Calgary Unveils Design for New Scotia Place Event Centre

CALGARY – The City of Calgary has officially unveiled the design for its new event centre, now known as Scotia Place. This exciting announcement was made alongside the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, commonly referred to as CSEC.

The architectural vision for Scotia Place is deeply rooted in the city’s past, showcasing elements that resonate with the ancestral land of Indigenous Peoples. The design pays homage to the rich cultural significance of the site, emphasizing that this structure will serve as a gathering place for all Calgarians.

The new arena aims to reflect the natural beauty of Calgary and its surroundings, aligning with themes derived from the four elements of nature: fire, ice, land, and air. A remarkable feature of the building is the central structure, which boasts a textured flame motif reminiscent of a home fire, symbolizing warmth and community.

«When you consider that Calgary is already the envy of other cities with a new world-class convention centre in the heart of the Culture + Entertainment District, the addition of Scotia Place is another signal to investors that our city understands how to build a future that leverages hospitality and hosting as its core strengths,» stated Mayor Jyoti Gondek during the reveal.

The anticipated opening date for Scotia Place is set for fall 2027. This venue is positioned to become a hallmark attraction within Calgary’s emerging Culture + Entertainment District, designed not just as a building but as a vibrant space for community and connection.

The 10-acre site will include various amenities such as a community rink, multiple outdoor and indoor plazas, four restaurants, and a dedicated store for the Calgary Flames. There will also be future development opportunities, promising to support the approximately 8,000 residents expected to inhabit this new downtown neighborhood.

Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, highlighted Calgary’s long-standing tradition of hosting significant events that attract visitors and stimulate the local economy. She noted, «With construction on the Calgary Rivers District and Event Centre now underway, Calgary is one step closer to a revitalized downtown that will bring new energy into the city.»

The project has reached a significant milestone, as a development permit application was submitted on July 19, 2024. This application is a critical step, representing the collaborative efforts of architectural teams including CAA ICON and HOK–DIALOG, along with construction partners CANA and Mortenson.

«This is an important day for Calgary,» remarked Councillor Sonya Sharp, who chairs the Event Centre Committee. She emphasized that the event centre goes beyond mere architectural design; it symbolizes a place for building memories through concerts, sports, and community activities.

CSEC’s President and CEO, Robert Hayes, echoed these sentiments, stating that the new venue will embody the spirit of connection within the Calgary community. He expressed gratitude toward the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta for their support, indicating that Scotia Place is a culmination of dedication and passion from all participants involved.

Aris Bogdaneris, Group Head of Canadian Banking at Scotiabank, emphasized the importance of the partnerships formed throughout this project, noting that Scotia Place is poised to become a premier sports and entertainment venue in Alberta. He expressed pride in the longstanding collaboration between Scotiabank and CSEC, aiming to create unforgettable experiences for fans and patrons alike.

Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen reaffirmed the importance of building infrastructure to support Calgarians, stating, «Albertans expect basic infrastructure to be maintained and improved, and this commitment from the province goes a long way in helping Calgary build these projects.»

Significantly, the design process involved extensive consultation with an Indigenous Advisory Group, consisting of representatives from Treaty 7 Nations, the Métis Nation of Alberta, and the Urban Indigenous community. A core message echoed by the group during the design discussions was, “Come in, there is room,” which underscored the necessity for Scotia Place to be inviting and accommodating to all.

The planning includes public plazas designed to honor Indigenous connections to the land, featuring cultural representations such as the tipi and elements of Alberta’s renowned natural environment. Important design choices have also been made to ensure that the event and ice surface are lowered, providing seamless movement between the curb, the primary concourse, and outdoor plazas.

Doug Cinnamon, a Partner Architect at DIALOG, expressed enthusiasm over joining forces with HOK to affect this transformation. He stated that the goals are not just focused on architectural beauty; they include public realm activation, integration of Indigenous influences, sustainability, and creating vibrant spaces for everyone.

Scotia Place represents a transformative investment for Calgary’s future within the Culture + Entertainment District. Envisioned to be an energy-efficient facility with designs aimed at achieving net-zero by 2050, the arena is set to serve the growing community for years to come.

Construction is set to commence this week, marking the beginning of what officials believe will be a pivotal chapter in Calgary’s urban journey. Those interested in more details about Scotia Place, including images and FAQs, can find up-to-date information on the city’s official platforms.