Fans watch grandstand at Taylor Field come down

Crowds gathered for the last time outside Taylor Field to watch as the historic west grandstand came falling down.

Thousands of people watched the 980 CJME Facebook live video Friday afternoon from all over the world, with comments from the U.S., Mexico and even China. Some teachers streamed it live to their classrooms.

The planned start time of 1 p.m. was delayed by more than an hour, but the crowd grew as people waited to see the last dramatic show for the stadium that hosted the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney along with the Riders’ 2013 Grey Cup victory.

I’m glad I waited. Great times, memories with family, friends and #RiderNation #Taylorfield pic.twitter.com/fBLQXaTHwN

— Jamie Nye (@jamienye) October 27, 2017

Crowds also gathered on rooftops in Regina’s downtown, waiting for the spectacle that will change the city’s skyline forever.

ICYMI: Historic Mosaic Stadium grandstand controlled collapse #YQR #YQRStadium #RRI pic.twitter.com/FUso6V4XCi

— City of Regina (@CityofRegina) October 27, 2017

At one point, the Snowbirds did a final fly-over, in keeping with the tradition seen at many Rider games.

Lots of people have gathered to watch the Taylor Field grandstand collapse from downtown. #yqr pic.twitter.com/VaZHpjENVQ

— Andrew Shepherd (@Andrew5hepherd) October 27, 2017

Finally, some entertainment. A flyby! Still waiting for demo though pic.twitter.com/cRE3sOmiDg

— Kevin Martel (@KevinMartel) October 27, 2017

In the final hour of this structure’s life. Demo set for 1pm pic.twitter.com/WdPN32yrq2

— Kevin Martel (@KevinMartel) October 27, 2017

The west grandstand was built in 1978 and has held thousands of football and music fans through decades of memories.

But this time, the building itself was the centre of attention for spectators.

While the bottom level of the grandstand had already been torn out, the supporting columns were be pulled out from under the remaining structure, causing it to collapse into the field.