Mosaic Stadium

Planning and Construction

The project to build a new stadium for the Saskatchewan Roughriders was formally announced on July 12, 2012, by Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco. This announcement followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding for funding a facility to replace Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, where the Roughriders had played full-time since 1936. The Regina City Council officially approved the project in January 2013 as part of the broader Regina Revitalization Initiative, which also included plans to redevelop the Taylor Field site into residential housing and relocate a downtown rail yard. The stadium was slated for construction at Evraz Place, now known as REAL District, sharing grounds with the indoor Brandt Centre arena.

In March 2014, PCL Construction was selected as the general contractor, and the design firm HKS, Inc., known for venues like AT&T Stadium, was chosen in a joint venture with B+H Architects. The official stadium design was unveiled on May 22, 2014, and it was confirmed that The Mosaic Company would extend its naming rights from the old stadium to the new one under a 20-year agreement. Preliminary excavation began in April 2014, with an official groundbreaking ceremony held on June 16, 2014. The stadium was built with a scheduled completion date of August 2016, in time for the Roughriders to move in for the 2017 CFL season.

Construction progressed with the installation of the FieldTurf Revolution 360 playing surface in July 2016, marking the first CFL stadium to feature this specific turf product. On August 31, 2016, officials declared the stadium substantially complete, though interior finishes were still being installed. The city planned several test events, beginning with a university football game between the Regina Rams and Saskatchewan Huskies on October 1, 2016, which utilized only the lower bowl for a crowd of 16,500. A second major test event, the Regina Rocks Mosaic Stadium concert headlined by Bryan Adams, was held on May 27, 2017, at 75 percent capacity. The Roughriders played their first game at the new venue, a pre-season matchup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, on June 10, 2017.

Stadium Design and Features

Mosaic Stadium was designed to provide a significantly upgraded fan experience compared to the aging Taylor Field. Its most distinctive architectural feature is a sunken bowl design, with the lower bowl situated 10 metres below ground level to protect spectators from the prevailing north and west winds. A partial roof extends around much of the stadium's rim, featuring a curved design intended to prevent snow accumulation and shield fans from the elements. The design allows for the future addition of a full roof. The facility includes an open concourse that circles the entire stadium, offering wide walkways and varied concessions.

The upper deck fully surrounds the north end zone. A unique fan area is located in the south end zone, which is not covered by the roof or upper deck. This area features five general admission standing-room tiers branded as "Pil Country" through a sponsorship with Pilsner, complete with bars running their length and restricted to attendees aged 19 and over. In November 2019, the stretch of 10th Avenue along the stadium's north end was renamed George Reed Way in honour of the legendary Roughrider, and the stadium's official address became 1734 George Reed Way, a nod to his jersey number 34. Statues of Roughriders greats Ron Lancaster and George Reed are erected at the west end of the stadium site.

Notable design elements also include a permanent tribute to truth and reconciliation. Following Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day held at the stadium on September 29, 2022, a single orange seat was installed in Section 531, known as the Seat of Truth. This seat remains permanently unsold and unused, serving as a visual reminder and dedicated space for the spirits of those impacted by residential schools. The stadium's capacity record was set in 2019 when 33,506 fans attended a Roughriders game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Funding and Economic Impact

The total construction cost for Mosaic Stadium was estimated at $278 million. Funding was secured through a multi-party agreement involving municipal and provincial governments alongside the football team. The Government of Saskatchewan provided an $80 million grant and a $100 million loan, with the latter to be repaid through a $12 surcharge applied to all Roughriders tickets sold. The City of Regina contributed $73 million, funded through increases to property taxes. The Saskatchewan Roughriders organization covered the remaining costs, primarily through the proceeds from the sale of naming rights to The Mosaic Company. In May 2018, the president of the Regina Exhibition Association indicated that additional surcharges might be introduced on concert tickets in the future to help manage costs.

As part of its 2022-23 provincial budget, the Saskatchewan government ended the provincial sales tax exemption for sports and entertainment tickets beginning October 1, 2022. The new stadium served as an aspect of the Regina Revitalization Initiative. This redevelopment project would see the former site of Taylor Field redeveloped into a residential area. It also involved the re-location of the Canadian Pacific Railway's downtown yard to allow for further downtown development.

Tenants and Major Events

Mosaic Stadium's primary tenant is the Canadian Football League's Saskatchewan Roughriders, who began playing their home games at the venue with the 2017 season. The University of Regina Rams football team also uses the stadium for U Sports games, having played there since the 2016 soft opening. In 2026, the stadium will gain an additional tenant when Queen City United SC of the new Prairies Premier League uses it as their home field for matches in late May and early July during the league's inaugural season. The stadium has hosted a diverse array of major sporting and entertainment events since its opening, cementing its status as a multipurpose venue for Regina and the province.

• Football: The stadium hosted the 109th Grey Cup on November 20, 2022, where the Toronto Argonauts defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
• Hockey: On October 26, 2019, Mosaic Stadium was the site of the NHL Heritage Classic, featuring the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames. A WHL outdoor game, the Prairie Classic between the Regina Pats and Calgary Hitmen, was held the following day.
• Soccer: An international friendly between Valencia CF and the New York Cosmos was played on July 22, 2017. An exhibition match between under-23 sides of Sunderland A.F.C. and Toronto FC was held on August 3, 2022.
• Concerts: Major concerts have included Guns N' Roses (August 27, 2017), Eagles (May 17, 2018), and Garth Brooks for two shows (August 9-10, 2019). Foo Fighters are scheduled to perform on September 15, 2026, as part of their Take Cover Tour.

In 2017, Mosaic Stadium was listed as one of nine possible Canadian venues in United 2026, a joint bid to hold portions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Regina did not make the shortlist of potential host cities. The stadium has hosted notable events like the 109th Grey Cup in 2022 and the 2019 NHL Heritage Classic. It also hosts concerts and other major events.

Transportation and Accessibility

Regina Transit operates a complimentary Rider Transit and Mosaic Stadium Shuttle service for Roughriders games and select major events. This service offers pickup and drop-off at several locations across the city, including Northgate Mall, Southland Mall, the University of Regina, multiple downtown locations, and points in the Warehouse District. The shuttle program has seen adjustments over time. In 2018, Normanview Crossing was removed as a pickup site due to business objections over parking lot use, replaced by a third downtown location near the former Sears on Broad Street. In 2019, Victoria Square Mall was replaced by the University of Regina campus as a pickup point, reflecting an ongoing effort to optimize the service for fan convenience.

On-site parking at the stadium is complimentary for most events but becomes a paid service on Roughrider game days and during major concerts. Additional paid parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis along 10th Avenue and south of the neighbouring Sportplex. The stadium provides approximately 200 accessible parking spots located west of Confederation Park and south of the Sportplex. Guests with mobility needs can be dropped off directly outside the stadium gates, and Paratransit service is given priority access on game days. The organization encourages the use of shuttle services to alleviate traffic and parking congestion, promoting a smoother experience for the tens of thousands of attendees at large events.

2026 Season and Themed Games

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have announced an extensive slate of themed games for their 2026 Canadian Football League season at Mosaic Stadium, building on the team's planned activities following a 2025 championship. The season's first game in Saskatchewan will be a pre-season matchup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Saskatoon on May 23, 2026, at Griffiths Stadium. The official home opener at Mosaic Stadium is scheduled for June 13, 2026, against the B.C. Lions, featuring a celebration of the 2025 Grey Cup victory, a tailgate party, a banner raising, and a Canadian Armed Forces flyover. This event will allow fans to see the championship cup up close and marks the beginning of a new tradition following changes to Saskatchewan's tailgating laws.

The team will host nine other themed regular-season home games, each with unique promotions and fan experiences. The Prairie Blizzard game against Toronto on June 26 will feature the team wearing white uniforms and a grad walk for graduating students. The Green Prix game against Hamilton on July 12 will include a car show and tailgate event. A Camp Riderville theme is planned for the July 23 game against Edmonton, with alternate uniforms and a presentation of minor football. The August 7 Rider Farm Show game against Ottawa will celebrate agricultural heritage with a tractor pull and mechanical bull.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders host themed games at Mosaic Stadium. These theme games feature special events, fan experiences, and celebrations. The team prepares for an exciting season at the stadium. Every Riders home game is built around a unique theme.

Questions about Mosaic Stadium

Where is Mosaic Stadium located?

Mosaic Stadium is located at 1734 George Reed Way in Regina, Saskatchewan, within the REAL District (formerly Evraz Place). The address was changed in November 2019 to honour legendary Roughrider George Reed, with the number 1734 referencing his jersey number 34. The stadium shares its site with the Brandt Centre indoor arena. It is easily accessible via Regina Transit's complimentary shuttle service on game days.

Who plays at Mosaic Stadium?

The primary tenant is the Canadian Football League's Saskatchewan Roughriders, who have played there since the 2017 season. The University of Regina Rams football team also plays U Sports games at the stadium, beginning with its soft opening in 2016. Starting in the 2026 inaugural season of the Prairies Premier League, Queen City United SC will use Mosaic Stadium as its home soccer venue for matches in late May and early July. The stadium also hosts concerts, hockey games, and other special events.

How much did Mosaic Stadium cost to build?

Mosaic Stadium was estimated to cost around $278 million to build. The government of Saskatchewan provided an $80 million grant and a $100 million loan. The city provided $73 million in funding. The remainder of the budget was covered by the Roughriders, primarily through naming rights.

What is the Seat of Truth at Mosaic Stadium?

The Seat of Truth is a single, permanently empty orange seat located in Section 531 of Mosaic Stadium. It was installed following Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day, an event for truth and reconciliation held at the stadium on September 29, 2022. The seat serves as a visual tribute and a dedicated space for the spirits of those who could not attend events due to the impact of residential schools. It is never sold or used, acting as a permanent reminder of the need for truth and reconciliation.

What major events has Mosaic Stadium hosted?

Mosaic Stadium has hosted several high-profile events. It was the venue for the 109th Grey Cup in 2022 and the 2019 NHL Heritage Classic outdoor hockey game. Notable concerts have featured artists like Guns N' Roses, the Eagles, Garth Brooks, and Bryan Adams, with Foo Fighters scheduled for 2026. The stadium has also hosted international soccer friendlies and was considered as a potential venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What are the transportation options for getting to Mosaic Stadium?

The primary option for Roughriders games and major events is the complimentary Rider Transit and Mosaic Stadium Shuttle service, with pickup points at malls, the university, and downtown locations. On-site parking is free for most events but requires payment on game days and during major concerts, with additional paid parking available nearby. Approximately 200 accessible parking spots are provided, and guests with mobility needs can be dropped off at the stadium gates. Paratransit service also has priority access on event days.

Sources and further reading

• Mosaic Stadium (Wikipedia)
• Mosaic Stadium (realdistrict.ca)
• 2026 Theme Games | Saskatchewan Roughriders™ (riderville.com)
• Saskatchewan Roughriders Tickets at Mosaic Stadium (ticketmaster.ca)
• Saskatchewan Roughriders announce suite of themed ... (ckom.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-25.