SaskTel Grandstand at the Saskatoon EX

In the spring of 1928, a devastating fire swept through the Saskatoon Exhibition grounds, destroying the old grandstand and surrounding buildings in under an hour. The flames covered four acres of ground and cast a sullen red glow into the sky that could be seen 30 miles away. Though the fire’s origins were not known, it was suspected that a discarded match or cigarette was the likely cause. In addition to the fire department, men and boys hastily tumbled from their beds around 2:30 am to help fight the blaze, but despite everyone’s best efforts, the total loss was estimated at over $75,000.

The following morning, the exhibition board met and decided to immediately begin construction of a new fire-proof grandstand. This event marked a turning point in the history of the fairgrounds. The board seized the opportunity to not only replace the lost structure but to reimagine the entire layout of the grounds.

The new concrete grandstand, completed in time for the 1928 fair, was a marvel of its time. Built to be non-flammable and durable, it faced east instead of south, a strategic decision that changed the orientation of the track to run north-south. This thoughtful design ensured that patrons could enjoy events without the sun glaring in their eyes, significantly enhancing their experience.