Updated Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame worth the visit

From interactive exhibits to rich university and professional sports history, this local gem delights

A visit to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame is a must for any sports fan. The accessible building located on 2205 Victoria Avenue houses a recently renovated set of exhibits showcasing Saskatchewan sports. Numerous renovations have been completed during the pandemic shutdown with updated accessible washrooms and a renovated inductee exhibit highlighting the changes. Fewer entertainment options are as centrally located to busing, making for a great way to spend an hour or two in downtown Regina. This admission-by-donation attraction is a low-cost opportunity for students and the public alike to experience history as well as play fun games. For those not comfortable with in-person attractions, the hall of fame also has a multitude of online exhibits and archives available to review.

As you enter the gallery, the award winning, “Prairie Pride: A History of Saskatchewan Football” exhibit provides a diverse history of the sport in Saskatchewan. From the transition of the Regina Rams into the University of Regina Rams program to the Western Women’s Canadian Football League’s Regina Riot, the depth of history beyond the Saskatchewan Roughriders is impressive. For the fanatical Rider fan, one can easily spend an hour reading and watching all the fantastic memories relived through the exhibit. From game worn equipment to the numerous trophies and videos, football fans will enjoy reliving some of Canada’s teams’ greatest memories.

For those looking to test their own athletic abilities, there were numerous interactive exhibits to compare your skills to professional athletes. Mathew Gourlie, Communications Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame compiled a few measurements to grade yourself to:

-Test your vertical to Cody Fajardo’s 32.5 inches (82.5 centimeters)

-Attempt to best fellow Rider Nick Marshall’s broad jump of 10 feet 4 inches (3.15 metres) by jumping clear off the mat

-Try your hand at a competitive grip strength to see if you can keep up to Morgan Rielly of the Western Hockey League’s Moose Jaw Warriors whose best score at the 2012 NHL combine for right-hand grip strength was 75.8 kilograms (167 pounds)

For those looking for a virtual sport simulator, the hall also has a multiple sport option at the back of the building. Currently setup for soccer, and regularly available from sports from football to dodgeball, try your hand (or in this case, foot) at beating a virtual goalie as you kick the soccer ball during simulated penalty kicks.

As you finish with the simulator, you will see the glass encased exhibit of the latest Sports Hall of Fame induction class. Look closely and you will see two names familiar to University of Regina sports. Chris Biegler, a prominent basketball player putting the Cougars onto the national basketball stage, and Colleen Sostorics, a three-time Olympic gold medalist who has served as assistant coach for the women’s hockey program since the 2013-14 season. Finally, the renovated inductee exhibit will astound as Saskatchewan’s sport history truly interweaves into all of Saskatchewan history. Visitors to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame will not be disappointed!