Wray Morrison: Soccer in Saskatchewan

As Saskatchewan matures, strong economic sports opportunities may present themselves.

Soccer organizations in the United States, Mexico and Canada have submitted a bid to host the 2026 World Cup. The event will be expanded to 48 teams, which means more games in more centres.

As part of the pitch, Canada would host 10 of the 80 games in the tournament.

The idea of hosting a World Cup soccer match in Saskatchewan would have been dismissed by the majority of residents ten years ago. Not any more. Provincial and City of Regina decision-makers who had the foresight to ensure the new Mosaic Stadium was built may benefit.

In a province that is growing and becoming very diverse, the events that could coincide with a World Cup soccer match would give Regina and Saskatchewan a huge economic boost.

If you build it, they will come. This may serve as a good lesson to civic politicians in other Saskatchewan centres that can’t comprehend the benefits of state-of-the-art sports facilities.