Regina turf work sparks debate over Mosaic Stadium field use

This week, the process of installing the new 100-yard football turf at Mosaic Stadium began.

In a statement, the city said the rubber infill for the turf currently installed at the stadium began being removed on Wednesday. The work is being done before colder weather arrives.

The new turf will be permanently stitched with the 100-yard field and 15-yard end zones, and will be installed in the spring.

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Some people in the city were frustrated with the timing — The Regina high school football 6A Schwann City Final was scheduled to be played at Mosaic Stadium on Friday evening, but was moved to Leibel Field because of the work done on the turf.

The new turf will have goalposts at the back of the end zone, but will be able to accommodate different configurations, according to the city. It will also be stitched to accommodate soccer.

The city’s statement said up to 97 per cent of historical bookings at the stadium could still be accommodated, but only if Football Canada changes its rules in January to permit minor football games to be played on a 100-yard field. The city said it’s been advocating for that change.

From city council

In a Facebook post, city councillor David Froh addressed the situation. He called what’s happening the best of bad options.

“We can’t afford the cost to regularly paint the lines. It is very expensive, and it won’t dry in time for quick turnovers. Administration found a solution that worked for most users and respected taxpayers,” read the post.

He said the city’s lease with the Roughriders outlines what the city has to pay for, and it can’t force the team or the CFL to pay for it.

U Sports won’t be changing its field dimensions because it follows Football Canada, which has said it won’t make the change.

Froh pointed out that means the stadium won’t be able to host events like the Vanier Cup, something he called “completely unacceptable,” and went on to say he wouldn’t hold his breath for an exception from U Sports.

He said he and some of his council colleagues are working to bring more multi-sport turf in the city for amateur sports.

“It will make a big difference but not completely solve this problem,” read Froh’s statement.

The announcement

The CFL commissioner announced the changes to the league’s field configuration in September last year, calling it “a watershed moment” for the league.

Commissioner Stewart Johnston said those changes will ensure consistency in all stadiums and will encourage more aggressive play on third down. Condensing the space will also give stadiums more opportunities for premium seating in the end zones, the commissioner added.

Shortly after the announcement was made, the Regina Thunder’s coach Scott MacAuley posted to social media, saying the changes “screwed over” amateur football.

“So many high schools, universities, junior and minor teams play in places like Mosaic Stadium, but then also play in smaller stadiums like Leibel Field. They will now have to play two different types of games,” he said.