The Calgary Stampede, together with Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), is breaking ground on the new facility on Stampede Park—a $500M project in Calgary’s developing Culture + Entertainment District.
The Calgary Stampede and CMLC chose the design team in Spring 2019 and revealed the facility’s transformative design in June 2020, followed by construction of Hall F through the summer of last year. Crews have worked to prepare the site with extensive utilities upgrades and demolition work over the past year, readying the convention centre for its 560,000 square foot expansion.
”The BMO Centre expansion will provide state of the art facilities for community engagement and economic benefit through job creation and tourism,” says Steve McDonough, President & Chairman of the Calgary Stampede. “The expansion will anchor Calgary on the international map as a leading convention host, attracting larger conventions and meetings to our province.”
Designed by Stantec/Populous/S2 Architecture, the building’s design will dramatically transform the Calgary skyline. Beyond being significantly larger than the existing BMO Centre offering double the rentable space, the new facility will reflect, inside and out, today’s best practices in convention facility design.
The project is funded through equal contributions from three orders of government and provides opportunity for economic diversification and job creation in Calgary and the surrounding region.
“Today is a very special day for the Stantec, Populous, S2 teams, as we celebrate an important milestone in the BMO Centre Expansion,” says lead architect Léo Lejeune, senior principal, Stantec. “The project’s design reflects the traditional history of the area, and the surrounding landscape – creating a stunning gathering place where people can connect and experience the best Calgary has to offer in the Culture + Entertainment District. Our team’s careful attention to the design of the architecture, the interiors and the landscaped public realm – we are confident this project is an example of world-class place-making at its finest.”
“The Calgary Stampede’s history goes back over 100 years, and it’s wonderful to see ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ continue to grow and adapt with the times and needs of Calgary, Alberta, and Canada,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The Government of Canada is proud to support an investment of $500M for the expansion of the BMO Centre at Stampede Park. Today’s groundbreaking is the next step in this important project which will create good jobs and reinforce Calgary’s position as a top convention destination. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
“It is exciting to celebrate the groundbreaking of the BMO Centre expansion today, and what it means for Alberta’s largest city. This incredible $500 million project will help create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefits, as our world-class city delivers a world-class expo and convention centre. This is an important step in our economic recovery, and demonstrates the optimism, hard work, vision and entrepreneurial spirit that makes Calgary the heart of the west,” says Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.
Following the groundbreaking, visitors to Stampede Park can expect to see a significant increase in construction activity on site. This work coincides with other major projects underway in the district, including the 17th Avenue SE extension, Victoria Park/Stampede LRT station improvements, a revamped Stampede Trail retail corridor and the new Event Centre, all integral components of the master plan vision for the area.
When it opens in 2024, the BMO Centre will be the largest convention facility in western Canada.
