Tonight, our Saskatchewan Roughriders will take on the Calgary Stampeders here at home. It might be chilly these days, but we’re reminding motorists and pedestrians to also play it cool and calm when it comes to traffic safety. Game time is 8:00 p.m. so all motorists in the vicinity of Mosaic Stadium will have to exercise good driving skills and a little patience, especially after the game. The Regina Police Service has additional officers assigned to manage the higher-than-usual vehicle and pedestrian traffic to enhance safety for all game attendees and residents of the area.
There will be no vehicle traffic allowed on the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Retallack Street. Access will be limited to local residents only (you may be asked to show that you are a local resident, e.g. home address on identification or correspondence). Fans and motorists will find road closures on the 1500 block of Retallack Street at Dewdney Avenue ; 9th Avenue at Retallack Street and 10th Avenue at Retallack Street. These closures will further restrict westbound vehicle traffic on 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue at Retallack Street.
There will be additional “No Parking” zones on 9th Avenue, east of the stadium, prior to, during and after football games. These zones are necessary to expedite City Transit and to maintain an emergency vehicle corridor for police, fire and EMS should the need arise. Any vehicles parked in these “No Parking” zones will be towed from the area.
The increased capacity of Mosaic Stadium means some changes to traffic-flow plans after each game. There will be more officers directing vehicle and pedestrian traffic as people exit the area around the stadium. Police are asking motorists and pedestrians to follow directions, have patience and be courteous to other users of the road.
Police have some other reminders to help everyone enjoy game day safely. These are oft-repeated messages, but important, nonetheless.
1) If you park a vehicle in the area of Mosaic Stadium, remove all valuables from your vehicle and lock the doors. There will be additional police patrols around the stadium during games to deter theft-from-auto and theft-of-auto but it’s always better to remove or reduce the opportunity for crime;
2) Respect the neighbourhood. Mosaic Stadium is in a residential neighbourhood and visitors should always ensure they park vehicles legally, refrain from littering and respect the property of others;
3) Consider using public transit or car-pooling to make your travel plans easier;
4) No matter where you watch the game, if you are planning to consume alcohol, make sure your game plan includes a designated driver, a taxi or a bus so you can get home safely.
Enjoy Game Day tonight, be safe, and Go Riders!