'Where do I park?' And other questions about Regina's new stadium
Officials say there will be plenty of parking for football events
CBC News posed a batch of questions on those points and officials responded. Here is a summary:
Parking
Q.: About how many parking spaces for regular football events are planned? (How does that compare to the existing number of parking spaces available, currently, for regular football events?)
A.: "The new stadium will have approximately 3,700 on-site parking spaces, which is greater than the current stadium. These 3,700 spaces will be supplemented with nearby surface parking and improved public transit that will be more than enough to accommodate a Rider game. In addition, event management plans are being developed to improve the experience of getting to and leaving Evraz Place on a game/event day, or every day, from a pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle perspective."
Q.: Where will staff/players/admin/other stadium workers park?
A.: "As is the case at the existing stadium, designated parking will be provided in various locations for people working at the stadium, including players."
Q.: What are the plans for parking restrictions and traffic restrictions in the neighbourhood for event days?
"The current Mosaic Stadium area is subject to a residential parking permit program. Residents are provided free permits that allow them to park on the street during designated events at the stadium. Event patrons are not permitted to park on the street during these designated events. With the construction of new Mosaic Stadium, the boundaries for the parking permit program are being reviewed and will be adjusted as required. We are also reviewing where street closures and traffic restrictions are needed to ensure pedestrian and traffic safety, as well as access for emergency vehicles, transit and others."
Bus service
Q.: Where will people be dropped off if they use a bus? Will any regular city bus routes stop at the stadium?
A.: "We are currently finalizing the event management and transportation plans. Transit will be an important part of getting people to and from the new Mosaic Stadium. We are working to finalize the frequency, drop-off locations and types of transit service that will be available for games and events. The current Park and Ride program (Football Express) for Saskatchewan Roughrider football games will continue to be a key element that allows for simple and easy transportation to and from the stadium."
The neighbourhood
Q.: What changes, if any, are being considered for configuration of Elphinstone Street near the stadium?
"The 10th Avenue entrance (just north of the new Mosaic Stadium) is being reconfigured as part of the project. The design of the sidewalk, plaza, driving and drop-off/loading spaces is being finalized at this time, including how this space functions every day and on event/game days."
Entry/Exit/Access
Q.: What will be considered the primary entry/exit for the new stadium?
A.: "Both the east and west entrances will be primary entrances, however users will also be able to enter the facility from the north and south. We expect most pedestrians will enter from the east, and those that will park onsite will enter the facility from the west. A key feature of the stadium is that there is a 360 concourse that allows fans to walk all the way around the seating bowl; which means wherever they enter they will be able to access their seats or other amenities."
Q.: Will there be visitor access to the stadium when there are other Evraz events taking place?
A.: "Yes. The Rider Store and stadium ticket office need public access during major events like the Queen City Ex, when access to Evraz Place has traditionally been controlled by paid admissions. The City is working with Evraz Place and the Riders to finalize the logistics of stadium access, including pedestrian access to the site and parking options for stadium visitors. Different plans may be required for different types of events. The stadium will also be able to host a variety of events during the course of the year and the facility has been designed to allow effective access to the stadium during these non-Rider events."
Pedestrian bridge?
Q.: Has the city considered a pedestrian bridge for the railway tracks near the site?
A.:"There are no plans for a pedestrian bridge at the new Mosaic Stadium site at this time. Pedestrians currently cross the tracks at Elphinstone Street on game day and other days and will do so for the new Mosaic Stadium as well. We will continue to work with [the railway] CP and others to manage safety at this crossing for all users."
The new stadium, costing $278 million, was announced July 14, 2012 and officials say it will be open in time for the 2017 football season.
The current football stadium will be demolished once the new facility is open. The city says the land will be redeveloped into a mix of residential and other uses.