In a thrilling revelation from a trusted source within Calgary, Eric Francis is pleased to announce that the Calgary Flames are on the cusp of getting a brand-new arena. This groundbreaking news indicates that the Flames organization, the city of Calgary, and the province of Alberta are joining forces to finance this exciting project. The estimated cost of this state-of-the-art event facility is a jaw-dropping $926 million, aiming to bring Ken King’s vision to life almost a decade after its initial proposal.
The grand design encompasses an impressive 18,000-seat arena, complete with a community hockey rink, a parkade, and various amenities for hosting a multitude of indoor and outdoor events. The proposed timeline suggests that the Flames will inaugurate their new home for the 2027-28 season, marking a new era for the team as they bid farewell to their longstanding venue, the Scotiabank Saddledome, which will be 44 years old by then.
The sentiment surrounding the Saddledome’s retirement is bittersweet, as it was erected to cater to NHL hockey and support the 1988 Winter Olympic games. Furthermore, it served as the savior for the Calgary Cowboys of the World Hockey Association, who were denied entry to the NHL due to the size constraints of their previous arena. The historical significance of the Saddledome cannot be overstated, as it witnessed the triumph of the 1989 Stanley Cup-winning Flames and hosted numerous unforgettable events under various names like Olympic and Pengrowth.
With the Flames embarking on a rebuild following significant roster changes, the timing of this new arena couldn’t be more ideal. The much-needed upgrade signals a new chapter in the Flames’ storied history, eliciting excitement from both Calgarians and diehard fans of the team.
As we bid adieu to the iconic Saddledome, a new era beckons for the Calgary Flames, promising a bright future in their state-of-the-art arena. The flames of anticipation burn high as the countdown begins for the groundbreaking ceremony that will herald the dawn of a new sporting era in Calgary.
(Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports)
