The long-awaited Event Centre in Calgary is moving closer to becoming a reality, with plans to showcase the design of the more than $800 million arena during this year’s Calgary Stampede. The Event Centre Committee has been working diligently to advance the project towards the city’s permitting process, with plans to review draft plans in a private briefing before presenting them to the Calgary Planning Commission. Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp, who chairs the committee, expressed optimism that the project is on track to meet permitting timelines and be ready for development permits.
Work has already begun to prepare the site for the Event Centre at the corner of 12th Avenue and Olympic Way Southeast, as well as reconfigure 5th Street Southeast. The design team has submitted two development permit applications to allow for stripping and grading on the site, as well as shoring and excavation work. The entire project, which is expected to cost $1.2 billion, includes the arena, a community rink, improvements to public space in the Rivers District, and general infrastructure improvements in the area. The City of Calgary will own the building and is contributing $537 million upfront, while Flames ownership will pay $40 million upfront and an annual lease payment to the city.
The agreement between the City of Calgary and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation stipulates that construction is expected to begin later this year, with the first day of the Flames’ lease on the new building set for September 1, 2026. Provincial funding of $330 million will cover infrastructure improvements, including the demolition of the Saddledome and half of the cost of the community rink. City officials are hopeful that the project will be completed according to schedule, providing a significant boost to the city’s infrastructure and entertainment offerings. The City aims to showcase the design of the Event Centre to the public by the beginning of summer, in order to generate excitement and support for the project among investors and visitors to the city.
The Event Centre Committee has been working closely with project officials to ensure that all necessary approvals and permits are obtained in a timely manner. The development permit application will be reviewed by the Calgary Planning Commission in the fall, following a similar process to other city-owned projects such as Arts Commons and the library. The project team is focused on meeting key milestones and delivering a world-class facility that will enhance the entertainment options available in Calgary. As progress continues on preparing the site and finalizing design plans, Calgarians can look forward to seeing the Event Centre take shape in the coming months.
Overall, the Event Centre project represents a significant investment in the city’s infrastructure and entertainment sector, with the potential to attract a diverse range of events and activities. The collaboration between the City of Calgary and Flames ownership demonstrates a commitment to delivering a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit both residents and visitors alike. With construction expected to begin later this year and the design set to be unveiled during the Calgary Stampede, anticipation is building for the completion of the Event Centre and the positive impact it will have on the community. Through careful planning and coordination, the city is poised to meet its objectives for the project and create a new landmark destination in Calgary.
