Scotia Place

Project History and Development

The journey to replace the aging Scotiabank Saddledome began with the ambitious CalgaryNEXT proposal in 2015. That plan envisioned a large complex in the West Village with a new arena and football stadium, but it faced significant public and political scrutiny over its projected $1.8 billion cost and the substantial taxpayer contribution required. By 2017, the Calgary Flames ownership declared the CalgaryNEXT deal unworkable, leading to a renewed search for a solution. A new agreement for an event centre near the Saddledome was approved by Calgary city council in July 2019, with a budget of $550 million and a planned 2021 construction start.

That 2019 deal encountered its own difficulties, primarily concerning budget overruns and design feasibility. By July 2021, the estimated cost had risen to $608.5 million due to challenges with the proposed inverted bowl design and other unforeseen issues. Disagreements over who would cover additional infrastructure and climate mitigation costs led the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) to withdraw from the agreement in December 2021. This left the Flames' future home uncertain, though the team committed to remaining in the Saddledome for the interim.

The 2023 Final Agreement

A breakthrough occurred on April 25, 2023, when the City of Calgary, the Province of Alberta, and CSEC announced a new, fully funded agreement for an event centre district. The updated project, with an estimated total cost of $1.22 billion, included the main arena, an indoor community rink, and indoor and outdoor plazas. The financial framework saw the city contribute $537.3 million upfront, while CSEC committed to paying $748.3 million over a 35-year lease period, which was estimated to be equivalent to $356 million in 2024 dollars. The Province of Alberta pledged $330 million over three years to support the community rink, infrastructure, and the future demolition of the Saddledome. The agreements were finalized on October 5, 2023, clearing the path for construction.

Design and Naming

The final design and name for the arena were unveiled at the official groundbreaking ceremony on July 22, 2024. Christened Scotia Place, the venue is designed as a premier destination within Calgary's Culture + Entertainment District. The design emphasizes versatile indoor and outdoor public spaces intended to host a wide array of events beyond hockey, including concerts and community programming. The project reached a significant construction milestone with a topping-off ceremony in September 2026, marking the completion of the primary structural framework. Regular construction updates have been shared with the public, highlighting progress on the arena itself and related infrastructure like the 6 Street S.E. underpass.

Construction Timeline and Progress

Construction began in earnest following the July 2024 groundbreaking. Key infrastructure work, crucial for district access, proceeded concurrently. As of mid-2026, the project was on track for its scheduled opening in the fall of 2027, in time for the 2027-28 NHL season. The Flames began their final season at the Saddledome in October 2026, marking the end of a 43-year era before their move across the street.

Tenants and Use

Upon opening, Scotia Place will become the primary home for Calgary's major professional and junior hockey franchises. The anchor tenant is the NHL's Calgary Flames, who will relocate from the Saddledome for the 2027-28 season. The Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen and the National Lacrosse League's Calgary Roughnecks will also play their home games at the new venue. The arena is designed to host a broad spectrum of events beyond sports, including major concert tours, family shows, and other large-scale entertainment. Its location in the Culture + Entertainment District is intended to make it a gathering place for the city and a catalyst for further economic activity in the area.

Funding and Ownership Structure

The funding model for Scotia Place is a tripartite agreement between municipal, provincial, and private entities. The City of Calgary's contribution is $537.3 million, focused on the arena's core construction. The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, the Flames' ownership group, is responsible for $748.3 million over the 35-year lease term, covering their share of construction and long-term operations. The Province of Alberta is providing $330 million specifically for a community rink, enabling infrastructure, and the future demolition of the Saddledome. The city will retain ownership of the facility, while CSEC will manage operations and maintenance under the long-term lease, keeping all revenue generated from events.

Location and District Integration

Scotia Place is being constructed in the Victoria Park neighbourhood, directly north of the Scotiabank Saddledome and within the defined Culture + Entertainment District. This strategic location places it in the heart of Calgary's existing event zone, near the Stampede grounds and downtown core. The project is integrated with broader district improvements, including new plazas, pedestrian pathways, and the critical 6 Street S.E. underpass to improve traffic flow and accessibility. The goal is to create a cohesive destination where the arena acts as a hub, connecting to other attractions and stimulating year-round activity in the surrounding area.

Questions about Scotia Place

How much will Scotia Place cost and who is paying for it?

The total estimated project cost is $1.22 billion. The funding is shared between three parties. The City of Calgary is contributing $537.3 million upfront. The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) will pay $748.3 million over 35 years. The Province of Alberta is providing $330 million over three years for a community rink, infrastructure, and Saddledome demolition.

When will Scotia Place open?

Scotia Place is scheduled to open in the fall of 2027, prior to the start of the 2027-28 NHL season. Construction officially began following the groundbreaking ceremony on July 22, 2024. The project timeline has been consistent, with recent updates in 2026 confirming progress towards that opening date. The arena is being built as a replacement for the aging Scotiabank Saddledome. It is designed to be a premier destination for hockey, concerts, and community events in Calgary's Culture + Entertainment District.

Which teams will play at Scotia Place?

Scotia Place will be the home arena for the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames, the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen, and the National Lacrosse League's Calgary Roughnecks. These teams are all tenants of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC). They are scheduled to begin playing at the new venue upon its opening in the fall of 2027. The arena will also host the Calgary Wranglers hockey team. This multi purpose facility is intended to serve as the primary sports and entertainment venue for these professional and major junior franchises.

Where is Scotia Place being built?

Scotia Place is being constructed in the Victoria Park neighbourhood of Calgary, Alberta, just to the north of the existing Scotiabank Saddledome. This location is within Calgary's downtown Culture + Entertainment District. The site was selected following the abandonment of an earlier proposal called CalgaryNEXT, which was planned for the West Village area along the Bow River. The current Victoria Park site was formally approved by Calgary city council in 2019. The arena is part of a larger district redevelopment plan that includes public plazas and improved infrastructure.

What will happen to the Scotiabank Saddledome?

The Scotiabank Saddledome is scheduled to be demolished after the Calgary Flames and other tenant teams move to Scotia Place. The funding for the Saddledome's demolition is included in the $330 million contribution from the Province of Alberta, which was confirmed in the final deal announced in April 2023. The Flames began their final season at the Saddledome in October 2026 after 43 years at the venue. The demolition was a condition of the new arena agreement, clearing the way for future development. The old arena will be replaced once the new Scotia Place opens in fall 2027.

How can I get updates on the construction progress?

Official construction updates for Scotia Place are provided by the City of Calgary and its project partners. The public can contact the city's 311 service by phone, by email at [email protected], or online for information. Regular updates include timelapse videos, progress reports, and details about district access and road closures. Interested individuals can also sign up to receive future construction information and project updates directly. These channels provide detailed information on milestones, such as the topping off ceremony in September 2026, and ongoing construction highlights.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-22.