On Friday, October 13, 2017, the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Ottawa Redblacks in CFL Football. Kick-off is at 8:00 p.m. For this game, and for remaining games in the 2017 season, there have been a few changes implemented to enhance security for all attendees at Mosaic Stadium. NOTE: These measures are not in response to a specific threat or change in the risk assessment for this game, the city or Saskatchewan. The additional measures are a balanced and responsible approach to public safety at a major sporting event, in a national/international environment changed by recent acts of violence.
On Game Day, all ticket-holders, volunteers, employees and players may notice a few changes added to the usual game day security and traffic plans. Provision of additional police personnel is a decision, mutually-agreed-upon by the Regina Police Service and Mosaic Stadium, with input from the Canadian Football League. Ideally, members of the public won’t even notice a change in Game Day operations, but the public may also be assured that there will be resources with specific expertise, experience and equipment at the stadium, should they be required.
As usual, we are asking spectators to exercise patience and co-operation. If you are driving in the area of Mosaic Stadium, before and after the game, please extra time for travel and watch for pedestrians, vehicles, and trains. Ticket holders are encouraged to take the FREE Football Express buses to and from the game. Regina Police Service members will be assigned to specific intersections to manage the higher volume of traffic and to enhance safety for all game attendees and residents of the area.
Traffic restrictions will affect the 1500, 1600, and 1700 blocks of Elphinstone Street beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 13th. Access to some streets will be limited to Regina Transit buses and local residents only (you may be asked to show that you are a local resident, e.g. home address on identification or correspondence). Please note: at the conclusion of the game, Saskatchewan Drive will be closed from Montague Street to Argyle Street, and the 1800 block of Elphinstone Street will also be closed, to allow pedestrian traffic to get to their vehicles quickly and safely. Fans and motorists will find road closures on:
- 1500 block of Elphinstone Street at Dewdney Avenue;
- Princess Street and 9th Avenue
- Argyle Street and 9th Avenue;
- MacTavish Street and 9th Avenue;
- Elphinstone Street and 9th Avenue;
- Elphinstone Street and 10th Avenue;
- Elphinstone Street and North Railway Street
- Saskatchewan Drive and Elphinstone Street;
Police are asking motorists and pedestrians to follow directions, have patience and be courteous to other users of the road.
Other reminders to help everyone enjoy game days include:
- See tracks? Think train! Stay off and away from the train tracks. Anytime is train time, and trains are very dangerous. Do not try to “beat” the train while the stop-arms are coming down and the train is approaching. Do not play on or around train cars, and do not go near a moving train. Please act responsibly and safely.
- Remove all valuables from your vehicle and lock the doors. There will be additional police patrols around the stadium during games to deter theft-from-auto and theft-of-auto, but it’s always better to remove or reduce the opportunity for crime (police cannot be everywhere at once);
- Respect the neighbourhood. The New Mosaic Stadium is in a residential neighbourhood and visitors should always ensure they park vehicles legally, refrain from littering and respect the property of others;
- Consider using FREE public transit (pickup at 4 locations, quick and easy!) or car-pooling to make your travel plans easier. Regina Transit has provided a new Football Express transit route which can be found atca/football-express;
- Football fans are great multi-taskers. Some can enjoy an alcoholic beverage AND watch the game. That’s not an issue with us as long as a) they’re old enough to drink legally and b) they don’t try to operate a motor vehicle while impaired. Please don’t drink and drive.
- Make your game plans before you drive; remember to not use your phone while driving. Same goes for pedestrians; walking while texting/talking can be dangerous in crowds and on roads.
Enjoy Game Day, October 13th in the new Mosaic Stadium and be safe! Go Riders!