Calgary Announces $1.22 Billion Culture and Entertainment District Development
The city of Calgary, along with the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), the province of Alberta, and the Calgary Stampede, has signed agreements to develop a $1.22 billion culture and entertainment district in downtown Calgary. The announcement was made by the Flames on Thursday, revealing plans for a new event center and other exciting developments. Construction on the project is set to begin in 2024 and is expected to be completed by either 2026 or 2027.
Key Features of the District
The centerpiece of the district will be an $800 million event center that will replace the Scotiabank Saddledome as the new home of the Flames. The new arena is expected to have a capacity of between 18,000 and 18,400, providing a state-of-the-art venue for sports and entertainment events.
Government Commitment
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the project, with $330 million allocated for its development. Of this amount, $300 million will go towards the district itself, while $30 million will contribute to the construction of a new community rink. The Flames have also committed to a 35-year stay in Calgary as part of the agreement.
Backstory and Future Plans
Work on designs and renderings for the district will begin immediately, with consulting firm CAA Icon serving as the development manager for the project. Once the new event center is complete, the Saddledome will be demolished, making way for the exciting new developments in downtown Calgary.
Funding and Support
The city of Calgary previously announced its commitment of over $537 million to the district, with an additional $356 million coming from CSEC. This substantial investment demonstrates the city’s dedication to creating a vibrant and thriving culture and entertainment hub.
Excitement and Optimism
CSEC President John Bean expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It’s really important for the city of Calgary, for all our fans and all the citizens, that we’ve solved the riddle on such an important piece of infrastructure for the city. We’re delighted that we don’t have to worry about where’s our home for the next 35 years and we can get ourselves focused on getting this thing designed and built, and then maybe we get focused on winning a Stanley Cup in here as well.”
Previous Arena Deal and NHL Support
This new events center project comes two years after CSEC backed out of a previous arena deal due to “additional funding” requirements. The initial cost of the project was $550 million but rose to $608.5 million in July 2021. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has long advocated for the replacement of the Scotiabank Saddledome, stating that it needed to be replaced as early as 2017. With the new arena deal in place, the Flames are now back in the league’s rotation for hosting events such as the NHL Draft and the NHL All-Star Game.
Scotiabank Saddledome History
The Scotiabank Saddledome has been a significant landmark in Calgary for 40 years since its opening on October 15. The dome underwent renovations in 1994, costing $37 million, and has hosted various events, including those during the 1988 Olympic Games.
In conclusion, the development of a $1.22 billion culture and entertainment district in downtown Calgary marks an exciting new chapter for the city. With plans for a state-of-the-art event center, additional community facilities, and a commitment from the Flames to remain in Calgary for 35 years, this project promises to revitalize the area and provide residents and visitors with a world-class entertainment experience. Construction is set to begin in 2024, and anticipation is high for the completion of this transformative project in either 2026 or 2027.