Groups worry about losing concession fundraising at new Mosaic Stadium

Local organizations that raise money at Saskatchewan Roughrider home games may be out thousands of dollars when the new Mosaic Stadium opens. The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), which runs Evraz Place and the new stadium, says nothing has been finalized when it comes to volunteer groups.

• New Mosaic Stadium 'substantially complete'

• Sneak peek: lights, turf installed at new Mosaic Stadium

Vince Baryluk has worked concession sales on the east side of Mosaic Stadium for Tavria Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble for the past 10 years. With two games left in the 2016 season, Baryluk is worried the City is leaving his and other volunteer groups out of the new stadium.

"I think no news is bad news," Baryluk said. "It's like a family-run organization and I'm very disappointed that it's potentially coming to an end two games from now."

"I think we're all going to be out the door. I think they're going to hire Evraz employees, union workers — or bigger corporations are moving in. I can see all non-profit organizations being told that we cannot do Rider games next year as a fundraising venue." 

"I don't think the general public really realizes that. We're all excited about the new stadium but it does come at a cost."

Currently, community groups receive money from working concessions inside the stadium for the 10 Roughrider home games.

Baryluk said the Riders give 13 per cent of sales to his group, which averages to about $10,000 dollars per season.

"If we lose the booth next year, $10,000 annually will be gone. Where are we going to make up those funds? I have no idea. It's going to really hurt the pocketbooks of the parents paying for registration," Baryluk said.

With other groups involved in game day concessions, Baryluk fears a 'trickle down' with costs increasing and some parents unable afford their children's activities.

City says nothing 'finalized'

"We want to ensure community groups have an opportunity to volunteer as a means of raising funds for their activities. The Riders have built a solid volunteer model, and we want to carry on the legacy in the new stadium," said Paula Kohl, a spokesperson for REAL.

"One of the items that still needs to be finalized is the volunteer model and the role community groups will play in the new stadium. Volunteers are an important part of operations, and we look forward to working with various community-based groups when we begin operating the stadium in 2017," said Kohl.    

Evraz Place employs unionized staff at its concession stands at the Brandt Centre and Co-operators Centre.

"We encourage the leaders of the various community-based groups that are currently providing services in the existing stadium or those who are interested in playing a role in the new stadium to get in touch with us," Kohl said.

Baryluk said his group has reached out to the City of Regina and the Roughriders but have yet to receive an answer about 2017. He said that is consistent from what he has heard from other groups. 

The University of Regina Rams will host the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in its first test event at the new stadium on Oct. 1. Kohl said volunteer groups will play a role in that event.

• Rams-Huskies game will have record crowd at new Mosaic Stadium

Kohl said volunteers from North Central Community Association and other local groups will help clean the stands post-game. She said volunteers from the Optimist Club of Regina will help serve beer.