Scotia Place

Project History and CalgaryNEXT Proposal

The journey to Scotia Place began with an ambitious 2015 proposal known as CalgaryNEXT. This plan envisioned a massive sports complex in Calgary's West Village along the Bow River, intended to replace both the Scotiabank Saddledome and McMahon Stadium. The CalgaryNEXT concept included two main facilities: a 19,000 to 20,000-seat events centre for the Calgary Flames, Calgary Hitmen, and Calgary Roughnecks, and a separate 40,000-seat football stadium and fieldhouse for the Calgary Stampeders. Proponents framed the complex as a future hub for professional and amateur sporting activity in the city. Initial reactions from local politicians were mixed, with support for redeveloping the West Village area but significant concerns over the financial model. Mayor Naheed Nenshi and others questioned a proposal that would have required the city to initially fund between $440 million and $690 million of the project, with promoters claiming the investment would be recouped over a long period. Under the proposed terms, the city would own the facilities while the privately owned Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) would manage them, exempting the land from property taxes without the city receiving a share of profits. The estimated cost ballooned from an initial projection of $890 million to approximately $1.8 billion according to a 2016 city report, with taxpayers potentially covering up to two-thirds of the total. In April 2017, Calgary city council voted unanimously to abandon CalgaryNEXT and instead pursue an alternate plan located near the existing Saddledome.

The Victoria Park Event Centre Proposal and Its Collapse

Following the collapse of CalgaryNEXT, a new proposal emerged for an event centre in the Victoria Park neighbourhood, just north of the Saddledome. On July 30, 2019, Calgary city council approved this plan with an initial budget of $550 million. The arena was designed to have a capacity of around 19,000 spectators, with construction slated to begin in 2021. The proposal also included the possibility of building a smaller arena to replace the historic Stampede Corral. Under the agreed framework, the City of Calgary would own the new event centre, while CSEC would be responsible for its operation and maintenance under a 35-year lease agreement. This lease included a non-relocation clause for the Flames and allowed CSEC to keep all revenue generated from the facility. Had this project proceeded, the Saddledome would have been demolished after the new arena opened. The deal faced immediate challenges and a series of critical events led to its ultimate failure. The design work uncovered problems, including an 'inverted bowl' concept that posed feasibility and accessibility issues on the selected land, contributing to cost overruns.

• April 2021: The deal was put on hold by city council over budget concerns.
• July 26, 2021: The estimated cost rose from $550 million to $608.5 million due to design and feasibility issues.
• July 2021: Both the city and CSEC agreed to contribute an additional $12.5 million each to cover overruns, with CSEC agreeing to cover any future overruns.

On December 22, 2021, the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) announced it was pulling out of the arena deal. The decision was based on disagreements over new infrastructure and climate mitigation costs. Despite this withdrawal, CSEC stated its intention to remain in the Scotiabank Saddledome. This development left the future of a new arena project in doubt for over a year.

Final Deal and Project Launch

Negotiations resumed quietly, leading to a major breakthrough announced on April 25, 2023. At a press conference, officials revealed a new, updated project for the same Victoria Park site with a significantly larger estimated cost of $1.22 billion. The new plan included not only the main arena but also an indoor community rink and indoor and outdoor plazas, creating a more comprehensive event district. The funding model was restructured as a three-party partnership, with the city paying $537.3 million up front and the Flames ownership paying a total of $748.3 million over 35 years. Final agreements between all three parties were officially announced on October 5, 2023. With funding secured, the project moved into its construction phase, marked by several key milestones that transitioned the plan from concept to reality.

• April 25, 2023: The updated $1.22 billion project was announced, with new funding from the Province of Alberta.
• October 5, 2023: The City of Calgary, Province of Alberta, and CSEC announced finalized agreements.
• July 22, 2024: The design and final name, Scotia Place, were announced at the groundbreaking ceremony.
• July 22, 2024: Construction began shortly after the groundbreaking.

The new Scotia Place arena is planned to open prior to the start of the 2027-28 NHL season. This opening will mark the transition of the Calgary Flames from their long-time home in the Scotiabank Saddledome to the new facility. Construction on the arena began following the groundbreaking ceremony held on July 22, 2024. The project timeline is now firmly focused on meeting this target opening date.

Key Financial Contributions and Project Scope

The final funding agreement for Scotia Place is a three-party partnership involving municipal, provincial, and private entities. The total estimated project cost is $1.22 billion, a figure that encompasses the main arena, supporting facilities, and district improvements. The City of Calgary's contribution is $537.3 million, paid upfront to support the core construction. The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, representing the Flames ownership, is responsible for $748.3 million to be paid over the 35-year lease term, an amount valued at approximately $356 million in present-day 2024 dollars. The Province of Alberta's involvement, a key addition in the final deal, provides $330 million in funding over three years specifically allocated for a community rink, certain infrastructure, and the cost of demolishing the Saddledome once the new arena is operational. This financial structure spreads the burden and investment across different stakeholders, aiming to create a sustainable model for the long-term operation of the facility. The project scope has expanded from a standalone arena to a more comprehensive event centre district, including planned indoor and outdoor plazas that will integrate the venue into the surrounding Victoria Park neighbourhood.

Tenants and Intended Use

Upon completion, Scotia Place will serve as the primary home for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League, fulfilling the central goal of replacing the Scotiabank Saddledome. The arena is also expected to host other tenants of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, which manages the city's major professional sports franchises. Its multi-purpose design will accommodate a wide range of events beyond professional sports, including major concerts, family shows, and other large-scale entertainment events, becoming Calgary's premier indoor venue for such attractions. The inclusion of an indoor community rink as part of the broader district, funded by the provincial contribution, will provide additional ice time for local amateur sports and community groups. The demolition of the Saddledome, also covered by the province, will clear the way for future development in the area and solidify Scotia Place's position as the city's flagship arena. The 35-year lease agreement includes a non-relocation clause for the Flames, ensuring the team's long-term commitment to the city and the new building. The primary sports tenants expected to use the facility include:

• Calgary Flames (National Hockey League)
• Calgary Hitmen (Western Hockey League)
• Calgary Roughnecks (National Lacrosse League)

Questions about Scotia Place

How much will the new Scotia Place arena cost?

The total estimated cost for the Scotia Place project is $1.22 billion. This funding is a partnership between the City of Calgary, contributing $537.3 million upfront. The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (Flames ownership), paying $748.3 million over 35 years. And the Province of Alberta, providing $330 million over three years for specific components like a community rink and Saddledome demolition.

What was the previous arena proposal called and why did it fail?

The previous proposal was called CalgaryNEXT, announced in 2015. It was a much larger plan for a two-building complex in the West Village, including a football stadium. It failed primarily due to financial concerns, with costs escalating to an estimated $1.8 billion and a funding model that would have required significant taxpayer investment without a share of profits for the city. Council voted to pursue a different site in 2017.

Who are the main partners funding the construction of Scotia Place?

The construction is funded through a three-party agreement. The City of Calgary is providing $537.3 million. The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, owners of the Flames, is contributing $748.3 million over the life of a 35-year lease. The Province of Alberta is providing $330 million specifically for a community rink, related infrastructure, and the demolition of the old Saddledome.

When is Scotia Place in Calgary expected to open?

Scotia Place is planned to open prior to the start of the 2027-28 National Hockey League season. The arena's construction officially began following the groundbreaking ceremony held on July 22, 2024. This new multi-purpose arena is currently under construction in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is being built to specifically replace the Scotiabank Saddledome as the home arena for the Calgary Flames. The project timeline is now firmly established to meet this opening target for the team's next home.

Why is Calgary building a new arena to replace the Saddledome?

Calgary is building Scotia Place to replace the aging Scotiabank Saddledome as the home of the Calgary Flames. The project originated from earlier proposals like CalgaryNEXT in 2015, which aimed to replace both the Saddledome and McMahon Stadium. After years of negotiations and a cancelled deal in 2021, a final agreement was reached in 2023. This new arena is part of a larger event centre district that will also include an indoor rink and plazas. The goal is to provide a modern facility for the Flames and other events, moving forward from the previous venue.

What will happen to the old Scotiabank Saddledome?

The Scotiabank Saddledome is scheduled to be demolished after the new Scotia Place opens. This demolition is a defined part of the final project agreement settled in April 2023. The funding for the Saddledome's demolition is included within the $330 million contribution pledged by the Province of Alberta. Under the original 2019 plan that was later cancelled, the Saddledome would have been demolished after the new arena's opening. Its removal will make way for the completed event centre district in the Victoria Park neighbourhood.

Sources and further reading

• Scotia Place (Wikipedia)
• Project Overview | Scotia Place (scotiaplace.com)
• Scotia Place, Shared spaces (calgary.ca)
• Scotia Place (scotiabanksaddledome.com)
• New era looms for Calgary Flames, move to new arena on ... (ca.sports.yahoo.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-22.