Regina | New Mosaic Stadium

[Migs]

Originally Posted by Welkin

Okay, this is simple. Start making a list of what currently comes to Regina that needs somewhere 7,000 and 35,000 seats and is right now maxed out at Brandt. For example, we have had a couple of sold-out concerts that might fit the bill. Make the list a real list and not some imaginary mega concerts that don't exist. Keep in mind that if Brandt can currently accommodate the event, (a concert that does not sell-out) then it is probably not a candidate for the new stadium. Then check other arena websites and see what major events are by passing Regina maybe because of the lack of adequate facilities.

If you take the Calgary Saddledome (besides Flames and Hitmen hockey) they have Alan Jackson in March, the Globetrotters in April (just like Brandt), Sears Stars on Ice in May, nothing in June and in July they have NKOTBSP, Surgarland and Kenny Chesney. So you have what, maybe Alan Jackson and maybe Kenny Chesney switching over to the new Multi-purpose Entertainment and Football Stadium (surely Brandt could handle Sears Stars on Ice and whatever NKOTBSP is). Just two events over the next six months. Keep in mind that if this facility is being expected to revitalize downtown, fill brand new hotels and pack the new bars and restaurants in the Warehouse District, it is going to need a lot more than two extra concerts in six months. Would you not agree?

Major concerts of 2010 that bypassed southern Saskatchewan include

-Lady Gaga
-U2
-Aerosmith
-Black Eyed Peas
-Micheal Buble
-Drake
-Simon and Garfunkel
-Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
-Dave Mathews Band-Jonas Brothers
-Nickelback
-Rob Zombie
-John Mayer
-Kiss
-Cesar Milan Live
-Ozzy Osbourne
-Taylor Swift

......those are just off the top of my head, there are ALOT more.
(note, I know of a couple of these events bypassing Regina b/c the Brandt centre was already being used)

[BrannyMuffin]

Originally Posted by Saskatchewanication

The new facility could probably host a few regular season NHL games. I'm sure they would be well attended.

BTW, NKOTBSP is New Kids on The Block and Backstreet Boys.

NKOTBSB may not mean much to you guys but it's a pretty big deal. Definitely bigger than the Brandt Centre. There are also a number of other large tours this year that may or may not stop in if there were a sufficient venue. Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Madonna...That doesn't mean that they would stop here, but it doesn't mean they wouldn't, either. This is why I don't like this debate...there are too many what ifs so you end up with ridiculous arguments (from both sides) that are repetitive and without actual results these are all pretty circular arguments and they are frustrating to watch.

[Welkin]

Originally Posted by BrannyMuffin

NKOTBSB may not mean much to you guys but it's a pretty big deal. Definitely bigger than the Brandt Centre. There are also a number of other large tours this year that may or may not stop in if there were a sufficient venue. Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Madonna...That doesn't mean that they would stop here, but it doesn't mean they wouldn't, either. This is why I don't like this debate...there are too many what ifs so you end up with ridiculous arguments (from both sides) that are repetitive and without actual results these are all pretty circular arguments and they are frustrating to watch.

Migs I agree with BrannyMuffin that there are just to many variables as to why a band comes to town for a concert and why it does not. The capacity and availability of a venue is not always the deciding factor. Regardless of whether or not if the Regina Multi-Purpose Entertainment Center would have been available, does not mean that top touring bands would have stopped. True U2 would probably stop (although they would not have in 2010 since they played no North American dates that year. Their last tour was in 2009) since they are playing Toronto-Montreal-Winnipeg-Edmonton and Montcon in 2011. Many of the other bands you listed played only Toronto and Montreal so not only did they miss southern Saskatchewan, they missed Western Canada entirely.

The point I was making to Stormer was to find out who was actually touring Western Canada and see who would probably play Regina if we had the Regina Multi-Purpose Entertainment Center and not just the Brandt. That way you know what potential business was available that we did not get because of the lack of facility. If a particular band is not touring Western Canada at all (like Taylor Swift or Bon Jovi), having the Regina Multi-Purpose Entertainment Center available doesn't matter regardless.

[A4Regina]

I agree that many big names have passed Regina due to a lack of a sufficient Facility, but many of these big names would not require (or sell out) a 30,000+ seat stadium for their show in a city of 215,000. If they did need a stadium, why not Mosaic? I'm not opposing the idea of a stadium, im just saying that this argument is a hard to stand behind.

[Migs]

Originally Posted by A4Regina

I agree that many big names have passed Regina due to a lack of a sufficient Facility, but many of these big names would not require (or sell out) a 30,000+ seat stadium for their show in a city of 215,000. If they did need a stadium, why not Mosaic? I'm not opposing the idea of a stadium, im just saying that this argument is a hard to stand behind.

Simple, because you can't put an arena tour in an outside stadium. The new facility will be able to host such tours...

[Dalreg]

Originally Posted by Migs

Simple, because you can't put an arena tour in an outside stadium. The new facility will be able to host such tours...

How many of these tours stopped in Saskatoon in 2010? If you are proposing a half stadium concert then we are looking at what 15'000? The size doesn't really matter, its the demand from the fans. No band will set up and perform if they aren't going to get a huge crowd....

This stadium would be lucky to hold a half dozen large concerts a year.

[Rottie]

People are forgetting or don't want to talk about the fact that Regina does not have a 15,000 seat venue and if they did this thread would not exist. The Brandt centre is only 7,000. Too small for the bigger shows. Low ceiling so alot bands and shows can't set up and therefore move on. And seeing that Regina does not have a large arena and the Riders are in need of a real stadium, this project makes alot of sense. Maybe downtown isn't the best place to put a football stadium as some of you suggest but if any downtown stadium can revitalize a city centre I would put my money on this one. People underestimate the power of Rider nation and the money it generates.

[youngregina]

People also have to take into consideration the possibility of this facility also hosting conventions extremely close to the downtown core, large events such as concerts as well. However, there are more things this can be used for than concerts. Concerts are only one aspect that many of you have been stuck arguing against; because supposedly we think this is solely the other reason this should be built. However, it is more about redeveloping a large area of land that couldn't be put to much better use. There will be quite the excess of space left over even after the stadium is built; so high rise residential and commercial is not out of the equation. The pathways that connect the downtown to the stadium and warehouse district are supposed to be high quality strips that are scenic and industrious; they will give the pedestrians a sensation that can only be felt here, which is something that I'm sure the plan strives for as well. Remember too, that this is only a 30 000 seat space, so not much bigger than what we already have... however it is expandable as demand persists. So to say that this is too big is not really a correct statement. Just think of taylor field with a roof. Not that big right? The lands that taylor field and the practice fields sit on now, could be put to much better use in that specific neighbourhood. Such as low income housing, grocery store, and community space that is desperately needed. Parking also wont be too much of a concern with the huge superstore lot still in use for game nights, the entire warehouse district, which is just streets upon streets of unused space at night. And the facilities downtown can cover the rest. Most of them arent even used after 7 anyways, so it would be an incredibly efficient use of the parking structures we already have. I am not also saying that this will create business in the area. However, what it will do is bring 30000 people downtown every time there is a game, and create awareness of the places that are already there. This will in time create the need for new business, as the old ones will fill as popularity grows. Also, this will be perfect for transit as well, considering all the drunkards will be able to walk right over to cornwall to hop on a bus to anywhere in the city... or stay and cruise the bars. This also means that shuttle service to the games and concerts and conventions, etc... can be integrated with the routes we already have, enabling a more efficient use of transit. I'm very sure that Regina will be able to find a way to use the space when not in use either, we are a very resourceful city. We take pride in the space that we have and the new spaces that can be used. Remember, we all have something called creativity.. so you guys should use it and come up with some ideas about how else this stadium could be used. I'm sure you will even surprise yourself.

[skthunder77]

Originally Posted by youngregina

People also have to take into consideration the possibility of this facility also hosting conventions extremely close to the downtown core, large events such as concerts as well. However, there are more things this can be used for than concerts. Concerts are only one aspect that many of you have been stuck arguing against; because supposedly we think this is solely the other reason this should be built. However, it is more about redeveloping a large area of land that couldn't be put to much better use. There will be quite the excess of space left over even after the stadium is built; so high rise residential and commercial is not out of the equation. The pathways that connect the downtown to the stadium and warehouse district are supposed to be high quality strips that are scenic and industrious; they will give the pedestrians a sensation that can only be felt here, which is something that I'm sure the plan strives for as well. Remember too, that this is only a 30 000 seat space, so not much bigger than what we already have... however it is expandable as demand persists. So to say that this is too big is not really a correct statement. Just think of taylor field with a roof. Not that big right? The lands that taylor field and the practice fields sit on now, could be put to much better use in that specific neighbourhood. Such as low income housing, grocery store, and community space that is desperately needed. Parking also wont be too much of a concern with the huge superstore lot still in use for game nights, the entire warehouse district, which is just streets upon streets of unused space at night. And the facilities downtown can cover the rest. Most of them arent even used after 7 anyways, so it would be an incredibly efficient use of the parking structures we already have. I am not also saying that this will create business in the area. However, what it will do is bring 30000 people downtown every time there is a game, and create awareness of the places that are already there. This will in time create the need for new business, as the old ones will fill as popularity grows. Also, this will be perfect for transit as well, considering all the drunkards will be able to walk right over to cornwall to hop on a bus to anywhere in the city... or stay and cruise the bars. This also means that shuttle service to the games and concerts and conventions, etc... can be integrated with the routes we already have, enabling a more efficient use of transit. I'm very sure that Regina will be able to find a way to use the space when not in use either, we are a very resourceful city. We take pride in the space that we have and the new spaces that can be used. Remember, we all have something called creativity.. so you guys should use it and come up with some ideas about how else this stadium could be used. I'm sure you will even surprise yourself.

That is exactly the argument I have tried to articulate several times but couldn't formulate it as eloquently as you have. Well done...and thanks!

I can't wait for this thing to be built!

[thefourthtower]

Young Regina you should have this printed in the regina leader post, good show

[UPP]

Originally Posted by Dalreg

How many of these tours stopped in Saskatoon in 2010? If you are proposing a half stadium concert then we are looking at what 15'000? The size doesn't really matter, its the demand from the fans. No band will set up and perform if they aren't going to get a huge crowd....

This stadium would be lucky to hold a half dozen large concerts a year.

I think the big wild card will be its connection to the Casino. That may help in drawing more concerts, trade shows, conventions and other events than we may well imagine.

[Spongebob]

Murray Mandryk's article in today's LP is interesting. He seems to get behind the stadium project in light of the push for low income housing on the old Taylor Field site. While this has most likely been the plan all along, Mandryk is right when he says it should have been part of the selling package right from the start making it more palatable for the Feds to contribute money. Things are getting very interesting now. If this project proceeds as proposed, Regina is in for a transformation unlike it has ever seen in its history. I am impressed.

http://www.leaderpost.com/opinion/ed...149/story.html

[Migs]

Originally Posted by Spongebob

Murray Mandryk's article in today's LP is interesting. He seems to get behind the stadium project in light of the push for low income housing on the old Taylor Field site. While this has most likely been the plan all along, Mandryk is right when he says it should have been part of the selling package right from the start making it more palatable for the Feds to contribute money. Things are getting very interesting now. If this project proceeds as proposed, Regina is in for a transformation unlike it has ever seen in its history. I am impressed.

http://www.leaderpost.com/opinion/ed...149/story.html

This is what happens when we have great leaders like Wall and Fiacco, both are pretty much untouchables these days.

[trueviking]

Originally Posted by Migs

trueviking...its a museum.

And no, its not just a stadium. It is a year round facility that can be configured to host arena events, so in essence its a faciltiy that can host a much larger array of events than the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, you know, the one you guys built downtown.

And after reading your comments earlier I decided to take a little google trip through the forks for a little perspective. First of all, what is with those large parking lots on waterfront Drive, I assume its for the train station? Thankfully you won't see any large parking lots like that in our new development. Secondly I see alot of greenery, lots of pedestrian friendly areas, a hotel, some residential, a couple museums, some retail, overall a very nice urban setting. Like I said already, take away your two museums and replace them with the indoor arena/stadium and you get basically the same type of development.

ps..... at the conclusion of my very enjoyable google trip I decided to take a turn to the north part of the forks along Waterfront drive, and what did I see, a baseball stadium with parking lots galore. So I guess your 'Forks' analogy only pertains to football stadiums, not baseball stadiums lol

....you can't write this stuff.

yeah migs...you will find out that rail yard developments are decades long projects...that great plan that you see will not be what is built in regina....it will change many times before it is all built out....there was a plan like that for the forks 20 years ago too...things develop organically....the parking lots you are referring to are slated to become high density residential development...the forks is working on that currently.

suggesting that simply replacing two museums with a football stadium shows a lack of understanding....those museums when completed will bring hundreds of people every day, throughout the day to the site...that is the consistent type of activity that spurs development....stadiums that have an influx of 35000 people (20 000 cars) 10-20 times a year do not...they simply do not have the sustained activity to support other business....and the intensity of that activity for short periods most often has a detrimental effect on the surroundings....google earth almost every major urban football stadium in north america and see what the surroundings look like....that is not the case with museums that may bring as many people overall, but not in short 3 hour long bursts.

the baseball stadium you point to in winnipeg is a very good example...it was sold as a key piece of downtown redevelopment, bringing 7000 people downtown 50-60 times a year, yet not a single business has grown from that catalyst....it is a dead zone for 300 days a year and disconnects the exchange district from the forks.

the things youngregina says sound great and are the arguments that are often made to governments, but the reality is that it almost never ends up that way....this is not the first 'multi-use' stadium ever built....there are many precedents to use as evidence of what to expect.

im not saying this is the wrong location, all i am saying is that the argument that a stadium is a catalyst for urban development is a flawed one and should not be used to justify this project...there may be many more reasons to support it but that isnt one.

you can keep calling a cow a duck but in the end it will still moo.

[Dalreg]

Love that last line!

No matter how many football games or concerts are performed there every year, in the end this Stadium will be empty a lot more times than filled.....

Hopefully this thing doesn't turn into the white elephant or cow that I expect it to be. Oh well the Regina Pats can move in, an extra 5,000 people time 40 odd games a year will surely help pay for this stadium. Maybe We can get Celine Dion to move up from Vegas and perform every night, there must be a huge demand for a 30,000+ venue each and every night in Regina.....

[trueviking]

So....what is the parking strategy for the stadium anyways. Refresh my memory.

[Welkin]

This is what happens when we have great leaders like Wall and Fiacco, both are pretty much untouchables these days.

TrueViking- You might as well hang it up, at least on this thread. You would get better results arguing your points with your neighbor's dog. Evidently Regina has turned into a Wonderland of True Believers where logic and reason are no longer in fashion. It does not matter that no football stadium has ever led to a revitalization of a downtown core, it will in Regina. It does not matter that concerts and trade shows that never travel to Western Canada (much less southern Saskatchewan) will now start booking Regina in droves.

This project no longer has anything to do with economics and everything to do with politics, vanity and the feeling that the province is "owed" this stadium by the federal government. I would even say that now since low/moderate income housing and rebuilding North Central have become part of this project, that getting this thing built depends entirely on massive federal contributions of well more than $100-$150 million. No massive federal contributions, no Multipurpose Entertainment Football Stadium.

My advice to you is the same advice I am giving myself. Step back, observe and let them have their dream. Quit wasting your time trying to bring logic and knowledgeable information to this thread. They don't want to hear it. I am just going to let it ride out and see where this whole thing goes (although I already have a good idea how it ends up). What a long strange trip it will be. I honestly wish these True Believers the best of success. Go Riders.

[thefourthtower]

,if built it will change regina for ever this city will never be the same ,fourty six acres of prime land downtown to be developed, lots of great things can come out of this its time for a new mulitiplex, can the wall govt pull this off who knows

[jvj]

Originally Posted by Migs

You still haven't told me what the difference is between putting two large museums into a revitilization plan (the forks in Wpg) and an indoor multi-purpose entertainment facility (Regina)? And I am not sure why you continuously try to persuade us that you are right and the most powerful people in Saskatchewan are wrong. You do understand that this facility has the potential to bring almost half a million people annually (that otherwise wouldn't be there) into the downtown corp. How can you actually try and spin that into being anything but a great thing for the downtown and warehouse district? And like I said already (but you conveniently avoided), there are alot of similiar aspects between the forks in Winnipeg and the new development in Regina. (ie retail, condos, hotels, restaurants, public squares, playgrounds, etc). Take away your two museums and replace it with a multipurpose entertainment centre and you have bascially the same type of development.

So...I'm not sure if we ever established what exactly the difference is between 2 museums and 1 multi purpose facility. I would agree with Migs that the goal of related development (retail, hotels, restaurants, public squares, etc.) could all be part of the overall site redevelopment. More importantly the Office for Urbanism seems to think that all of these items listed can be a part of the redevelopment as well, so that is encouraging. Also, as part of the initial study I recall that 10 different groups responded to an Expression of Interest advertisement looking for parties to participate in related developments in the area.

One other thought...sort of related to the museum topic...the concept plan for the facility has an area designated for the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. The presence of this would be one example of how traffic can be generated on days other than Rider game days. In fact I would suggest that they could create a Hall of Fame dedicated to the Riders only. Hey we've got 100 years of history to celebrate...might as well take advantage of this new facility and locate it there!!!

[Chaps]

Originally Posted by trueviking

So....what is the parking strategy for the stadium anyways. Refresh my memory.

If you and your brethren are as concerned with this development as you claim to be...why don't you go read the bloody report yourself and learn the answers instead of baiting Migs time and time and time again?

You claim innocence and sincere intent, but you are about as genuine as a Rolecks.

Seriously, anyone genuinely interested would have read the report LONG ago.

I've stayed out of this...but every thread has been hijacked with this type of crap. Some of us are actually interested in the news surrounding the project.

Stay classy.