Major development for the Flames

DAY

The Calgary Flames will soon have a new amphitheater, leaving behind the old Scotiabank Saddledome after more than four decades. 

The organization and the Alberta city made the announcement on Tuesday the construction of an event center that will serve, among other things, as the home of the National Hockey League (NHL) team. This will succeed the dilapidated Saddledome which opened its doors in 1983. 

This new project will see the day thanks to the collaboration between the group owning the Flames, the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), the City and the province. Calgary will pay $537.3 million, the Flames $356 million and Alberta $330 million, for a total of $1.2 billion. 

Here's the breakdown of who's paying for what. #yyc #yyccc #calgary pic.twitter.com/FISaox6ESD

— Darren Krause (@LiveWire_DK) April 25, 2023

As of now, no build date and location have been announced as the partners have only agreed to tentative agreements.  

Many people wanted the Flames to move out of the Saddledome, the NHL's third-oldest arena. A $630 million project – just for the amphitheater – which had been studied for several years was officially shelved in January 2022. 

This entertainment center will also have a zone commercial space and a community ice rink. It is also expected to serve as the home of the Hitmen (WHL), Roughnecks (National Lacrosse League) and Wranglers (AHL). 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said incidentally took part in the press conference wearing a Flames jersey. An Edmonton Oilers fan, she was nevertheless happy for Calgary. 

“Calgary is not the same without the Flames, and Alberta is not the same without the Battle of Alberta. […] I know it's a great day for the Flames, but 'Let's go Oilers,'” she joked. NHL Gary Bettman has been kept up to date on developments and would now consider the city of Calgary for hosting a future All-Star Game or Draft.