Regina Red Sox-commissioned study urges P3 model for potential new stadium in The Yards

CBC

2 days ago

Alexander Quon
Proposed facility would built in phases with field, seating and essential infrastructure costing $15 million
A study commissioned by the Western Canadian Baseball League's Regina Red Sox endorses a plan to build a new baseball stadium using a private-public partnership (P3), as proposed by influential businessman and soon-to-be-team-owner Shaun Semple.
P3s are partnerships between government and private business to build public infrastructure.
The feasibility study, carried out by DCG Philanthropic and partially financed by the City of Regina, recommends the new stadium be constructed at The Yards, a piece of land located downtown between Casino Regina and Dewdney Avenue.
The proposed facility would be built in phases, with the field, seating and essential infrastructure coming first and costing $15 million. Future phases — expanding the facility to include enhanced training areas, concessions and community gathering spaces — would raise the total cost to $30 million.
The study says a P3 would provide benefits such as a reduction in direct costs for the City of Regina, a sped-up timeline for construction and no taxpayer burden.It also says a traditional fundraising campaign could contribute $4 million to $8 million to the effort.
Stakeholders interviewed as part of the study spoke about the potential to transform the Railyards area.
"It is viewed as a potential catalyst for downtown revitalization, youth retention, tourism growth, and civic pride," the study concludes.
Mayor Chad Bachynski spoke with CBC's The Morning Edition about the proposal on Thursday.
He agreed that the project could potentially be a game-changer for the Warehouse district along Dewdney Avenue, but said he needs more details.
"From my perspective, I want to make sure that the city is doing its part to make sure that we understand who all is interested in different areas in the city that would bring more vibrancy and opportunity," he said.
Bachynski stressed that he views core infrastructure as the priority for the city.
He said that while private funding can be a good thing, the city must carefully weigh all of the consequences — such as potential operating costs — before moving forward.
"If someone's willing to invest, we want to hear that. We want to make sure we're seeing if there is a possibility to add another vibrant attraction to the city," Bachynski said.
The Regina Red Sox currently play at Currie Field, a stadium that is more than 60 years old and in need of repairs.
The sale of the Red Sox to the Queen City Sports and Entertainment Group was approved by the Western Canadian Baseball League this week.
The group, which is fronted by Semple, also owns the local WHL hockey team the Regina Pats.
Queen City Sports and Entertainment Group will take 100 per cent ownership of the Regina Red Sox on Oct. 1, 2025, at the end of the current season, and turn it into a private, for-profit business.