A group of Saskatchewan First Nations is proposing construction of a multipurpose, all-weather entertainment complex in Regina that would also serve as the new home for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. (Douglas Cardinal Architect Inc.)

A second domed stadium proposal has been made for Regina, this time by a First Nations group that wants to build a stadium, casino and hotel complex worth $1.2 billion.

The group calling itself the Independent First Nations of Saskatchewan have asked Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal to design the complex.

It would include not only a playing field for the Roughriders, but also a Las Vegas-style Hard Rock Hotel and casino.

The stadium portion features a retractable roof and 55,000 seats.

However, project spokesman Rick Gamble, who is chief of the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation, said the project hinges on the province selling its two casinos.

"Everything is contingent on the sale of those two casinos, Regina and Moose Jaw," he said. "If they're not for sale, then we quash the whole idea."

Recently, provincial government leaders have said they're not willing to sell the casinos, which have been consistent money-makers for the province.

Word of the First Nations group's proposal comes the same week as the release of a feasibility study on another domed stadium proposal.

The earlier proposal, which is being studied by the provincial government, calls for a domed stadium that would be a new home for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. It could host 31 to 71 events a year, including 11 football games, the feasibility report says.

Seating would accommodate 33,000, but could be expanded to 53,000 for major concerts, the report suggests. The estimated cost is $386.2 million, and a retractable roof would add $45 million, for a total of $431.2 million. The province is expected to make a decision about that facility by late May or early June.

Both stadium proposals are considering the railyards between the downtown and the city's warehouse district as the general location.