‘A path forward': Regina Red Sox-led study recommends building new baseball stadium at The Yards
A feasibility study commissioned by the Regina Red Sox recommends the advancement of the baseball team's proposal to build a new stadium at The Railyards.
This feasibility study, conducted by DCG Philanthropic Services Inc., assessed the community's readiness, stakeholder support, and philanthropic potential for a capital campaign to help fund the stadium.
'Interview participants voiced strong support for the project's objectives, particularly from civic leaders, local businesses, and the baseball community,' the report said.
'While the study identified potential support for a philanthropic campaign in the range of $4.0 million - $8.0 million, the PPP proposal from [the Red Sox] presents a bold, expanded vision supporting The Railyards site, with the baseball stadium acting as a central anchor in a larger mixed-use redevelopment,' the recommendation added.
Regina Red Sox)
A concept sketch of the 3,500-seat baseball stadium proposed on Dewdney Ave. (Supplied: Regina Red Sox)
Currie Field is more than 60 years old with infrastructure well past its life span, according to the team.
For well over a decade, the Red Sox have lobbied municipal officials for a new stadium to replace Currie Field.
The team first went to city council in 2021 with a concept plan for a 3,500-seat stadium at the site – which the team envisioned the city owning. At the time, the idea was voted down.
In July 2024, city council approved the feasibility study which would search for possible private donors and sponsors for a new tier-one ballpark.
It came after the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) sent a letter to the Red Sox saying the team's current home at Currie Field was not meeting their minimum regulations and could face suspension until they were resolved.
Alan Simpson and Shaun Semple – who last week obtained conditional ownership of the Red Sox beginning in October – proposed the alternative private public partnership (PPP) funding model with the development of the entire 17-acre Dewdney Avenue Railyards site.
'[It would] include a privately owned stadium and a complementary broader mixed-use commercial development at the Railyards,' the proposal read.
'DCG believes the PPP approach aligns well with stakeholder feedback and represents a credible, well-capitalized opportunity for the City of Regina,' the report added.
They envisioned a $30 million facility would be developed in three phases, beginning with a $15 million investment in core amenities such as the field, seating, and essential infrastructure.
Future phases would expand the facility to include enhanced training areas, concessions, and community gathering spaces.
'As far as location goes, there [are] others besides The Railyards,' Simpson told reporters on June 13, when it was announced Semple was taking full ownership of the Red Sox.
'But I think The Railyards is a location that has been an underutilized asset in the city of Regina for at least a decade,' he added.
Along with the purchase of the team, Semple also committed to supporting the Red Sox's efforts in getting a new ballpark.
'We're going to do everything we can to provide all the resources the team needs to ensure [fans] have a world class experience each time they come,' he said. 'Sure, we can do it at the current stadium, but with a new stadium I think we can do a lot more.'
According to DCG's report, over 90 per cent of the 30 stakeholder interviewees for the study indicated support for the proposal.
'The stadium will revive Dewdney,' the report cited. 'Hotels, restaurants, and bars nearby will all benefit.'
'Concerts, exhibitions, and other events will keep the stadium active beyond the baseball season,' the study went on to say.
Regina Red Sox pitch new ball park
(Supplied: Regina Red Sox)
Key Concerns
The report also highlighted several concerns, the largest being taxation.
'Concerns centered on the financial impact to taxpayers and the stadium's perceived priority compared to other municipal needs,' it said.
There was also uncertainty about facility management and access for user groups as well as past negative perceptions due to previous failed proposals continued debt for Mosaic Stadium.
Skepticism about baseball's popularity in Regina compared to hockey or football and frustration with the lack of a clear city-wide sport and recreation strategy were also expressed.
According to the report, the City of Regina has conditionally committed $2.5 million to the project and serious consideration of a land contribution, contingent upon the Red Sox securing an additional $5 million in funding. Those conditions still require final council approval before moving ahead.
Preliminary conversations identified more than $600,000 in early donor and sponsorship interest and also identified in excess of $5 million in private investment interest.
'The PPP proposal offers a path forward that would likely reduce direct City costs and speed up timelines with potentially no taxpayer burden,' the report claimed. 'All while delivering a much broader economic and community impact.'
In response to the report to CTV News, Mayor Chad Bachynski's office confirmed it received the report this week and will review its findings.
'There is currently no plan to bring it forward to Council at this time,' the mayor's office added.
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