More new renderings of Calgary arena show street-level views

Additional footage of Calgary’s future new arena is on view to the public as the project waits to clear a final hurdle before construction.

The building has yet to get approval from the planning commission, but it should be discussed before the end of the year. The public still has the opportunity to comment on the planned replacement of the Saddledome, and the commission must approve the plan before building permits are issued.

The arena is valued at $ 608.5 million, with the city contributing $ 287.5 million. This amount has been officially capped and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp., owner of the Flames, will cover the remaining portion as well as any cost overruns.

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The latest images show in more detail what the street level activity around the “event center” might look like. City officials and members of the previous city council who approved the project have said they don’t want the arena to be an impenetrable box lodged in the middle of Victoria Park, and the intention is to integrate the building into plans for a larger “cultural and entertainment district” that attracts people with businesses and gathering spaces.

Rendered to the street level of the proposed Calgary Event Center. — Rendered at street level of the proposed Calgary Event Center. Courtesy photo DIALOG

The renderings show a sports bar and restaurant integrated directly into different sides of the building, and show an example of how public art could be placed outside the building.

Several images also show how graphics with fireworks or Stampede-style images could be projected onto the ribbon-like facade that surrounds the building.

The international design firm HOK and the local company Dialog are responsible for the design of the new building. Once operational, the Saddledome will be demolished.

Once building permits are issued, construction is scheduled to begin in early 2022. Work was due to start this year, but the project had to be put on hold for months due to budget issues. Eventually, new conditions were developed, including a defined ceiling for city costs.

The city’s wholly owned subsidiary, Calgary Municipal Land Corp., was also removed from its role as project manager, and CSEC hired another company of its choice.