Construction is winding down at the new multi-purpose stadium in Regina that will soon be home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
On Wednesday, the city said the stadium, which is being built by PCL construction, is “substantially complete.” That means that the $278-million facility can now be tested.
“We dared to dream about creating one of the most elite facilities of its kind in the country, something we can all be proud of,” Mayor Michael Fougere said.
“We have achieved a great milestone and I am proud of everyone involved in the entire project.”
The rest of the work that needs to done on the stadium includes installing furniture fixtures and equipment, and site preparation and construction of the Commons, which is the exterior ground-level plaza.
READ MORE: Turf being installed at new Mosaic Stadium
Other outstanding work includes a locker room and administrative areas for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club.
PCL Construction district manager Sean Hamelin said nothing was sacrificed to meet the deadline, but noted there were challenges.
“There are always points when you have things happen during construction, it’s a fluid process,” Hamelin said.
“There are always minor tweaks but nothing noticeable, nothing noteworthy.”
Food and beverage concession and kitchen areas still need to be put in place, as do broadcast cabling and communications.
Roughriders CEO and president Craig Reynolds called the facility “world class” and he’s excited for the fans to finally see the new home of the Roughriders.
“Our fans are really going to enjoy watching football here,” Reynolds said.
“I think the atmosphere and the energy will be different. And Mosaic is really loud, and I think it’ll be louder.
“To see the results, it’s really exciting.”
Reynolds said one of his favourite features of the stadium is the roof, but highlighted the wider seats as also another good feature.
“There’s so many things, I love the roof. It’s iconic and it’s classic,” Reynolds explained.
“The wider seats, I’m a tall guy, the extra leg room is important. Just the basic fan amenities that unfortunately were lacking at old Mosaic stadium. The open concourse, being able to see the field… It’s hard to choose just one.”
The first test game of the new stadium will be on Oct. 1 when the University of Regina Rams face the University of Saskatchewan Huskies at 2 p.m. CT.
The public will have a chance to tour the stadium on Sept. 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. During that time, visitors can access the east and northeast concourse of the stadium and take photos.
Admission is free, but non-perishable food items and cash are being accepted for the Regina Food Bank.
The stadium project is the first phase of the Regina Revitalization Initiative, which also includes the development of the Taylor Field neighbourhood at the site of the existing Mosaic Stadium, as well as the Railyard Renewal Project.
The new Mosaic Stadium will officially open in summer of 2017.
Comments