Event Centre
Priority Capital Projects Event Centre
We are in an initial stage of Calgary’s future event centre, which includes establishing the Event Centre Committee (ECC) and engaging with a third party.
Since Dec. 31 2021, when the agreement to realise a new event centre was terminated with Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), The City has been exploring a path that could create a new direction to build this important public infrastructure.
Project update – October 19, 2022
The City of Calgary and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) have agreed to begin formal discussions with a fresh start towards a new event centre. These discussions bring an opportunity to realize a modern and forward-looking sport, arts and entertainment venue for Calgary.
This milestone could not have happened without the efforts of the third-party, whose team included Guy Huntingford, John Fisher, and Phil Swift, along with The City’s Event Centre Team and CSEC.
With CSEC and The City now entering formal discussions, The City’s third party have fulfilled their mandate and their work has concluded. Moving forward, The City will now be represented by CAA ICON, who are experts in structuring deals for major sports and entertainment venues in North America and Europe. CAA ICON will have local support from Altus Group’s Calgary office.
CAA ICON has experience representing municipalities, as well as sports teams, in structuring deals and developing financing plans for event centres, stadiums and other public assembly facilities. They bring insight from many successful projects in a broad variety of markets.
The City and CSEC have agreed time is of the essence to reach a formal agreement on a new event centre, while ensuring they take the time necessary to reach an agreement that will meet The City and CSEC’s needs.
A new event centre remains important to Calgary and its growth as a modern city. The new facility will be a year-round community destination attracting people, events, investment and redevelopment/revitalization. Home to the Calgary Flames and other professional sport teams, the new event centre will host global and local art and entertainment events, and be an amenity for Calgarians and visitors to enjoy.
Event Centre Committee
Event Centre Committee
On Oct. 25, 2022, as part of Council’s Organizational Meeting a new Event Centre Committee (ECC) membership was approved by Council. This Committee will continue the work already underway by the previous Committee’s members. The Event Centre Committee is comprised of five voting members:
Three Members of Council:
- Sonya Sharp; Councillor
- Andre Chabot; Councillor
- Terry Wong; Councillor
Two public members:
- Deborah Yedlin; President & CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce
- Brad Parry; President & CEO, Calgary Economic Development
The first ECC was held on April 4, 2022, at which time Councillor Sharp was confirmed as Chair and Deborah Yedlin as Vice Chair.
Third Party
Third Party
The City and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation have agreed to begin formal discussions with a fresh start towards a new event centre. We are pleased to move forward with CSEC with a collaborative approach to identify mutual interests and beneficial opportunities.
This milestone could not have happened without the efforts of the third party, whose team included Guy Huntingford, John Fisher, and Phil Swift, along with The City’s Event Centre Team and CSEC.
We are grateful for the third-party’s efforts, which has fulfilled Council’s original direction and their mandate to determine if there is a path forward to a new Event Centre with CSEC.
The Project
A new event centre remains important to Calgary and its growth as a modern city. The new facility will be a year-round community destination attracting people, events, investment and redevelopment/revitalization. Home to the Calgary Flames and other professional sport teams, the new event centre will host global and local art and entertainment events, and be an amenity for Calgarians and visitors to enjoy.
While the Saddledome has been loved by many since the 1988 Olympics, aging infrastructure, old technology, and accessibility issues have made it more difficult to attract large events. The Event Centre will be able to accommodate tours by world-leading performing artists, events and festivals.