Description
This is a picture of Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field.
Sociological Interpretation
In class we defined culture as “the total life way of a people”. In Regina, and throughout Saskatchewan, that is precisely what the Saskatchewan Roughrider team means to this province. Here in Regina, supporting the Saskatchewan Roughriders has become a way of life. It is amazing that something like a football team can bring an entire society together. At Mosaic Stadium, all ethnic differences seem to diminish when instead everyone is seen as the colour green. The province is often referred to as a ‘Rider Nation’. This describes a collection of people coming together and puts into perspective the numerous people standing behind this team. On both sides of the entrance, two large posters hang with the phrase, “Pride Lives Here”. One team, in one small Canadian city has the power to bring so many different types of people together.
After the 2007 Grey Cup, Albert Street was named ‘The Green Mile’ in response to the win. Although this demonstrated Roughrider pride in our city, an even bigger gesture is underway. The importance of this team has been expressed through a new stadium project. A $350 million stadium is currently in the design stages and will become the new Roughrider home. The province is clearly emphasizing its commitment to this team with the new stadium.
Although the impact of Rider Nation is significant to our society, $350 million is no small order. In a time of economic crisis, unemployment, and poverty, is this really where our money should be spent? Homelessness is a serious problem throughout Canada, and Regina is no exception. The Saskatchewan Roughriders are definitely important to the Regina way of life, however there is more to this city than just football. Other critical issues have been seemingly overlooked. Rider fans believe that our commitment and love for this team are deserving of a new stadium, but is it simply a want, not a need? Think about the number of mouths that could be fed, or the low cost housing that could be built with 350 million dollars as opposed to a new dome stadium.
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ReplyDeleteGreat interpretation. I thought you raised some very interesting ideas and questions througout your article, especially towards the end. As a response, I would have to agree with you that building a 350 million dollar new stadium would be too much money for our society. Considering the fact that the money could be used for a more serious issue or conern.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we must also think about how this project of having a new stadium could be beneficial in regards of how it could generate money for our society. We would not only be able to host football games, but we would be able to host other events as well. For example, hosting concerts, hosting certain types of fundraisers, and etc. And so, depending on how our city would spend the money, maybe those issues that you have raised could be addressed as well. I guess time will only tell.
Eric Velychko
Interesting subject.
ReplyDeleteYour introductory paragraph, where you explained that supporting Roughrider team has become a way of life, is long and almost unrelated to the main subject: a $350 million stadium.
You haven’t used sociological terminology to make your points, for example you could have used sociological theories (functionalism, conflict theory etc.) to explain why decide to build a $350 million stadium.
Thanks,
Kosar
Great sociological perspective, in relating culture and the mosaic stadium. I've never thought of it that way, and its quite an interesting way to look at it. I see that the $350 million dollar mosaic stadium represents the importance of the rough riders and the impact they have as a social symbol in society.
ReplyDelete-Tham Dinh