2026 Olympic plan: Two new venues and renovations galore
Eva Ferguson Calgary Herald September 12, 2018
Only two new sporting venues are proposed to be built as part of Calgary 2026’s hosting plan released Tuesday — neither of which include a new NHL arena for the Calgary Flames.
Officials instead lauded a greater need for a new multi-sport field house for figure skating and short-track speedskating, as well as a new mid-sized arena for preliminary hockey events, with seating for 6,000.
But marquee hockey, including final games for men’s and women’s events, is proposed for the existing 18,000-seat Saddledome, which would receive some upgrades, including improved accessibility, washroom renovations and mechanical maintenance.
Mary Moran, Calgary 2026 CEO, said the existing Saddledome will suffice after it receives upgrades, even though the Flames have for years argued the aging building no longer meets the needs of the team or the National Hockey League’s standards, and cannot host major entertainment events such as big-name concerts.
“When the IOC (International Olympic Committee) toured the Saddledome, they said it was adequate for the Games.
“But I cannot comment whether it is adequate for a nine-month hockey season.”
At the same time, Moran welcomed ongoing discussions between the Flames and the City of Calgary, adding if they can reach a deal for a new NHL arena, Calgary 2026 would be willing to “reconfigure” its plans for new venues.
According to the draft hosting plan concept, as much as $1.6 billion will be spent on what the document called “urban development.” This would include as much as $400 million combined for the two new venues, $500 million to upgrade and renew eight existing facilities — including the Olympic Oval and WinSport — and about $600 million for new housing in Calgary and Canmore, initially for athletes and then released to the market.
But within the $400-million cost for a new field house and mid-size arena, officials refused to break down the individual costs of the two sites because construction contracts will eventually be put out for tender to the private sector.
Both new venues will be located in the “Foothills cluster” between McMahon Stadium and the University of Calgary, one of three facility clusters that will also include sites at Stampede Park and WinSport.
The new field house and mid-size arena, Moran argued, are the most economically responsible options and will meet a growing community need for accessible recreation, leaving the kind of legacy that Calgary 2026 is anchored on.
“We will create legacy that has social, environmental and economic impact,” Moran said.
“This is our time.”
Calgary Flames CEO Ken King said that while the city has created a specific committee to continue arena talks with the NHL team, he was surprised it was not co-ordinated with Calgary 2026.
“Everyone is aware there has been a committee struck to talk to us about a new arena,” King told Postmedia on Tuesday.
“What is surprising is that it hasn’t been co-ordinated with the Olympic bid.”
But King added he is pleased the committee has at least been struck and there seems to be continued interest to get a new arena built.
“The impetus is there to do some work, and that’s a good thing.”
The Flames and the city have been debating funding models for a new arena for years, with the most recent talks focused around a location in Victoria Park near the Stampede grounds. Both the city and the team’s ownership were accused of playing politics in the run-up to the municipal election last October when talks broke down.
But a charge to reboot negotiations has begun with the new committee, while King has asked for “media silence” around negotiations until a deal is reached.
During the Calgary 2026 presentation to council, Mayor Naheed Nenshi criticized the idea for a mid-size arena, which he argued may be unnecessary, particularly if a new NHL rink gets built.
“If there’s a new big arena built, that obviates a plan for the mid-sized one,” said Nenshi, adding that facilities such as Max Bell and Father David Bauer already seat good-sized capacity crowds.
“I have a lot of trouble seeing a new 5,000-seat arena as part of a legacy. I just don’t see what the future need of that will be.”
Excerpt from the Draft Hosting Plan Concept, showing improvements proposed for venues:
Highlights of the proposal:
• A $5.23-billion plan with events spread across Calgary, Canmore, Whistler and potentially farther afield in Edmonton.
• As much as $1.6 billion to be spent for renewal of existing facilities, two new venues and housing for athletes.
• Venues will be spread across three clusters in Calgary, at Stampede Park, Foothills and Winsport.
• The first new venue will include a mid-sized arena, which will host preliminary hockey events and has the legacy ability to host regional, provincial and national competitions, University of Calgary Dinos and touring concerts.
• The second new venue will include a multi-sport field house to host figure skating and short track speedskating events, with a legacy ability to host high-performance sport including track, soccer, tennis and other court sports.
• Refurbished existing venues will include Olympic Oval for speedskating and WinSport for its sliding track and freestyle ski events, including aerials, big air, half-pipe, moguls and slopestyle.
• Canmore Nordic Centre to receive some course improvement to host biathlon and cross-country.
• Nakiska to receive facility upgrades to host downhill ski and snowboard events.
• Whistler to receive minor renovations to host ski jumping and nordic combined events.
• Calgary’s East Village and Canmore to receive housing for up to 4,600 athletes and team officials.
• McMahon Stadium to be expanded from 29,000 seats to 40,000 to host opening and closing ceremonies.
• Non-competitive venues will include Max Bell and Father David Bauer arenas for hockey and figure skating practice, the Stampede Grandstand for medal ceremonies, BMO Centre and Big Four buildings for international media and broadcasting.
• No venue found yet for curling, although Edmonton is a possibility.
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