An exhibition game of American Football will take place the new Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Canada, as constructors seek to test the venue’s performance and facilities ahead of its grand opening in 2017.
The University of Regina Rams – which will call the stadium home – will host the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in the fixture on 1 October 2016, the first serious test of the multi-purpose arena following its expected completion in August.
The test game is a contractual requirement insisted on by PCL Construction Management Inc., the project’s construction partner. Washrooms, public address systems, elevators and leisure amenities will be tested, as will access, transportation links, parking and security. Two further matches will take place before the stadium opens for real.
“This tests will give us our first chance at making sure that we all have the fantastic experience we envisioned when new Mosaic Stadium officially opens next year,” said Regina Mayor Michael Fougere.
The University of Regina Rams’ vice president Chris Briltz called the match “a tremendous opportunity” to showcase the team “while making history” in the new ground.
The Mosaic Stadium will have a capacity of 33,000, which can be expanded to 40,000 when required, but ticket sales for the October game will be limited to 16,500.
The building's design, by HKS Architects, is inspired by the prairie sky and includes a sunken bowl design, a translucent spectator roof to protect fans and louvers to control the wind. Over 200 trees and shrubs will be planted in the stadium terrace.
Multi-purpose lounges, outdoor spaces and a new plaza on Evraz Place will be included in the latest example of sports facilities being transformed into public places that can be used 365 days a year.
The project is being built by PCL – which includes HKS’ Sports & Entertainment division, B+H Architects and TD Securities – at a cost of almost US$280m (€235m, £209.5m). The facility will replace the Rams’ former stadium, located a few blocks away.
HKS recently completed work on a norther major North American stadium;
a US$1bn stadium for NFL franchise the Minnesota Vikings.
