The Storied History Behind the Home of Riderville

For over 140 years, REAL District has been a cornerstone of Regina’s community life. It has served as a gathering place for everything from agriculture and business to entertainment, sports, and recreation. And although it feels like Taylor Field and Mosaic Stadium have been part of this landscape forever, their history tells a story of growth and resilience deeply rooted in Regina’s community spirit.

The current Mosaic Stadium, which is part of the REAL District, continues a legacy that began at Park Hughes—the site of the first home of the Regina Rugby Club (now the Saskatchewan Roughriders), which, ironically, is part of where the current stadium sits. In 1921, the team played its inaugural game on that very ground, and over the decades, the community rallied behind the team, shaping it into more than just a football club. The Riders became a symbol of pride for the entire province, as generations of fans turned out to support their team through both triumph and challenge.

Interestingly, this land could have had a very different history and look. In 1913, John Marshall Young purchased the area with the intent of it being the site of the provincial legislature. However, thanks to realtor Walter Hill, the government chose another location—what is now the current home of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building at Wascana Lake. This decision allowed the Roughriders to remain in their home and the stadium and grounds became an ever-growing symbol of community resilience and passion.

By 1936, Park de Young could seat 5,000 fans, and solidified itself as the Riders’ official home and, in turn, becoming a communal gathering place, a second home for the citizens of Regina. Renamed Taylor Field in 1947 to honor Neil J. (Piffles) Taylor, a player and executive who left an indelible mark on the club, the stadium grew alongside the team’s fanbase.

In 2006, a new chapter began when the stadium was renamed Mosaic Stadium. However, the playing field itself remained Taylor Field, preserving the legacy of its namesake.

And while discussions about building a new stadium bubbled in the early 2000s, the question was whether to build the new facility downtown or to keep it at its original location. Regina history was preserved, and construction began on the new Mosaic Stadium in the same spot where it all began.

Since its completion in 2017, Mosaic Stadium has become a central community hub for a variety of events for the City of Regina and surrounding area, from Roughrider games and international soccer matches, a Toronto Raptors viewing party, to hosting the 2022 Grey Cup to major concerts by the likes of Guns N’ Roses, The Eagles, and Garth Brooks, it has brought fans from across Saskatchewan, Canada, and the World. The stadium is also a venue for high school football, University of Regina Rams games, and community sports events hosted by organizations like Ranch Ehrlo Society. Their program, like the Monday Night Football League, brings kids together and builds the next generation of sports lovers and community minded citizens.

REAL District’s commitment to the community extends beyond sports. The stadium is a central part of Regina’s winter festivities as well. In 2020, the field was transformed into Iceville, Saskatchewan’s largest outdoor skating rink, drawing over 13,000 people. The second year of Iceville featured a special performance by Olympic Silver Medalist Elvis Stojko, part of FROST, a winter celebration that brought joy and warmth to residents during the coldest months.

On September 29, 2022, REAL District unveiled the Seat of Truth at Mosaic Stadium. Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day was a day of truth, sharing, healing and action. The Seat of Truth 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 our stadium will always have a seat dedicated to the spirit of anyone who attended a Residential school.

In all these ways, Mosaic Stadium—from its origins at Park Hughes to its current grandeur—embodies the strength and unity of Regina’s community. Like REAL District itself, it has provided a space where lifelong memories are made, where fans and community come together, and where the heart of Regina’s culture beats strongest. The partnership between REAL, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the broader community makes our city a vibrant and enduring home for everyone.