Riders' fan living beside old Mosaic reflects on stadium change

For more than 20 years, Wayne Kuntz has lived next door to the team he loves. 

Kuntz’s home on Garnet Street backs onto the old Mosaic Stadium, formerly Taylor Field.

“I live right outside the main doors, right across the alley, and I’m living here because the stadium’s there,” he said.

For the first time since the 1920’s, Roughrider football won’t be played at the iconic stadium. Instead, home field will move a few blocks over to a sparkly new $280-million facility on Elphinstone Street.

“I’m going to terribly miss the pregame stuff,” he said.

Kuntz said before every home game he usually sits outside waiting for the street to fill with parked cars and fans streaming into the stadium two hours before kickoff.

But there is a chance the familiar crowds and heavy traffic won’t change considering the new Mosaic Stadium is located only several blocks west from the old one.

“Whether it is going to get down this far, I don’t know. I’m hoping it does ’cause that’s what I like about it,” he said.

Kuntz is known for “Wayne’s World,” a Labour Day Classic party held in his backyard where rivalling Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Roughrider fans gather before the game.

Despite being farther from the new stadium, he plans to host the party again this year.

When asked about favourite memories at the old stadium, Kuntz was not short on details.

His first Rider home game was in 1957. Other memories included watching some of the team’s greats, such as George Reed and Ron Lancaster, play in Regina, along with the 2013 Grey Cup win.

“That was a huge, huge highlight to be there and win it at home,” he said.

While nostalgic, Kuntz shared his excitement about cheering on the green and white at the new digs. He describes it as a “fabulous facility” to watch football.

“We need it, we deserve it, and I’m looking very forward to it.”

Kuntz will now watch Roughrider home games in Section 517, around the 40-yard line.