Achi news desk-
Calgary councilors have seen the first design renderings of the new event centre, but the public will have to wait until this summer to see what the new home of the Calgary Flames will look like.
A closed-door meeting brought event center committee members up-to-date on the $1.2 billion project, which includes a community ice rink and infrastructure improvements in the area.
“Things are moving forward as planned,” said Ward 1 councilor Sonya Sharp.
“The momentum of this timeline has been at an all time high and we are exactly where we need to be with this project.”
Design details cannot yet be shared publicly, but Sharp said she is a fan of these concepts compared to the design of the previous arena project, which was released in 2021.
“My personal opinion is that I like this one more,” he said.
The project will submit three development permits, the last of which will provide a look at the design of the building itself.
It could be released in July, in time for the Stampede, Sharp said.
The first two development licences, which were submitted in February, provide an overview of the excavation of the site.
“This process creates efficiencies and saves time and cost in the overall project schedule,” reads part of an update released by the city.
The city will pay more than 40 percent of the project’s cost — $537.3 million — and will own the building. Calgary Sports and Entertainment (CSEC) is paying $40 million up front and annual payments that will increase annually, starting at $17 million.
The provincial government pledged $330 million to cover infrastructure costs, half of the community ice rink and the demolition of the Saddledome.
According to the details in the final agreements signed, the project is due to be completed on August 31, 2026, and turned over to CSEC the next day.
That means, if on time, the Flames could play the 2026-27 season in the new arena.
