CFL chief urges Regina to reconsider Mosaic turf stitching

Canadian Football League commissioner Stewart Johnston urged Regina to reconsider permanently stitching markings into the replacement turf at Mosaic Stadium, saying painted lines would make the field easier to configure for multiple users. He also identified Quebec City as a leading candidate for a possible expansion franchise, while giving no decision or timetable for a team.

Johnston made the turf appeal at his state-of-the-league address in Calgary on Friday, with the Roughriders’ support. He said painting would allow the field to be changed for different sports and users. The new turf is expected to be installed in spring 2027, after replacement work began Nov. 4. The reported cost is $1.6 million.

The planned stitching is to include soccer markings and the CFL’s revised field dimensions, which take effect next season. The field’s width will remain 65 yards, but the 55-yard line is being removed, both end zones will be shortened by five yards, and the goalposts will move to the back of the end zones. The changes make the overall field 20 yards shorter.

Melissa Coderre, Regina’s manager of sport and major events, said painting different configurations had been considered but...