Reply With QuoteThe new Regina stadium live announcement. Now that's how you make an announcement!
New stadium for Regina in 2017
Barb Pacholik, Leader-Post staff July 14, 2012
REGINA - Raucous Rider fans filling the seats at Mosaic Stadium Saturday afternoon learned they'll be sitting a new stadium come 2017 if everything goes according to plan.
Premier Brad Wall and Mayor Pat Fiacco announced prior to the kickoff that a new $278 million stadium is about to become a reality courtesy of shared funding between the province, the city and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Some 90 minutes before the game, Wall, Fiacco and Roger Brandvold, chair of the Riders' board of governors, signed a memorandum of understanding that gets the ball rolling for construction, planned to start next year.
Under that agreement, the province will put in $80 million — as was announced a month ago — the City of Regina will put in $73 million plus take out a provincial loan of $100 million, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders will pony up $25 million, much of which is expected to come from sponsorships. It will be built at Evraz Place.
Phrases like "historic day" and "momentous occasion" were tossed about by the players in the announcement.
"The status quo is really not an option," Wall told reporters at a news conference prior to the announcement.
The new Regina stadium live announcement. Now that's how you make an announcement!
Wow! A news story regarding a facilities project THAT IS SOCCER RELATED on this whole 25 page thread. And it didnt come from Joe Macarthy? Why does that not surprise me? Of course (in a soccer forum) an infrastructure project that invests 20-30 millions of dollars to benefit the development of soccer, soccer players and produces the kind of players that will allow us to compete internationally in the future, is not important compared to news stories about CFL stadiums.Originally Posted by Greatest Cockney Rip Off
Hmmmmm, i wonder why there is nothing here regarding Saputo Stadium? Oopps i forgot, yes, that is another story that has a soccer angle.
Last edited by Roger miller; 07-15-2012 at 07:30 PM.
That's pretty tiresome, dude.
There's plenty here on Saputo Stadium, with pictures and everything and as the previous poster stated, your whining is getting tiresome. And seeing as this is the General Off-Topic Discussion forum it doesn't have to be soccer related, even though it is.
Can't shake the feeling that Roger Miller is a sock and that we know you. Just a little too familiar. Methinks it's time for an IP check
Last edited by Joe MacCarthy; 07-16-2012 at 02:50 PM.
Might only seat three people but it's pretty cool - JM
Tks to Stuart for headsup
SAIT sports facilities are in great shape
Adam Bowen Score Editor November 24, 2011
Post-secondary athletic facilities are often some of the most in-demand and highly utilized services a school has to offer, and SAIT’s are no different.
How many schools can say they have a FIFA level two certified soccer field? SAIT can.
The Cohos Common field could be considered the jewel of the SAIT athletic facilities crown. The field, which opened in 2010, now provides the Trojans with a FIFA caliber soccer pitch.
“What we have is a FIFA level two playing surface that is state of the art, in terms of the quality of the synthetic turf that it’s on,” said SAIT athletics and recreation manager Budd Brazier.
Not only does the pitch provide less load bearing on the parking garage held underneath, it also allows SAIT to potentially host national level events.
“The playing surface as you see today is just phenomenal,” said Brazier.
...
SAIT makes a pitch for soccer venue notoriety
Friday, September 10, 2010, Calgary, AB – The Honourable Gary Lunn, Canada’s Minister of State for Sport, today helped SAIT Polytechnic unveil a soccer pitch that is being hailed as one of the best in Alberta.
SAIT’s redesigned Cohos Commons pitch is perched atop the institution’s new and innovative underground parking garage – and features a breathtaking view of Calgary’s downtown skyline. The playing surface is made of synthetic grass-like fibres with a rubber pellet and sand infill system. With its padded waterproof membrane the surface is virtually unaffected by inclement weather and is believed to minimize player injuries.
Minister Lunn and SAIT President and CEO Irene Lewis officially opened the pitch at a ceremony preceding an Alberta Colleges Athletic Association (ACAC) match between the SAIT Trojans and the Lethbridge College Kodiaks.
“As a SAIT alumnus, I am proud to be here today to celebrate the opening of the Cohos Commons soccer pitch,” said Minister Lunn. “Participating in sport – whether for recreation or for competition – builds strong individuals and strong communities. I applaud the school for creating this beautiful venue, which will benefit athletes for years to come. And, I’d like to wish the Trojans all the very best for the upcoming season.”
Lewis said the redesigned Cohos Commons is a reflection of the institution’s value of sport.
“SAIT believes sport is a powerful contributor to social and personal development. It’s an important contributor to the fabric of society, to culture, education, economic development and prosperity. The value we place on it at SAIT is reflected in this and other investments we have made recently to our sports facilities.”
According to Grant Stevens, head coach of the Trojan men’s and women’s soccer teams, the high-quality field will attract athletes serious about soccer.
“SAIT is the only post-secondary in Alberta that has an artificial turf field specifically for soccer use,” said Stevens. “It’s a fantastic pitch to play on.”
The original Cohos Commons was named after Martin Cohos, renowned architect, current volunteer and long-time friend of SAIT. It opened in 2001.
Lucky season ticket holders try out seats at Investors Group Field
Three long-time season ticket holders got an exclusive tour of Investors Group Field that included a chance to sit in their seats, which were recently installed.
City's stadium contribution up by $12.4M
Terrence McEachern, Leader-Post July 17, 2012
The number may be roughly the same $278 million but the funding components have drastically changed since the proposal for Regina's 33,000-seat, open-air stadium was first introduced.
The original April 24 stadium funding proposal sought $208.8 million from the province, $8.8 million from the federal government and $60.6 million from the City of Regina. Stadium construction is expected to cost $250 million with an additional $28 million for environmental and site preparation costs.
On Saturday, Mayor Pat Fiacco, Premier Brad Wall and Roger Brandvold, chair of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would see the city contribute $73 million and borrow $100 million from the province, the Roughriders contribute $25 million and the province fund $80 million. A report set for debate at Wednesday's executive committee meeting shows that over a 30-year period, the provincial loan and city debt plus interest along with maintenance, rehabilitation, interim financing and contingency costs pushes the price tag to $675 million.
Those costs are expected to be covered by a $12 facility fee for Roughriders tickets and commercial events ($100 million), $75 million from Sask Sport, $24 million in savings by reallocating expenditures from Mosaic Stadium, $80 million in hotel tax revenue, $300 million in property tax revenue, $81 million in interest earned and $15 million in sponsorship revenue.
Brent Sjoberg, deputy city manager of corporate services, chief financial officer and project lead, explained the city's contribution of $73 million breaks down into a $70-million bank loan and the estimated $3-million land value at Evraz Place, the city-owned site of the stadium.
When asked why the city's contribution has jumped by $12.4 million, Sjoberg said the project needed funding in place, but also the $8.8 million anticipated from the federal government was never requested.
The reason is that this year's Canada Building Fund has already been allocated.
If the project receives federal funding in a couple of years, the province, city and Saskatchewan Roughriders would be refunded an amount in proportion to their direct contribution, he said.
On Monday, city council will be asked to approve the terms of the MOU. When asked why this project is more expensive than Winnipeg's new football stadium, Sjoberg said Regina's stadium will have more amenities and a more substantial spectator roof. But he notes the Winnipeg stadium has failed to open on time and on budget.
Originally proposed at $115 million, the costs are now estimated at $190 million.
In the event of cost overruns, the City of Regina would be on the hook under the MOU, Sjoberg said.
As a result, firms bidding on the stadium's construction would be asked to submit a proposal with a "guaranteed maximum price" not exceeding $278 million.
Also, the city has extended the completion date by one year to 2017.
The concern that if the project fails to meet its timeline, it can increase construction costs and also affect the Roughriders and their preparations to move into a new facility.
CFL boss calls for McMahon Stadium facelift
Calgary needs to catch up with upgrades in other cities, says Cohon
Kristen Odland, Calgary Herald July 19, 2012
A positive start to the 2012 Canadian Football League campaign, new football stadiums, and the 100th Grey Cup were among the topics of discussion on Mark Cohon’s quick stopover in Calgary on Thursday night.
The CFL commissioner gave a quick update to fans at McMahon Stadium’s Red and White Club before getting down to business with the media.
“I’m excited about the start of the season,” Cohon said. “It’s been very competitive, scoring is up, a lot of games have been close, great storylines. When you look at the play on the field, that’s great.
“Our ratings are up again this year, which is great. More and more young people are watching the game.”
The CFL is also trying to give people a reason to watch at the end of the season, too, creating a considerable buzz over the 100th Grey Cup on Nov. 25 in Toronto.
“All the things we’re rolling out, the excitement we’re trying to build in Toronto, that’s where the focus of the league is right now,” he said. “One of the reasons why we put the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto is to galvanize people in Ontario. I think we’re starting to see that. I think there’s a lot of excitement around the Argos and the Tiger-Cats. The new stadiums that are being announced . . .”
Speaking of new buildings, with the support of the CFL, the city of Regina, and the government of Saskatchewan, the Roughriders announced the plans to build a new venue ready for the 2017 CFL season.
Plans are in the works to tear down Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton at the end of the season and rebuild. Progress, Cohon said, is also being made in Ottawa. B.C. and Winnipeg are enjoying new digs while Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium is undergoing renovations.
So, what’s the latest news in Calgary?
“With the new ownership (the Calgary Flames), I think their focus is on figuring out a way that they can modernize or look for new opportunities for the franchise,” he said. “I think it’s in the early stages right now. But when you look across the country and see what everyone is doing, obviously they want to catch up.”
At the very least, an update, he said, is needed at McMahon Stadium.
“Listen, older venues like this do need it,” Cohon said. “I would absolutely be very supportive of them moving forward because the challenges for recruiting players, attracting fans. The fans travel around the country and see new stadiums in Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, B.C., and Hamilton.
“We want to get that in one of the hearts of the league, right here in Calgary.”
Also a hot topic of conversation in this city is the future of former Stampeders running back Joffrey Reynolds, who was once a CFL all-star earning an average of more than $100,000 a year, but now is struggling to build a life out of football and is amid various legal issues.
He said the CFL is working on developing programs to help their athletes make the transition into the working world.
An example of that is a current agreement between the CFL players’ association and Sun Life Financial to recruit players as future employees.
“One of the things we did in our collective bargaining agreement is the league is actually funding an after-CFL life, getting ready for job placement and things like that,” Cohon said. “There are already some programs to help our players and it’s important we start young with them . . . we’re urging players to prepare for life after the field.”
They’re here … new seats arrive at Commonwealth Stadium Tuesday 17 July 2012
Esks.com Staff
The moment the Eskimo Empire has eagerly awaited for is here. New seat installation is underway at Commonwealth Stadium.
Over the next two seasons, the city-run initiative will see all seats replaced in sections, starting with sections F and G. It’s not possible to know when specific sections will be complete at this this time.
The green and gold seats are two inches wider, more comfortable and have CUP HOLDERS. Executive suites will be outfitted with a high-back padded seat, while the current bench seating in the north and south end zones will be replaced with a half-back seat. Samples are on display in the Eskimo Team Store so stop by and take a “test drive.”
The current seats date back to the Commonwealth Games in 1978. They have seen their share of Eskimo history, including hosting four Grey Cup championships (1984, 1997, 2002 and 2010). Details on how you can purchase a seat are in development and will be available shortly. Stay tuned to esks.com.
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