Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list inclu...
Regina business and tourism leaders say the Foo Fighters’ 2026 concert at Mosaic Stadium will do more than bring back live music; it will bring millions of dollars into the city and shine a spotlight on its hospitality industry.
The American rock icons are set to perform on Sept. 15, one of only four Canadian stops on their world tour. The event will mark the first major stadium concert in Regina since Garth Brooks performed at Mosaic in 2019, and expectations are high for a sold-out crowd of more than 40,000 fans.
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Local businesses and tourism operators are already preparing for a big influx of visitors, with hotels, restaurants and retail outlets expected to see a significant surge in sales.
Mike Tate, CEO of the Regina District Chamber of Commerce, said the excitement among businesses was immediate. He called the concert a “significant win” for the entire community and a reminder of the city’s ability to host large-scale events.
“Our community gets that we’ve got the best stadium in the country,” Tate said. “It’s going to be a for-sure sellout and wonderful for our hospitality industry and every business that operates in the city.”
Tate said the show’s economic impact will extend far beyond the gates of Mosaic Stadium. From restaurants to retail, he expects the “trickle-down effect” to benefit nearly every part of Regina’s economy.
“The spinoff effect is huge; more shifts, higher wages and rising revenues,” Tate said. “It’s in the millions, and touches almost every corner of our business community.”
The last concert of this scale, Brooks’ two-night appearance in 2019, generated $18.7 million in total economic activity in Saskatchewan, including $16.3 million in the Regina area, according to Sports Tourism Canada.
Tate said the Foo Fighters’ show will also bring substantial returns, especially after a seven-year drought for stadium concerts.
Sadra Jackle, president and CEO of the Regina Hotel Association, said the city’s hotels are already anticipating capacity crowds.
“Our hotels are going to be absolutely packed, hopefully sold out,” Jackle said. “When Garth Brooks came in 2019, we were near capacity, and that show alone brought about $18 million in economic impact. Even with one show instead of two, this will still be huge.”
Jackle said the Foo Fighters’ limited Canadian tour schedule means fans will likely travel long distances to see the Regina show. She expects visitors from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta, as well as neighbouring U.S. states such as Montana and North Dakota. Many of those fans will spend the entire weekend in the city.
Tourism Regina’s Jennifer Johnson said the concert is also an opportunity to showcase the city’s attractions and strengthen its reputation as a destination for major events.
“Major concerts like this bring in millions of dollars to the city,” Johnson said. “Visitors will come, stay in hotels, eat in restaurants and hopefully explore everything Regina has to offer.”
Johnson encouraged concertgoers to take in local highlights of the city, such as the RCMP Heritage Centre, the Globe Theatre and the Saskatchewan Science Centre, saying the Foo Fighters’ performance is the perfect excuse to experience Regina’s cultural scene.
Business and tourism leaders say the concert’s impact will extend well beyond the stage. For Tate, Jackle and Johnson, it signals a turning point, proof that Regina is once again on the radar for top-tier entertainment.
Tate said the Foo Fighters announcement represents the momentum, confidence and a reminder of what the city can achieve when local organizations work together.
“This is going to be a fantastic show,” Tate said. “It’s great for Regina’s economy, it’s great for our community, and it reminds everyone that this city knows how to host.”
