And they’re off! Regina and Saskatoon are neck and neck in a race for a new arena.
Although it shouldn’t be a race. It’s not like whoever builds first means the other city won’t, but we could be years away from two new rinks and entertainment facilities in our main cities.
The last we really heard Charlie Clark talk about a new rink was his state of the city address expressing a desire to beat Regina to the punch on a new rink. We’re still awaiting the promised locations for where that new arena would be.
Meanwhile in Regina, REAL — the group that runs the Brandt Centre and Mosaic Stadium for the city — is out with a new public survey on the current rink. It’s old, outdated, and needs millions worth of upgrades. And of course, Regina Pats owner Shaun Semple has made it clear he wants a new arena.
The new mayor of Regina, Sandra Masters, just so happens to be the former chair of the REAL board.
It would appear Regina is ahead with major players and potential private money willing to invest.
Your move, Saskatoon.