching on TSN. The opening ceremonies are said to not disappoint and I am sure all will be proud of what has been accomplished.

This stadium got done because of solid leadership from the province, the City of Regina and the board of directors of the Riders. It was finished on time and on budget, which shows that large scale projects can be managed through the P3 concept and taxpayers are getting full value for their money. At the same time, the user facility fee that will be paid by the fans who attend Rider games and concerts makes sense - user pay has merit and in this case necessary to bridge the gap on a $100M shortfall.

I have seen the stadium from the outside on numerous trips to Regina over the past two years and followed progress on the webcams. It is an impressive facility and for those that I have spoken to who have been given tours (or been to a test event), the inside is even more impressive. No more long lineups for bathrooms, more choices for concessions, wider concourses and individual seats - and a great view from every seat at that.

The design of the roof is innovative and futuristic looking. It's designed to keep the wind out and the noise in. I can just imagine the crowd noise when the team takes to the field for the first at the home opener. It's gonna be loud!

The team will come around and I believe they will be better in 2017 than last year. Making the playoffs is achievable with their opening day roster, so once again it will come down to injuries and depth. The last the the team wants is to lose all of their goodwill and excitement as a result of the new stadium.

The Riders have become Canada's team whether you like it or not. It is only fitting that they play in the country's best stadium.  And in my mind the stadium is an indication of the new Saskatchewan - a football team that can achieve sustained success and a province that now believes in itself now in more "what can be" as opposed to "that would be nice."