Here's what you need to know about Regina Rocks at new stadium
Concert-goers only have two more sleeps before they're able to rock out in Regina's new Mosaic Stadium.
Dubbed Regina Rocks, the venue's first concert will see Canadian musicians Bryan Adams, Our Lady Peace and Johnny Reid perform on stage May 27.
On Thursday, stadium and city officials offered up a few reminders to the public, including what they'll be able to eat Saturday night.
Mark Allan, CEO of the Regina Exhibition Association, said the stadium will offer a mix of traditional grub and more creative dishes served up by local restaurants.
For local eats, people can choose concessions and specialty bites from the following:
- Rock Creek Tap and Grill
- Beer Bros. Gastropub & Deli
- Coney Island Poutine Cafe
- Western Pizza
- Wok Box
- Kim and Ashlee's Sweet Ambrosia Bake Shop.
Kim Onrait, City of Regina executive director of city services, stressed that Saturday's concert is an important chance to test out the various systems in the $278 million stadium before the official opening day of July 1.
"We want to ensure everything with the new stadium, the new venue is just right," he said.
For transportation, people are being reminded there's no public parking available at Evraz Place in order to test out the parking plan for Saskatchewan Roughrider games, as was the case when the University of Regina Rams and University of Saskatchewan Huskies took to the field last October.
That means folks will have to take transit, walk, bike or hop on a shuttle from the malls and two downtown locations.
"There will be congestion— no question, but we believe we have the plan that will work," Regina mayor Michael Fougere said of the traffic impact.
Stadium security ready
Game day security manager Rod Buckingham said there will be more than 150 security officers on site Saturday, with police officers at every gate and throughout the stadium.
Buckingham explained the stadium is ready in case of an emergency and that security managers and other emergency personnel, along with transit officials, have been properly trained.
There have also been conversations with public safety partners, such as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, he added.
"I can reassure everyone that the risk level in Canada has not changed. We remain at a medium risk. It doesn't mean that there's not risk, it means that it's not increased. It doesn't mean that we're not hyper vigilant about what we do."
Plan to selfie? Leave the stick at home
Buckingham reminded people not to bring unnecessary items to the event, pointing to a list of what‛s permitted and what‛s not.
On the list of what not to bring are selfie sticks, which people use to take photos of themselves.
"Because they could be used as a weapon," Buckingham explained when asked about the rule.
Doors open at 4 p.m.
Concert-goers are also being reminded there is a no re-entry policy in place and that cash is preferred as debit and credit payments will be limited.
Doors will open on Saturday at 4 p.m, and local entertainment will be featured before the main acts.
Our Lady Peace hits the stage at 6, followed by Johnny Reid from 7:30 to 8:30 and Bryan Adams performing from 9 to 11.
