Does no one else see the irony of the hope that corporate funding will come through yet this is the same province that just sent Bruce Power packing its bags. Their projection was that the province's $600 million share of investment into a power plant would generate $3.4 billion in revenue back to Saskatchewan over 60 years. In the first 20 years the province would recover its investment, plus enough to build this stadium. Too bad there's no vision in our decision-makers until someone draws them a picture.
First thing is always going to be first. We support the hospital lotteries twice a year (and they sell out). We support the libraries lottery every year (and it sells out). We support the Radiothons for hospitals every year. And it is always announced as a success. Radiothon for Haiti
no problem.
WE CAN do all those things because we are a strong province.
Investing in a new facility is always going to be second in your mind. And it is going to be NEVER in your mind.
Nobody is asking the government to chose between a stadium and a childrens hospital.
So what's the connection here smart guy? A lottery! Are you following me? Investing public money in a Regina project is NEVER going to be on my list. I drive 4 hrs round trip to Rider games, and a dome stadium does make that any better or worse.
It is time that Regina stepped into the big league with a new stadium. Taylor Field did the job for a long time but it is out of date and in need of a lot of renovations just to keep stumbling along. We are going to have to bite the bullet a some point and to wait will only make for higher costs down the line.
How very true. If it is funded privately, fine. No taxpayer money should be included, there are far more important areas that require funding than this white elephant. Generational project my ass. I have never heard such PR BS! The governments (fed. and prov.) have spent enough money on this with the feasibility study. Time to fund something truly important and worthwhile; health care, children's hospital, education, affordable housing and the list continues.
First off there is already more than enough money going towards health care and education, we just need to start cutting a lot of fat. As for the children's hospital it makes a lot more sense for it to be added to a existing hospital like RUH or the City hospital. Also Taylor Feild is almost past the point of repair. The whole east section of the stands will need to be torn down and replaced.
WHAT???
CONCENTRATE on healthcare? What about roads, education, housing, sports, industry, investment??? Besides, such a facility will improve quality of life for those who are able to exercice and get involved in life-style programming. I wish people would stop living in the past and reaelize that this is not the 20th century anymore.
Another thing. Can't people understand the difference between INVESTING and SPENDING?
I totally agree, we cannot negotiate a fair contract with Health Workers, we are raising taxes, possibly cutting back on Teacher Aids but we can fund a stadium we really don`t need.. and I am a huge Riders fan..
Here we go again discussing the doomed dome stadium and its continual escalating cost. Of course the feasibility study would say build, that was not a surprise. The question remains who is going to pay for this white elephant. I for one do not one cent of tax dollars going toward this monstrosity. If rider nation want it that badly, then put up the money, as they will be the primary tenants and users. Here we are in Saskatchewan with a billion dollar deficit last year, possibly another this year, cost cutting taking place in all provincial departments, the federal government having over a 55 billion dollar deficit and about to table a very tight budget and we are actually taking about a multi-million dollar pie in the sky doomed dome. Get real. That is truly asinine. Taylor Field could be renovated and upgraded for a fraction of the cost. NO to the dome.
I don't think the majority of Rider Nation wants a domed stadium, at least no one with season tickets around my seats do. It's the fair weather fans, that won't be coming to the games during the losing seasons, who want the new stadium. I'm sure for less than 100 Million, they can do major renovations to Taylor Field and keep the Riders in the same location they've been for the last hundred years.
For all you "NO" people...don't be so short-sighted. It's not just for the Riders...they are only small part of the equation. The building will be used for conventions, sporting events, concerts, trade shows...the list goes on and on. Just think of the revenue it will bring to the city!
I like the idea of the multi entertainment complex and the associated development but perhaps the Riders should pay for a retractable roof as they will get the most benefit.
We are not oppossed to the new stadium, however when Goverments are in charge the budgets seem to disappear. Would also suggest the citizens of Sask. be given an opportunity to vote on the project. When we were in business there were penalities for over budget and completion date.
I live close to Moose Jaw but strongly feel that if this is to be a Saskatchewan complex, it should be built in the Saskatoon area. If it is builtr in Regina, then they should provide the majority of the funds with the province secondary. Yes, I would rather drive the shorter distance but the majority of the province is closeer to Saskatoon. There would have to be very convincing reasons to have Regina over Saskatoon.
Complex location
On March 2nd, 2010 Anonymous (not verified) says:
"I live close to Moose Jaw but strongly feel that if this is to be a Saskatchewan complex, it should be built in the Saskatoon area. If it is builtr in Regina, then they should provide the majority of the funds with the province secondary. Yes, I would rather drive the shorter distance but the majority of the province is closeer to Saskatoon. There would have to be very convincing reasons to have Regina over Saskatoon."
The convincing reason is the most population draw is out of southern Sask where the majority of the population is. What planet are you on? Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Melville, Weyburn, Estevan etc are all closer to Regina. Also we draw a large crowds out of the US.
These people from S'stoon are living in a dream world. I am sick of hearing their constant whining. You do not have a history of supporting sport events. I've been to Blades games......you can fire a cannon off in SaskPlace and not hit anyone....... The World Juniors had empty seats all over the place. It showed disgraceful support on TV.
People from S'stoon can talk all they want......and talk is all it would ever be.....the Riders will always be in Regina, The Capital. The most prominent city in the province.Where they belong.......representing the province from where they belong .....the Capital of Saskatchewan! Regina.....the city with a history, unlike Saskatoon, which has as much character as plain yogurt
Interestingly.....this team was called the "Regina Rugby Club". Never had anything to do with S'stoon. It was just named the Sask. RR later.
I'm all for spending money to make money but why is everyone so focused on Regina? This stadium should be built in the centre of the province in its largest, most dynamic city.
LOL,,what a joke to say build it in Saskatoon, first off the Riderts are in Regina, secondly how do you expect to support the Riders when you cant even support a very good Saskatoon Blade team, like Ray Morrison has said Saskatoon does not deserve anything until they begin to support winning local teams, now im from Regina, i dont go to Rider Games, but i like the Riders, i still say build it, and yes i do like Saskatoon as well, but to say its the most dynamic city is quite a stretch when you cant remove snow from the roads LOL,, im just saying.
Social funding is being cut because of budget restraints. I am a Rider season ticket holder and would love nothing more than to have a new, covered stadium but can not support it if we as a province can not afford it without continuing to cut funding to important Social Programs.
If Regina can not afford this stadium lets build it in a central location like Saskatoon. If this is going to be a provincial facility it should be located so that all residents of the province have equal access.
If Regina can not afford
On March 2nd, 2010 Anonymous (not verified) says:
'If Regina can not afford this stadium lets build it in a central location like Saskatoon. If this is going to be a provincial facility it should be located so that all residents of the province have equal access"
Right.....if Regina can't afford, build it in Saskatoon........where they can't afford it either..............
Dream on Saskatoon. The only time you'll see the Riders set up camp in your city, is the occasional Training Camp. Thats reality.
Football in the prairies in meant to be played OUTDOORS. I support the stadium, but the Riders should have to come up with the extra 45 million (or at least a majority of that amount) for this retractable roof they so much desire. Yes, that will be difficult. The city of Regina should also put forward a large amount of the cost rather than the provincial government and they should also be responsible for any annual financial shortcomings.
It's real easy to spend other people's money isn't it? The CTF appears to be one of the few voices of reason in this debate, yet Gormley slams them for expressing concerns over spending money we don't have.
The primary benefactors in all this are the Regina business community, and by extension the city itself. The bulk of funding should thus come from that source (e.g. Regina taxpayers). Not the province, not the feds, not Saskatoon and the rest of the province. And as a Regina taxpayer I don't want to see my taxes jacked to pay for this thing.
...and stop pitching a 45,000 seat stadium by suggesting that our youth teams can also use it, thus making it a "multi-purpose facility". Regina citizens and youth would get far more value out of building three more multi-purpose eventplexes similar to the one in place at Evraz place, at a small fraction of the $400 million proposed budget.
I do not understand how Saskatchewan can be serious about moving forward with this project when we have things like healthcare falling apart, why not take that $430,000,000 and put it towards upgrading our hospital so that people are not laying in the hallways or in the "Family rooms" in recliner chairs. Our health system is disgusting; the over-worked nurses, the over-flow areas are having to be shut down due to lack of staff to man them and the juggling/moving around of patients so they can have them put somewhere as they have no beds available. It is obvious this government needs to do something to fix this. This is where our tax dollars need to be spent not on a stadium, not at this time. I truly think its not fair either because a stadium would be great but when we have overlooked the stresses that are on our health system and the way our hospitals are falling apart at the seams this should be a huge sign that this needs to be fixed first!
I agree that we need a childrens hospital first. Ive been to mosaic and I think its a really neat stadium, and with a few upgrades it will do fine. Just because we are in a good economic state doesnt mean that we can throw millions of tax dollars towards an entertainment facility when we need the kids hospital. Save lives first. Go riders!!!
This is an no brainer, build it! And Saskparty members should not worry about those who won't vote for them if this project goes through, they should worry about the folks who won't vote for them if this project doesn't go through.
Lets get er done!!!
Also a challenge to those naysayers who are thinking about protesting this project, well I say bring it on as those of us who support it will outnumber you in a strong show of support should any protest be organized.
I am a saskparty supporter and have been for quite some time, I strongly disagree that all supporters are in favcour of a half billiom dollar stadium being built using taxpayers dollars. If Regina and the green and white want it then go for it with the aid from the corporate conmmunity but not with taxpayers dollars.
Excluding the generous financial participation of our corporate business partners (which would be worth many millions), let's assume that 500,000 residents + loyal ex-residents in other provinces, each donated an average of $200.00 to this project [everyone can convert how many packages of cigarettes, cases of beer, bottles of Crown Royale, etc. that $200.00 might have previously bought), that would be in the area of $100,000,000.00 already. Added to that, a provincial lottery for this purpose (both before and after the construction of this facility), this would add multi-more millions. If we want it, we can get it, but it should not (involuntarily) come out of the public purse, it should come out of voluntary contributions. If we as individuals and corporations don't want to step up to the plate, then we do not deserve to have this facility.
Why do we so desperately want to abandon Taylor Field? Think about Fenway Park in Boston for a second. It's nearly 100 years old yet it's one of the most beloved stadiums in sport. There's no way Red Sox fans want to ditch it for something new and shiny. It's not in the greatest shape either but renovations are keeping it going. See the link between Taylor Field and Fenway?
The history of the Red Sox even follows a similar trajectory to that of the Riders -- perennial losers, never winning a championship, then suddenly winning in recent years.
So why must we forget about the history and tradition of the old stadium?
The Stadium report states that a covered Stadium would be feasible. Good. So if it is wanted and can make money let the private sector run with it. Just keep government money out.
Since when is the governement supposed to entertain us. Come on people - get off the left wing wagon of government reliance. If the private sector cannot justify a new facility, I do not want my tax dollars going there.
You know im sick and tired of hearing not for me so not my tax dollars,,guess what not every tax dollar spent helps me but im not complaing,this happens not every tax dollar can benefit everyone for all reasons,,lets grow up and think bigger this will benefit more people that just Rider fans or the residents of Regina, this is like me saying the highway north of Saskatoon, i never drive on it so why my tax dollars, it makes no sense to think that way, just build with a retractable roof then its done right the first time which makes it cheaper.
I can not believe that I disagree with Gormley, John this time you got it wrong. Please stop putting down the people that have concerns about this project. We are not naysayers or cheap or small thinkers (by the way after a while we may start taking offence to being talked down to). We give a damn and maybe we don't believe that sports is a be all end all or that it is something we need. I am not a sports fan but I am a Saskatchewan fan and I truly believe that there is a time and a place.... this is not it. Soaking money that could be spent in vital areas is not with my program. I want nothing more than to see Saskatchewan succeed and grow but not by dumping hundreds of millions in to something for the select few. By the way I highly doubt any community programs would ever get to use it. If the Riders or Rider fans or Corporate sponsors want to build it... go for it but no taxpayer dollars should be spent right now or until our priorities are met. Raise money, get sponsors, build it we will use it the maybe it will pay for itself. (ever try to pay back $450mil???) Hate to sound like a small thinker John.
I only have one point to pick with your statements and that is your self proclamation on what "our priorities are". Support for a new stadium even a dome with no opening roof has approx. 70% support. So it would appear that "Our Priorities" are building a Province that can do more than just waste money on potato sheds. Don't get me wrong health care and education are important but they are also huge money pits that most would agree you can never fund enough. So you say you are in favor "at the right time and place" the only problem is there will never be a point in the foreseeable future we meet your unattainable expectations for funding everything else instead of a stadium.
Comments
If you build it...
They will come... and party!!! I'd buy bonds/spares to help fund it, I'd even get the Rider Season tickets I've always wanted!!!!
Cool... sell bonds maybe
Cool... sell bonds maybe I'll buy (and I'm not even a fan), get corporate sponsors... just no public money. Maybe the Riders should pay for it!
Does no one else see the
Does no one else see the irony of the hope that corporate funding will come through yet this is the same province that just sent Bruce Power packing its bags. Their projection was that the province's $600 million share of investment into a power plant would generate $3.4 billion in revenue back to Saskatchewan over 60 years. In the first 20 years the province would recover its investment, plus enough to build this stadium. Too bad there's no vision in our decision-makers until someone draws them a picture.
Kids hospital people
Get your heads out of the clouds. First things first.
First thing is always going
First thing is always going to be first. We support the hospital lotteries twice a year (and they sell out). We support the libraries lottery every year (and it sells out). We support the Radiothons for hospitals every year. And it is always announced as a success. Radiothon for Haiti
no problem.
WE CAN do all those things because we are a strong province.
Investing in a new facility is always going to be second in your mind. And it is going to be NEVER in your mind.
Nobody is asking the government to chose between a stadium and a childrens hospital.
we buy all the lottery tickets too
So what's the connection here smart guy? A lottery! Are you following me? Investing public money in a Regina project is NEVER going to be on my list. I drive 4 hrs round trip to Rider games, and a dome stadium does make that any better or worse.
completely different , a red herring
Two totally different issues. Do both.
It is time
It is time that Regina stepped into the big league with a new stadium. Taylor Field did the job for a long time but it is out of date and in need of a lot of renovations just to keep stumbling along. We are going to have to bite the bullet a some point and to wait will only make for higher costs down the line.
Stadium
No stadium---Province needs to concentrate on health care, children's hospital, and education
Here, Here!
How very true. If it is funded privately, fine. No taxpayer money should be included, there are far more important areas that require funding than this white elephant. Generational project my ass. I have never heard such PR BS! The governments (fed. and prov.) have spent enough money on this with the feasibility study. Time to fund something truly important and worthwhile; health care, children's hospital, education, affordable housing and the list continues.
First off there is already
First off there is already more than enough money going towards health care and education, we just need to start cutting a lot of fat. As for the children's hospital it makes a lot more sense for it to be added to a existing hospital like RUH or the City hospital. Also Taylor Feild is almost past the point of repair. The whole east section of the stands will need to be torn down and replaced.
WHAT??? CONCENTRATE on
WHAT???
CONCENTRATE on healthcare? What about roads, education, housing, sports, industry, investment??? Besides, such a facility will improve quality of life for those who are able to exercice and get involved in life-style programming. I wish people would stop living in the past and reaelize that this is not the 20th century anymore.
Another thing. Can't people understand the difference between INVESTING and SPENDING?
I totally agree, we cannot
I totally agree, we cannot negotiate a fair contract with Health Workers, we are raising taxes, possibly cutting back on Teacher Aids but we can fund a stadium we really don`t need.. and I am a huge Riders fan..
Doomed Dome Stadium!
Here we go again discussing the doomed dome stadium and its continual escalating cost. Of course the feasibility study would say build, that was not a surprise. The question remains who is going to pay for this white elephant. I for one do not one cent of tax dollars going toward this monstrosity. If rider nation want it that badly, then put up the money, as they will be the primary tenants and users. Here we are in Saskatchewan with a billion dollar deficit last year, possibly another this year, cost cutting taking place in all provincial departments, the federal government having over a 55 billion dollar deficit and about to table a very tight budget and we are actually taking about a multi-million dollar pie in the sky doomed dome. Get real. That is truly asinine. Taylor Field could be renovated and upgraded for a fraction of the cost. NO to the dome.
I don't think the majority
I don't think the majority of Rider Nation wants a domed stadium, at least no one with season tickets around my seats do. It's the fair weather fans, that won't be coming to the games during the losing seasons, who want the new stadium. I'm sure for less than 100 Million, they can do major renovations to Taylor Field and keep the Riders in the same location they've been for the last hundred years.
Yes all the way
For all you "NO" people...don't be so short-sighted. It's not just for the Riders...they are only small part of the equation. The building will be used for conventions, sporting events, concerts, trade shows...the list goes on and on. Just think of the revenue it will bring to the city!
I like the idea of the multi
I like the idea of the multi entertainment complex and the associated development but perhaps the Riders should pay for a retractable roof as they will get the most benefit.
New Stadium
We are not oppossed to the new stadium, however when Goverments are in charge the budgets seem to disappear. Would also suggest the citizens of Sask. be given an opportunity to vote on the project. When we were in business there were penalities for over budget and completion date.
No to a domed or retractable
No to a domed or retractable stadium at $400M-$450M.
Yes to a new open air field at a much more reasonable cost that can still be used for major outdoor concerts.
Both Regina and Saskatoon have lots of space for conventions at Evraz Place and Prairieland Park.
Complex location
I live close to Moose Jaw but strongly feel that if this is to be a Saskatchewan complex, it should be built in the Saskatoon area. If it is builtr in Regina, then they should provide the majority of the funds with the province secondary. Yes, I would rather drive the shorter distance but the majority of the province is closeer to Saskatoon. There would have to be very convincing reasons to have Regina over Saskatoon.
Location
Complex location
On March 2nd, 2010 Anonymous (not verified) says:
"I live close to Moose Jaw but strongly feel that if this is to be a Saskatchewan complex, it should be built in the Saskatoon area. If it is builtr in Regina, then they should provide the majority of the funds with the province secondary. Yes, I would rather drive the shorter distance but the majority of the province is closeer to Saskatoon. There would have to be very convincing reasons to have Regina over Saskatoon."
The convincing reason is the most population draw is out of southern Sask where the majority of the population is. What planet are you on? Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Melville, Weyburn, Estevan etc are all closer to Regina. Also we draw a large crowds out of the US.
These people from S'stoon are living in a dream world. I am sick of hearing their constant whining. You do not have a history of supporting sport events. I've been to Blades games......you can fire a cannon off in SaskPlace and not hit anyone....... The World Juniors had empty seats all over the place. It showed disgraceful support on TV.
People from S'stoon can talk all they want......and talk is all it would ever be.....the Riders will always be in Regina, The Capital. The most prominent city in the province.Where they belong.......representing the province from where they belong .....the Capital of Saskatchewan! Regina.....the city with a history, unlike Saskatoon, which has as much character as plain yogurt
Interestingly.....this team was called the "Regina Rugby Club". Never had anything to do with S'stoon. It was just named the Sask. RR later.
Stadium Yes, Regina No!
I'm all for spending money to make money but why is everyone so focused on Regina? This stadium should be built in the centre of the province in its largest, most dynamic city.
LOL,,what a joke to say
LOL,,what a joke to say build it in Saskatoon, first off the Riderts are in Regina, secondly how do you expect to support the Riders when you cant even support a very good Saskatoon Blade team, like Ray Morrison has said Saskatoon does not deserve anything until they begin to support winning local teams, now im from Regina, i dont go to Rider Games, but i like the Riders, i still say build it, and yes i do like Saskatoon as well, but to say its the most dynamic city is quite a stretch when you cant remove snow from the roads LOL,, im just saying.
Social funding is being cut
Social funding is being cut because of budget restraints. I am a Rider season ticket holder and would love nothing more than to have a new, covered stadium but can not support it if we as a province can not afford it without continuing to cut funding to important Social Programs.
If Regina can not afford
If Regina can not afford this stadium lets build it in a central location like Saskatoon. If this is going to be a provincial facility it should be located so that all residents of the province have equal access.
If Regina afford it???
If Regina can not afford
On March 2nd, 2010 Anonymous (not verified) says:
'If Regina can not afford this stadium lets build it in a central location like Saskatoon. If this is going to be a provincial facility it should be located so that all residents of the province have equal access"
Right.....if Regina can't afford, build it in Saskatoon........where they can't afford it either..............
Dream on Saskatoon. The only time you'll see the Riders set up camp in your city, is the occasional Training Camp. Thats reality.
roof
Football in the prairies in meant to be played OUTDOORS. I support the stadium, but the Riders should have to come up with the extra 45 million (or at least a majority of that amount) for this retractable roof they so much desire. Yes, that will be difficult. The city of Regina should also put forward a large amount of the cost rather than the provincial government and they should also be responsible for any annual financial shortcomings.
If you want it, build it yourself
It's real easy to spend other people's money isn't it? The CTF appears to be one of the few voices of reason in this debate, yet Gormley slams them for expressing concerns over spending money we don't have.
The primary benefactors in all this are the Regina business community, and by extension the city itself. The bulk of funding should thus come from that source (e.g. Regina taxpayers). Not the province, not the feds, not Saskatoon and the rest of the province. And as a Regina taxpayer I don't want to see my taxes jacked to pay for this thing.
Smoke and Mirrors
...and stop pitching a 45,000 seat stadium by suggesting that our youth teams can also use it, thus making it a "multi-purpose facility". Regina citizens and youth would get far more value out of building three more multi-purpose eventplexes similar to the one in place at Evraz place, at a small fraction of the $400 million proposed budget.
New Stadium
I do not understand how Saskatchewan can be serious about moving forward with this project when we have things like healthcare falling apart, why not take that $430,000,000 and put it towards upgrading our hospital so that people are not laying in the hallways or in the "Family rooms" in recliner chairs. Our health system is disgusting; the over-worked nurses, the over-flow areas are having to be shut down due to lack of staff to man them and the juggling/moving around of patients so they can have them put somewhere as they have no beds available. It is obvious this government needs to do something to fix this. This is where our tax dollars need to be spent not on a stadium, not at this time. I truly think its not fair either because a stadium would be great but when we have overlooked the stresses that are on our health system and the way our hospitals are falling apart at the seams this should be a huge sign that this needs to be fixed first!
Health care first....
Health care first....
kids first
I agree that we need a childrens hospital first. Ive been to mosaic and I think its a really neat stadium, and with a few upgrades it will do fine. Just because we are in a good economic state doesnt mean that we can throw millions of tax dollars towards an entertainment facility when we need the kids hospital. Save lives first. Go riders!!!
This is an no brainer, build
This is an no brainer, build it! And Saskparty members should not worry about those who won't vote for them if this project goes through, they should worry about the folks who won't vote for them if this project doesn't go through.
Lets get er done!!!
Also a challenge to those naysayers who are thinking about protesting this project, well I say bring it on as those of us who support it will outnumber you in a strong show of support should any protest be organized.
I am a saskparty supporter
I am a saskparty supporter and have been for quite some time, I strongly disagree that all supporters are in favcour of a half billiom dollar stadium being built using taxpayers dollars. If Regina and the green and white want it then go for it with the aid from the corporate conmmunity but not with taxpayers dollars.
If we want it, we can get it!
Excluding the generous financial participation of our corporate business partners (which would be worth many millions), let's assume that 500,000 residents + loyal ex-residents in other provinces, each donated an average of $200.00 to this project [everyone can convert how many packages of cigarettes, cases of beer, bottles of Crown Royale, etc. that $200.00 might have previously bought), that would be in the area of $100,000,000.00 already. Added to that, a provincial lottery for this purpose (both before and after the construction of this facility), this would add multi-more millions. If we want it, we can get it, but it should not (involuntarily) come out of the public purse, it should come out of voluntary contributions. If we as individuals and corporations don't want to step up to the plate, then we do not deserve to have this facility.
Old stadiums are treasures
Why do we so desperately want to abandon Taylor Field? Think about Fenway Park in Boston for a second. It's nearly 100 years old yet it's one of the most beloved stadiums in sport. There's no way Red Sox fans want to ditch it for something new and shiny. It's not in the greatest shape either but renovations are keeping it going. See the link between Taylor Field and Fenway?
The history of the Red Sox even follows a similar trajectory to that of the Riders -- perennial losers, never winning a championship, then suddenly winning in recent years.
So why must we forget about the history and tradition of the old stadium?
No government money
The Stadium report states that a covered Stadium would be feasible. Good. So if it is wanted and can make money let the private sector run with it. Just keep government money out.
Since when is the
Since when is the governement supposed to entertain us. Come on people - get off the left wing wagon of government reliance. If the private sector cannot justify a new facility, I do not want my tax dollars going there.
You know im sick and tired
You know im sick and tired of hearing not for me so not my tax dollars,,guess what not every tax dollar spent helps me but im not complaing,this happens not every tax dollar can benefit everyone for all reasons,,lets grow up and think bigger this will benefit more people that just Rider fans or the residents of Regina, this is like me saying the highway north of Saskatoon, i never drive on it so why my tax dollars, it makes no sense to think that way, just build with a retractable roof then its done right the first time which makes it cheaper.
No public money
I can not believe that I disagree with Gormley, John this time you got it wrong. Please stop putting down the people that have concerns about this project. We are not naysayers or cheap or small thinkers (by the way after a while we may start taking offence to being talked down to). We give a damn and maybe we don't believe that sports is a be all end all or that it is something we need. I am not a sports fan but I am a Saskatchewan fan and I truly believe that there is a time and a place.... this is not it. Soaking money that could be spent in vital areas is not with my program. I want nothing more than to see Saskatchewan succeed and grow but not by dumping hundreds of millions in to something for the select few. By the way I highly doubt any community programs would ever get to use it. If the Riders or Rider fans or Corporate sponsors want to build it... go for it but no taxpayer dollars should be spent right now or until our priorities are met. Raise money, get sponsors, build it we will use it the maybe it will pay for itself. (ever try to pay back $450mil???) Hate to sound like a small thinker John.
Our Priorities our met??
I only have one point to pick with your statements and that is your self proclamation on what "our priorities are". Support for a new stadium even a dome with no opening roof has approx. 70% support. So it would appear that "Our Priorities" are building a Province that can do more than just waste money on potato sheds. Don't get me wrong health care and education are important but they are also huge money pits that most would agree you can never fund enough. So you say you are in favor "at the right time and place" the only problem is there will never be a point in the foreseeable future we meet your unattainable expectations for funding everything else instead of a stadium.