Test event reveals strengths and weaknesses of new Mosaic Stadium

The view inside the stadium on Tuesday morning was a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Saturday’s game – every inch of the place was soaked with rain and only workers in bright orange safety vests could be seen walking here and there.

Saturday was the first test event for the new Mosaic Stadium, giving the city a chance to see what worked and what didn’t.

“We’re very pleased with the way the test went, we’ve received very positive feedback in the last 48 hours,” said Kim Onrait, executive director of city services and major projects.

He spoke to media Tuesday – explaining in more detail the successes at the event, and what they need to work on.

CROWDING

Onrait said they had heard the concourse was crowded for some during the game, and it concerned some as the stadium was only at half capacity on Saturday. Onrait explained the crowding came from the vendors which were set up in the area.

“In the next test event game, we’ll have our vendors in their concession areas which will help with that congestion.”

SOUND

There was some trouble during the game with people being unable to hear the announcements. Onrait said they heard specifically from people in the south end zone, which was expected.

“We don’t have the speaker systems or the public address system set up facing southward – so that will be done definitely before the next test event.”

GETTING IN AND OUT

One of the big successes Onrait touted was transit. He said three times more people used transit for the game on Saturday than normally use it for Rider games.

“We really would like to see the travel behaviours change. Transit is very accessible, we had great feedback from the people that took transit for this test event … I think one of the most positive things we heard is when people left the stadium, transit was sitting right outside the door, they were able to jump on the bus and clear the space in a timely manner.”

He said people leaving the area in their own vehicles were also successful.

There were, however, a few problems with people getting to the stadium.

“Coming into the stadium on Lewvan, we’ve identified there was congestion there. So we’re just waiting for some information to come to us and then we’ll work on improving that for the next test event,” explained Onrait.

PARKING

Some people who live in the neighbourhood surrounding the stadium weren’t happy with the parking situation, complaining on social media that they no longer have resident parking passes.

Onrait said the city will be getting reports on the traffic situation around the stadium from consultants, and where people parked will be part of that. Implementing resident parking passes is not being considered at this point, according to Onrait, but said they’re going to work with the communities to fix any problems that come up.

ACCESSIBILITY

The city worked with groups lobbying for more accessibility as they designed the stadium and Onrait said they got positive and negative feedback after the test game.

Onrait said they liked the drop-off area close to the entrance to the stadium. He said they also appreciated there are twice as many accessible spots in the new stadium as the old.

However, he said there were some problems brought up that signage could be improved.

Onrait said a survey is being sent out to those who attended the game, and those wishing to give feedback can contact Service Regina.