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The Feasibility Study Summary for the proposed domed stadium in Regina has a few points of interest for stadium skeptics.

1) Some consulted "expressed concern that the feasibility process was a fait accompli" (p. 16). No kidding! Maybe it was because the second stadium report had a domed stadium as its only option and did not provide a deeper examination of a renovated Mosaic Stadium or a new, open-air stadium. The page 11 review of the initial stadium study does not explain why option 3 (an open-air stadium) was not explored. (Also, between the first and second reports, the size of the domed stadium's seating capacity shrunk from 38,000 to 33,000, making this a potential $431 million expenditure for a few thousand more seats).

Some consulted also feared lost revenue for Evraz Place and other existing entertainment venues. This may well have been Evraz Place itself, considering they were consulted. This brings us to point two...

2) Increasd concerts are a non-factor. All the hype about Regina hosting more concerts was hot air.

Economic analyses included a scenario of marginal profit. This required annually one major concert, three minor concerts, and four small concerts. For this, there would supposedly be a $1 million profit annually. The problem is that this scenario would not mean any new events for Regina at all! Hosting only one major concert annually is already easily feasible with Mosaic Stadium. Last year, both AC/DC and Aerosmith were scheduled for Mosaic, with the latter cancelling due to Steven Tyler's injury.

And even when the "upside potential" was accounted for, there would be no difference, save 10 small concerts or events instead of four. This optimistic scenario also featured 10 conventions, 6 consumer/ trade shows, and 18 banquets. Again, it's hard to see how Regina could not do this already, especially given the six new arenas built into Evraz Place--venues that won't have much hockey going on in the summer.

The most optimistic view says the stadium will have 71 events a year. This is still less than the Fargodome's 100 because Fargo, unlike Regina, has few other facilities to host such events.

3) The Riders only profit if ticket prices rise 20%. Economic analyses for the operations of the Roughriders showed under most scenarios, the Roughriders would about the same profit, or perhaps even less, than they did in 2008. The only scenario in which they would meaningfully gain is through a 20% rise in ticket prices, provided they sell 97% of the seats. Get ready for ticket increases, Rider fans!

4) Busing costs will rise. It is expected that whereas about 2,000 come to every Roughrider game by bus today, the new stadium would require 4,950 arrive by bus, and more than 12,000 if expanded capacity was used. The costs have already begun as the city ads an additional $2.8 million to buying busses in addition to last year's added $6 million expenditure.

5) Even more poverty for North Central. The study estimates that Rider fans use 10,700 parking spots within 1,100 metres of the stadium. Considering there are 10-11 home games this year, this is a nice perk for residents in the relatively impoverished North Central neighbourhood. All that will change when the stadium isn't there anymore.

6) CP's relocation costs remain unknown. Page 30 explains,

CP has been working closely with the study team
to identify key issues and possible solutions. While
definitive solutions to all issues will require ongoing
work, CP has committed to working co-operatively
through the issues, provided CP’s operational
requirements are not negatively affected, to facilitate
the new entertainment facility’s progress.

...CP is looking at ways to free up additional
land, however, CP will not completely leave downtown.

...CP is currently determining a high level estimate of
costs for relocating some operations from the downtown
site, but will require additional time to finalize these
relocation costs.

Hello! Despite those flashy designs of development on Dewdney, there's a lot unresolved between stadium planners and CP. CP has every reason to make sure it protects its bottom line, but it stands to reason when the relocation bill comes in, it could add substantially to the $431.2 million stadium estimate.

7) Inflated hopes. "As a signature sports, entertainment and tourism venue in Saskatchewan, it would stimulate demand for other retail, tourism and entertainment activity throughout the province. It would provide an opportunity for Saskatchewan performers, promoters, production companies, sports organizations and community groups to develop and offer events" (p. 32). No one should hold their breath for this point. This stadium will take away from existing entertainment venues in Regina, not add to their success. And if anyone thinks Yorkton, Melfort, Swift Current, or Prince Albert will get more visitors because of a Regina stadium, they are dreaming.

8) A higher bill is coming. Yes, there is a detailed accounting for the $431.2 million stadium, but it is difficult to imagine the costs won't be higher, given CP's relocation costs, inflation, and interest. If payments for stadium construction are amortized or if there's deficit spending by governments, those interest costs could be substantial. As it is, the province alone is paying $500 million of interest each year on its $4.2 billion debt, which is an annual stadium in itself. This pales in comparison to the $520 billion federal debt.

9) Higher taxes will follow. Thanks to a $10 million donation from the hotel association (over 10 years), the stadium bill could come in at roughly $420 million. Split between three governments, that will be $140 million from each level. If there are 200,000 residents in Regina, that means they would pay $700 more in municipal tax, $140 provincially, and $4 federally. This is $844 for every man, woman, and child in Regina before they even walk through the door. The city will have its biggest tax hike in a decade this year, but this is just the beginning.

This stadium may be a sweet deal for Rider fans, but given the above, it's far from clear this will be good for the rest of us. Fargo had a referendum for its dome where residents approved an increase in sales tax to pay for the stadium. At this point, neither Saskatchewan, nor even Regina residents have any such opportunity to have their say. But we have a petition to ask for this opportunity that may be signed here.

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Note: A debate on the stadium is being held today at the Campion College auditorium at the University of Regina at 11:30 am.