CALGARY — The city of Calgary broke ground and unveiled design plans on Monday for the Scotia Place event centre that will serve as the Calgary Flames’ replacement for the Scotiabank Saddledome. It is expected to be completed in time for the 2027-28 NHL season and will have a capacity of 18,400. The centre is part of the city’s $1.22 billion culture and entertainment district.
“Today is a big day for Calgary,” Calgary city councillor Sonya Sharp said. “After a decade of talking, Calgary is breaking ground on a new event centre. A project that promises to become a cornerstone of our sports and entertainment district.”
The new event centre will be north of the Saddledome and will stand on a 10-acre city block which is currently a parking lot near the rink. The centre will be the new home for the Flames as well as the Calgary Wranglers and Calgary Hitmen of the WHL and will draw inspiration from Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena as well as Edmonton’s Rogers Place and Montreal’s Bell Centre in its design and closeness to the action for fans.
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“I was a little bit blown away, to be quite honest with you, of the design that was put into that,” Flames head coach Ryan Huska said. “I’m excited. I wish you could fast forward a little bit right now.”
The city of Calgary, the province of Alberta, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation and the Calgary Stampede signed agreements in October, including a 35-year commitment for the Flames to remain in Calgary. The city of Calgary is committing over $537 million to the project with CSEC kicking in $356 million. The provincial government will add $330 million with most of its funds allocated to the district. Thirty million of their funds will go towards building a 1,000-seat community rink. The centre will also feature indoor and outdoor plazas, four restaurants and the Flames team store. Construction is expected to begin on Sept. 1.
An outdoor rendering of Scotia Place (City of Calgary)
“Once the revitalization is complete, Calgary will be giving every major city in North America a run for its money,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said. “As a destination for events, whether you’re here to see a concert or the Flames in playoffs — let’s be aspirational about this. As a place for community where friends and neighbours can meet to catch a show, have a dinner or stroll through the Rivers District. And as the best place to call home. Because a vibrant downtown core contributes to a great quality of life for Calgarians and Albertans overall, bringing jobs and new business opportunities.”
The 40-year-old Saddledome, which seats up to 19,289 patrons, will be demolished upon completion of the new event centre. It has been home to the Flames since 1983 and it played host to select events for the 1988 Olympic Games. Madison Square Garden is the lone NHL rink older than the Saddledome, opening in February 1968.
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(Outdoor rendering of the upcoming Scotia Place courtesy of City of Calgary)
