Construction began Monday on the Calgary Flames’ new $800 million arena. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek took part in a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the arena that will replace one of the NHL’s oldest homes, the Saddledome.
The new building – to be called Scotia Place – is being built in the shadow of the Saddledome and its iconic concave saddle roof.
“Today is a great day for Calgary. After a decade of discussion, Calgary is breaking ground on a new event centre. […] A project that promises to become the cornerstone of our sports and entertainment district, said City Councilor Sonya Sharp, chair of the committee overseeing the project.
“This is a place where dreams will come true, where champions will be created and where our community will come together to celebrate, entertain and enjoy.”
The arena is part of a new $1.2 billion event centre and entertainment district, located near the city’s downtown core.
The project includes the construction of public squares and gathering places, bars, restaurants and shops, in addition to the main event centre which will host the Calgary Flames as well as other sporting events and shows.
Construction of the arena, which will have a seating capacity of 18,400, is expected to be completed in 2027. At that time, the Saddledome will be demolished.
The Saddledome has been the home of the Calgary Flames since its construction in 1983.
The Alberta government is committing up to $330 million for infrastructure in the area, the demolition of the Saddledome and a new community rink that will seat 1,000 people.
“Today is a new beginning. We are marking the start of construction on the new arena and event district and unveiling a vision for a renewed and revitalized downtown,” said Mr.me Smith.
The City of Calgary will invest $537 million in the project and Calgary Sports and Entertainment, owner of the Flames, will invest $40 million now, then an average of $17 million per year for the next 35 years, with payments increasing by 1% per year.
Only Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Rangers, is older than the Saddledome among NHL arenas. The Rangers’ home, however, was extensively renovated and modernized a decade ago.