Just because Fargo built a dome, should Regina build one too? Supporters of a domed stadium and authors of the province’s stadium concept review say “yes”. However, taxpayers should think twice about the expensive proposition.

While it’s true that the Fargo area has a population about the same as Regina’s, that’s where the similarities end. The proposed dome in Regina would not only be a completely different kind of facility, it would be built with less public support and financial upsides than the one built in North Dakota.

Consider the facilities in Fargo prior to the opening of its dome in 1992.

Their city had two indoor venues that could seat 3,000 for basketball, as well as Memorial Stadium - a 10,000 seat outdoor venue used by the University of North Dakota Bisons football team. That’s it.

The Fargodome provided a venue of 19,200 for football and 27,700 for concerts. Their covered facility brought in events that simply weren’t possible before.

By contrast, Regina currently has Mosaic Stadium, a 30,945 seat football facility that can accommodate 40,000 for concerts. It has already proven more than adeqaute for the few bands that still play big stadiums, such as the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Bon Jovi.

Regina also has the 6,300 seat Brandt Centre and Evraz Place--which will soon have six new arenas thanks to a $60 million expansion courtesy of taxpayers. The 15,000 seat Credit Union Centre in nearby Saskatoon should not be forgotten either.

No wonder the provincial government’s stadium concept review acknowledged the “potential for some operational conflict between the Stadium and other entertainment venues in Regina and Saskatoon.” Unfortunately, the review did not explain how this reality undermines the potential of a domed facility. Clearly, if a dome takes events away from existing venues, that brings nothing new to the province—not more bands, and not more economic spinoffs.

Worst of all, the dome’s bill of $350 million—seven times what it cost to build the Fargodome—does not include land acquisition costs and externalities such as walkways. The Fargodome was built at the University of North Dakota whereas land for a new Regina stadium must be purchased. CP Rail won’t sell its rail yards for a song given that it is the only site earmarked for a dome.

In terms of design, Fargo’s dome is permanently closed, whereas Regina’s dome would be retractable. The provincial review suggested that a retractable roof would be cheaper, but that claim fails the smell test. Consider that it will cost $458 million to simply replace the roof at BC Place in Vancouver.

Most importantly, Fargo held a referendum on adding a half-cent civic sales tax to pay for the stadium. Regina citizens deserve the same opportunity to show their support and disapproval for this project and how they will pay for it. So far, there is no indication that will happen.

Finally, Fargo kept its classic football venue, Memorial Stadium, whereas Regina would bulldoze historic Mosaic Stadium. For countless reasons, there is no need and little upside to replacing it with a dome. And, since only $5.8 million would maintain the nostalgic home of the Roughriders for another decade, that deal is looking better every day.

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