What you need to know as soccer takes over Mosaic Stadium

While the Riders are away, Mosaic Stadium will showcase a different kind of football.

Soccer Day in Saskatchewan takes place in Regina Saturday as a lead up to the 4 p.m. match between Spain’s Valencia and the New York Cosmos.

The event features a variety of activities including Soccer Fest in Confederation Park and a celebrity game between The University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan women’s soccer teams.

John Graham, president of On Ice Management, said Friday he was happy with the ticket sales for the game, with a targeted crowd of between 15,000 to 18,000 people.

Graham noted there are challenges to holding an event like this in a stadium meant for more than 30,000 people.

“Some may look at it and go, ‘Oh well, there’s empty seats,’ but it’s bringing a new sport, it’s the first time I think,” he said.

“It’ll be one of those things where after the event people will go, ‘I wish I would’ve known,’ type of thing.”

Graham said organizers wanted to give fans the best view possible, so the seating section for the match is all in the stadium’s lower bowl.

He added 2018 events are already in the works, which will include another soccer game of this level.

What you need to know

There are a few things to keep in mind for those heading to the soccer game.

SoccerFest in Confederation Park will begin at 9 a.m. and will run until 1:30 p.m.

At that point, the gates for Mosaic Stadium will open and people will be allowed to enter.

Parking is available at Evraz Place on a first-come basis.

There is free transit available for people with tickets to the game. Tickets will need to be shown to the bus driver.

Concessions on the main concourse and 300-level will be open. There is no outside food or drink allowed.

There are designated smoking areas outside of the stadium before the game. A no re-entry policy will also be in effect.