New Calgary Flames arena project expected to break ground in 2024

The Calgary Flames have finalized an agreement with the City of Calgary, the Calgary Stampede, and the Alberta provincial government to move forward with plans to build a new arena to replace the aging Scotiabank Saddledome.

The arena, which will be located adjacent to the existing Saddledome site, is expected to be ready in time for the 2026–27 NHL season. Construction is slated to begin in 2024.

The Alberta government hosted a press conference on Thursday afternoon which featured speeches and Q+A sessions with Alberta premier Danielle Smith, Alberta transportation minister Devin Dreeshen, Alberta minister of municipal affairs Ric McIver, Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek, and Calgary city councillor Sonya Sharp.

In addition to the new NHL arena, the project includes a community rink, additional parking, street-level enhancements around the building, and transportation and infrastructure improvements in the area.

The project is expected to cost a total of $1.22 billion, with the Flames on the hook for $356 million. The Alberta provincial government will contribute $330 million, while the City of Calgary will put up $537 million and any additional cost overruns.

The new arena will seat between 18,000 and 18,400 fans, a moderate step down from the Saddledome’s capacity of 19,289. Once the new arena is complete, the Saddledome will be demolished at the province’s cost.

Dreeshen said the province’s $330 million will also be used for infrastructure improvements in the area around the new arena. It will also help fund the community rink, but not the actual NHL facility.

The Flames have made a 35-year commitment to remain in Calgary as part of the new arena deal. Renderings of the arena have not yet been made available, and the city does not currently have a timeline for when that could change.

The Saddledome has dominated the Calgary skyline with its iconic hyperbolic paraboloid (or saddle-shaped) concrete roof structure since 1983. It has served as the home of the Flames ever since and also hosted multiple events at the 1988 Winter Olympics. The Saddledome is now the NHL’s second-oldest arena.