The potential for new sports facilities coming to Regina has stakeholders excited about the possibilities.
On Wednesday, Regina’s executive council voted to form a new catalytic committee to oversee the development of three potential new sports facilities, a new aquatics center, a new multipurpose high-performance baseball facility and a replacement for the Brandt Center.
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Regina City Council seeks trio of sports facilities for downtown
The Regina Red Sox are a group in town that have been looking for a new facility to call home. Their current home field, Currie Field, is outdated and only seats 750 people.
Living Sky Sports and Entertainment partners with the Red Sox to build a new ballpark. On Wednesday, the council voted to fund a feasibility study for the facility.
Living Sky Sports and Entertainment president Alan Simpson says Currie Field should have at least 3,100 seats, upgraded restrooms, more locker rooms and better concessions to compete with other ballparks.
“Regina’s class one facilities … are not up to par in many areas of similarly sized or smaller jurisdictions across Western Canada,” Simpson said. “The course itself is lacking in terms of being able to attract any kind of regional or national competition. It does not meet the standards that are required and that should be addressed.”
Simpson says they have been eyeing the Regina Yards area for some time as a target location for a new ballpark. However, he says the city may be preferring a central location for all three facilities.
On Wednesday, the city council made it clear that the locations have not yet been determined.
“Railways were a preference that we indicated,” Simpson said. “That would still be our preferred location…but it’s about spending capital dollars…what generates the best return on dollars spent. That doesn’t necessarily have to be on the railways… but it could happen in other places.
“There are a few places that I would be open to, I would approach with some skepticism, but I would be open to having a discussion about the best location nonetheless.”
Swimmers are also looking forward to the possibility of much-needed new amenities.
Regina’s competitive swimmers have wanted an Olympic-sized pool since before Wascana Pool was designed. Swimmers still want to see it happen.
“If we want to bid to host national and international events, you need a warm-up pool and a competition pool,” said Natalie Good, head coach of the Regina Synchronized Swimming Club.
“Both pools need to be deep, so we’re looking at two 25-meter-deep tanks.”
Good says this larger pool is essential, as it would give high-performance swimmers and trainers a place to train at the same time. He also says that a new aquatic facility should include more deck space and space for spectators.
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When it comes to the replacement for the Brandt Center, former City Councilman and Regina Sports Hall of Famer Mike O’Donnell welcomes it with open arms. He says a new event center would benefit the city.
“I think any time you can refresh things, it brings a sense of pride and we can announce as a community that we’re offering these things, not just for our own athletes or our own spectators, but we welcome people from outside.” he said O’Donnell.
O’Donnell says he would like to see a new arena with more seating and concourse space, as well as more concessions.
Ultimately, he would like the arena to be able to attract larger events.
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