George Reed Way unveiled at Evraz Place

Saskatchewan Roughriders legend George Reed is getting another honour in his adopted hometown.

The CFL’s Roughriders, the City of Regina and the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) announced Wednesday that the section of 10th Avenue that runs west from Elphinstone Street to Gate 2 on the north side of the stadium is being renamed George Reed Way.

As well, the new address of Mosaic Stadium will be 1734 George Reed Way. Reed wore No. 34 during his illustrious 13-year career with the Roughriders.

“George Reed is a living legend and such an important part of the Roughriders past and present,” Craig Reynolds, the Roughriders’ president, said in a media release. “We wanted to find a way to honour George, not only for his commitment to the team and his excellence on the field but for all of the inspiring work he’s done for the community.

“With Mosaic Stadium now residing on newly minted George Reed Way, we believe we’re giving back to George just a fraction of what he’s given Saskatchewan.”

According to the release, the Roughriders approached the City of Regina and REAL several months ago with the idea of renaming that stretch of road in Reed’s honour. Both agreed with the plan.

“As the owner of Mosaic Stadium, the City recognizes and appreciates the legacy that the Roughriders and Mr. Reed have created,” Mayor Michael Fougere said in the release.

“Every time a minor sport athlete travels George Reed Way to play or watch a game at the stadium they will be reminded that greatness is within their grasp. That is a powerful message for young people in our community.”

“George Reed Way is a fantastic addition to our property, and we are extremely proud that residents and visitors will experience a piece of our province’s rich football tradition each time they come to our campus,” added Tim Reid, REAL’s president and CEO.

Reed rushed for 16,116 yards and 134 touchdowns during his career with Saskatchewan. He was named the CFL’s most outstanding player in 1965, helped the Roughriders win the 1966 Grey Cup title and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

His jersey number is one of eight that has been retired by the Roughriders. In 2017, he and the late Ron Lancaster — a former Roughriders quarterback who starred alongside Reed — were further honoured with statues on the west side of Mosaic Stadium.

Now 80, Reed has been a fixture in Regina and Saskatchewan since his retirement.

He created the George Reed Foundation to assist the physically and intellectually disabled and the disadvantaged. He also is a long-time supporter of Saskatchewan Special Olympics.

A product of Vicksburg, Miss., Reed was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 1978.

More to come.