Reflections of the Past, Visions of the Future Ten Memorable Moments at REAL
Reflections of the Past, Visions of the Future Ten Memorable Moments at REAL
Since the Assiniboia Agricultural Association was founded in 1884—eventually evolving into the Regina Exhibition Association Limited—REAL District has been home to countless events and unforgettable moments. For generations, people have come together here to experience the excitement of Queen City Ex (formerly Buffalo Days), Grey Cup games, concerts, hockey matchups, trade shows, festivals, and more.
Each event leaves a lasting impact. Whether it’s the thrill of a championship win, the energy of a sold-out show, or the connections made at a conference, these moments are designed to bring us together. Some memories are spontaneous, others once-in-a-lifetime, but all of them contribute to the rich history of REAL District.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the moments that continue to resonate in the heart of Regina.
1 – NHL Heritage Classic
The NHL has hosted several outdoor hockey games, but a few things made the 2019 NHL Heritage Classic at Mosaic Stadium unique. The game between the Calgary Flames and the Winnipeg Jets was the first NHL regular season outdoor game held in neutral-site territory that is not formally part of an NHL market. It was also the first regular season game held in Regina, and the first regular season game held in the province since 1994. Over 33,000 people were in attendance to watch the Jets win 2-1 in overtime.
2 – Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day
In September of 2022 REAL took a step toward Truth and Reconciliation. At Mosaic Stadium, a day of truth, sharing, healing, and action was held in response to the Canadian government’s declaration of September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. During Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day, which is Cree for ‘reconciliation’ and can be loosely translated to “walking together in a good way,” a permanent orange seat was unveiled. It stands out in a sea of green in section 531 and is known as the Seat of Truth. It will not be used or sold, and it will always remain available for the spirits of those who cannot be with us at Mosaic Stadium due to the impact of Residential Schools. Every event at the stadium will always have a seat dedicated to the spirit of anyone who attended a Residential school.
3 – Joey Chestnut
After three years of the QCX Eating Contest featuring world record holder Joey Chestnut, the challenge raised enough donations from the community and partners to provide over 452,000 meals for the Regina and District Food Bank. The challenge pitted Chestnutt taking on local celebrities and in 2024, he set a record for consuming 343 mini-donuts in eight minutes.
4 – Brett Kissel Drive-In Concert
In June of 2022, amid the global COVID pandemic, Brett Kissel held three sold out concerts at REAL District. The shows were part of Saskatchewan’s Night Out with Brett Kissel and were Regina’s first major concerts since the start of COVID-19 restrictions. Concert-starved fans remained in their cars and practiced physical distancing. REAL wanted to provide a way for the community to come together and enjoy a live show while Kissel wanted to find a way to play a physically distanced show.
5 – Temporary Field Hospital
Along with the Brett Kissel concerts, the parking lot at REAL has been the site of many events. The Queen City Ex uses it annually for the midway, there have been car drifting races, and it was the location where residents lined up at a make-shift field hospital set up for COVID-19 tests and vaccinations in 2020. This shows the versatility of the location and how REAL supports the community.
6 – Garth
If you’re after an artist who can leave an impact on a city, Garth Brooks is very likely your guy. Brooks spent two nights in Regina in the summer of 2019. Close to 80,000 fans attended as he performed a pair of shows in Mosaic Stadium. Fans from all over the province and North America came to Regina to experience the event. As fans were lining up for the first show, which was to start at 7 p.m., a severe storm caused a nearly three-hour delay. Some fans hunkered down on the covered concourse or in the halls below the seats of Mosaic while others were treated to an unforgettable experience in Brandt Centre.
7 – The Thunder Rolled
As fans were told to take shelter, nearly 5000 people poured into Brandt Centre and AffinityPlex next door.
There are some people who can make a bad situation into a better one. For example, REAL employee, Adam Knutson. He was busy getting Brandt Centre ready for the upcoming Regina Pats season when suddenly, thousands of people showed up escaping the storm.
“I was just putting down the bond (very first layer of ice) on the concrete when I noticed people finding their way into the Brandt Center,” says Knutson. “At first, I wondered if these people were lost and confused because the concert wasn’t going to be in the Brandt center like it often is. But I quickly figured out that the storm must be coming and thus the stadium was locked down and they were just trying to get inside somewhere. Security had popped open a door to let people out of the rain.
“The crowd was still in a good mood and only delayed at this point in time. So, I had actually started by heckling various people in a jovial manner. ‘How much did you pay for this ticket to watch ice freeze?’ and various other jovial jokes back and forth with the crowd,” Knutson says.
“Everyone in Saskatchewan is already trained with the Taylor Field back and forth cheers from Gainer at the football field anyway. So, it culminated with cheers back and forth and whatever way the cheers were loudest I turned the Olympia.
“It was a pretty crazy night. Just a lot of bored people with no beer service, no food service during the delay and only me and social media to entertain them.
“I have certainly enjoyed the fact that I was able to fill that gap of entertainment a little bit that night and make the night a little more tolerable for those delayed.”
You can see video of Knutson on Facebook and here.
Not all heroes wear capes, some drive a Zamboni.
8 – Jurassic Park
In 2019, “WE THE NORTH” brought our community together at Mosaic Stadium, creating an unforgettable moment that connected us through sport and shared passion. As the Toronto Raptors battled the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, our stadium became more than just a venue for what was known among fans as Jurassic Park—it became a gathering place and viewing party for over 14,000 fans during Game Five and more than 10,000 for the historic Game Six championship victory. These viewing parties weren’t just about basketball; they were about community, unity, and the future of bringing people together to celebrate moments that matter, whether local or national.
9 – Regina Riot
In 1935 the grounds were the sight of the Regina Riot. Over 1000 residents of federal Unemployment Relief Camps in BC went on strike. They planned to travel by train across the country to Ottawa and made it as far as Regina with 2000 protesters. The leaders were arrested, and this resulted in the violent Regina Riot on July 1, 1935.
The conflict made its way from the streets and back to Exhibition Grounds where the protesters were camped. Two people, including one city constable, were killed; hundreds of people, including rioters, constables and citizens were injured; 130 rioters were arrested; and tens of thousands of dollars of damage was done to the city. You can watch more about the events that unfolded that day at this link.
10 – Flo Rida
Hundreds of thousands of memories have been made at the Queen City Ex. The annual summer fair held at REAL at the end of July has had some legendary performers on the stage in Confederation Park. On August 3, 2023, American Rapper Flo Rida took the stage on the final night of the QCX. His performance has been remembered as ‘phenomenal,’ ‘fantastic,’ an ‘unforgettable night,’ and ‘a wild one.’ Over 8000 fans flocked to the park for the show that people are still talking about.
All these memories and more prove that REAL District isn’t just for football, hockey, and fairs—it’s a place where traditions are born, and the future of our city’s shared experiences continues to grow and designed to bring us together.
