Does Regina Need a New Stadium?

By Greg Hluska

Seems like everyone has been weighing in on whether or not the time is right to rebuild Taylor Field.  Some people are incredibly for building a new stadium while others are extremely against building a new stadium.  The arguments are predictable – those who are for building a new stadium like to point out the obvious economic benefits of a new, multi-use, all-weather facility.  Those who are against the stadium like the point out the fact that Saskatchewan has a serious social deficit and that money could go to helping ease the sting of poverty and injustice.

My personal politics veer towards social justice and equality – I am very much against child poverty, and very much in favour of affordable housing, accessible education and small scale economic development.  However, I cannot see what the problem is with building a new stadium in Regina.  Consider these facts:

• Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field is located in a residential neighborhood that is full of children.  As such, it is a bad place for concerts and other late-night events.
• Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field is an antique and it would cost millions of dollars to bring it up to 21st century standards.
• Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field is completely useless for four months of the year.
• The Saskatchewan Roughriders are very stable and will be in Regina for years to come.
• A downtown stadium would inject some needed life into downtown Regina and would spur on further development in night life, restaurants, and (hopefully) affordable rental accomodations.

When I look at those five facts and start actually crunching numbers, I am only left with one thought.  Regina needs a new stadium and the time is now to build one.  While the money could be better spent in areas such as poverty reduction, affordable housing, and environmental initiatives, a stadium is an investment in Saskatchewan’s future.  Imagine having a facility that could compete for major concert tours.  Imagine having a facility that will be a perennial Grey Cup contender.  Imagine having a facility that could compete for major trade shows and conventions.  And imagine having a facility that will anchor hotels and restaurants.  What kind of economic spinoffs could such development entail?  How many jobs will those spinoffs create?  And how much more money will that development inject into our economy?

Bring on a new stadium and turn the old site of Taylor Field into some high quality affordable housing.  The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be better off.  The City of Regina will be better off.  And the people of Saskatchewan will be better off.  Economic development is the best tonic for poverty and a new stadium is a prime opportunity for economic development.  What do you think?