Calgary Flames Prepare for Transition to New Scotia Place Arena

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The Calgary Flames are set to open their final season at the Saddledome, with plans to move to Scotia Place next year. The new arena will enhance community engagement and expand event capabilities.

CALGARY, ALTA. — A significant shift is impending for Calgary's NHL team, the Flames, as they gear up for their final season at the Saddledome, which has housed the team for 43 years. The Flames will transition to Scotia Place, located just across the street, starting next year. The opening of the new venue is set for October 1, 2026. Robert Hayes, president and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), acknowledged the emotional weight of the move, stating, 'It’s emotional for people. We’re going to leave this building…and moving into a really cool new place. I think there will be new emotions as you go into a new building.' The construction of Scotia Place is well underway, with the completion of its 7,760-tonne steel frame reached earlier this month. CSEC plays a pivotal role in the $1.2 billion project, contributing as the second-largest investor after the city.
The financing for Scotia Place involves significant commitments: the city has pledged $537 million, CSEC has allocated $356 million, and the province is contributing $330 million. As the prime tenant, CSEC will continue to host three hockey teams and a lacrosse team at the new arena, which is designed to accommodate 18,400 spectators for hockey games, with the capacity expandable to 20,000 for concerts. The facility will also include a 1,000-seat community arena, various indoor and outdoor community plazas, and a parking garage.
Under the terms of a 35-year lease, CSEC is set to pay the city $17 million annually, with a one-percent increase each year. The organization plans to honor the history of the Saddledome as they transition the Flames and their fans into the new arena during the upcoming season. Calgary has already been designated as a co-host for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, alongside Edmonton and Prague, which underscores the significance of the new venue in the sporting landscape.
Hayes expressed his vision for Scotia Place, emphasizing its potential to serve the community beyond just hockey events. He remarked, 'In the new building we’re going to be, from a North American perspective, No. 1 in what you can do in the building.' The facility is expected to host a variety of events, including concerts, figure skating, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and indoor track and field—activities that the current Saddledome cannot adequately support.
He further stressed the importance of catering to Calgary's diverse population, suggesting that the new venue could host various sports and activities that appeal to different community groups. The accessibility of Scotia Place is also a key advantage, as it will feature at-grade entrances making it more navigable for individuals using mobility aids, unlike the multi-level design of the Saddledome.
The Flames, while the cornerstone of CSEC's operations, are undergoing a transformative phase with a focus on youth and rebuilding after missing the playoffs for four consecutive seasons. Hayes noted, 'Winning team, that makes everybody a lot happier and from my perspective, it drives ticket sales and those sorts of things going into the new building.' He remained optimistic about the team's future, highlighting the efforts of general manager Craig Conroy and his management team in steering the team toward a competitive direction as they prepare for the move to Scotia Place.

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