New Mosaic Stadium ‘a dream come true’
Fans in awe of $278M facility, ‘community’ feeling in stands
With fans starting to line up outside the door at 11 a.m., it was clear Saturday was going to be a big day for Mosaic Stadium, the Regina Rams and the City of Regina. This first real test of the stadium allowed fans to come out and fill the seats for a game between the Rams and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
The test event, which would fill the stadium to 50 per cent capacity, was hotly anticipated by many who were attending the game.
“I am very excited for the game and the new stadium. We were season ticket holders in the previous stadium, and we got our tickets some time ago,” Deb Sandercock said. “The stadium looks awesome. I love the look of the big screen. I am looking forward to protection overhead too.”
Sandercock, who has been a season-ticket holder at Taylor Field for 15 years, jumped at the chance to try out the new stadium.
“I am really looking forward to seeing the Riders here,” she said. “We would love to come to test events next year.”
Others loved the feel and atmosphere of the stadium.
“It is a little more closed in, and it seems like the weather is more manageable,” said Aiden Kerslak.
“The atmosphere is awesome,” said Dani Letain.
For many ticket holders, walking into the stadium was an overwhelming experience.
“It is overwhelming. It is beautiful. I had some decent expectations,” said Kaitlin Stocks, who has visited many CFL stadiums and proclaimed the new Mosaic Stadium as the best one yet. “You feel closer to the other side of the stadium. People don’t feel like specks anymore. It makes you feel more like a community than the old stadium, as much as we loved Taylor Field.”
Stocks summed up her feelings for the new stadium in just a few words. “It is a dream come true for fans.” The closeness to others in the stadium was also highlighted by Ben Dunville.
“I love how there are a lot of social areas,” Dunville said. “The concourse is so much wider. Having the two sides connected is really nice.”
Rick, a host for the past 15 years at Taylor Field, said that people walking into the stands were amazed by what they saw.
“People are just amazed when they walk in,” he said. “Everyone is very impressed by what they see. Everything is nice here. It is just an impressive building.”
People are overwhelmed by this. It is a big wow factor. A lot of people didn’t make the sneak peak and are seeing it for the first time.
Mayor Michael Fougere, who greeted ticket holders as they walked in the door, echoed the feeling. “It has been overwhelming. I have been through the stadium many times. Now with 16,500 people here, you get a sense of the size of the stadium,” Fougere said. “People are overwhelmed by this. It is a big wow factor. A lot of people didn’t make the sneak peak and are seeing it for the first time. They are just wowed by it.”
Fougere also stated that the stadium was the best in Canada, and that every seat was the best seat. This statement has been a common one leading up to the test event.
“This is in my view, the best stadium in Canada,” he said. “The sound system is great, it is just fantastic. We have the biggest scoreboard in Canada. The game day experience is just going to be incredible.”
Many ticket holders agreed that there wasn’t a bad seat in the house.
“Our seating is much better than expected. It is very open,” said Stocks.
“I have not found a bad seat yet,” said Kelly Oliver. “We have sat a few different places and haven’t seen one yet. We are sitting down in the corner at the 15-yard line, it is really great,” said Dunville. “We spent some time in the standing area in the end zone. There is a nice vibe there. So far, so good.”
Several vendors were set up throughout the concourse, with many treats including a two-foot long hotdog proving to be very popular. Food vendors were popular enough that by the fourth quarter, many were running out of food. Coney Island Poutine set up on the concourse, serving hundreds of customers before half-time.
“It has been amazing. People have been fantastic. Everyone is very patient,” said Curtis Krassman as he hurriedly made burgers for the line of people. “We will be here in 2017. We will have our own booth and will be serving poutine as well.”
While many are excited for what the new stadium will bring to Regina, there are still thoughts about the field that will be left behind.
“We can’t wait to get in here, but I hate to see the old place go,” Brent Bailey said. “It is what it is, times are changing.”
“There are lots of memories at Taylor Field, we have been season ticket holders for 25 years, but this is spectacular,” Mike Patterson said. “We will keep the memories, but this is better.”
Mother Nature also provided a helping hand with a sunny and cloudless day for fans. The Regina Rams did their part too, defeating the Huskies 37-29, a result the mayor never had any doubt in.
“The Rams will win of course, no question,” he said prior to the game. “We will send the other guys packing.” The next test event will fill the stadium to 75 per cent capacity and is slated for the spring of 2017.