The Saskatchewan Roughriders have added offensive lineman Xavier Fulton. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Troy FleeceTroy Fleece/The Canadian Press
It's not perfect but it will have to be home for four more years.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders discussed their renovation plans for Mosaic Stadium on Wednesday, outlining what's being done to upgrade the aged facility until a new outdoor stadium can be built.
Team president Jim Hopson explained how a $14 million renovation of Mosaic will carry the 'Riders through the next four CFL seasons, as well as the 2013 Grey Cup game in Regina, before the 'Riders hopefully move into a new stadium built just blocks away.
Here's what will be done at Mosaic: an increase in the number of seats (individual, temporary style) to 33,000 from 29,000; the addition of 33 suites to be ready sometime this summer; plus the addition of two video screens and scoreboards.
Hopson dubbed it all a "temporary solution" and acknowledged that it was time for the 'Riders to operate out of a modern, more fan-friendly stadium.
"You'll always be compared to your competition," he said. "B.C. and Edmonton, they clearly have superior facilities. Given the support of our fans, they deserve that."
The plan is for a new community-based facility to be constructed at a cost between $250 million to $280 million. The city of Regina's share would be $50 million with $200 million coming from the province. Hobson said he was hopeful for an answer from the province by next month.
Once the financing is secured, the actual construction on the new facility would begin in 2013.