Bold opening: Calgary’s new $1.2 billion event center isn’t just a construction site—it’s shaping up to be a game changer for the city and the Flames.
CALGARY — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman got a firsthand look at Scotia Place, the Flames’ forthcoming arena, while it’s under construction. After a tour with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and Flames ownership on Tuesday, Bettman walked away impressed by the project and its potential impact.
Despite appearances from a distance, Bettman noted the progress is more advanced than it might seem. “The building, by the way, is a lot further along than it looks, because you see the steel coming out of the ground, it doesn’t go all the way around,” he explained during a media briefing at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Flames’ current home. “There’s interior work already going on below the ground that you don’t see.” He recalled arriving at the site and first assuming little had been done, only to realize the extent of the work once inside the construction zone. “There’s a lot of work going on here, and it’s much further along than it looks.”
Bettman also praised the early research behind the project, noting that the team has examined best practices from other new arenas. “They’ve taken that into account and they’ve been able to look at best practices in terms of the layout,” he said. Scotia Place will be about twice the size of the Saddledome in total area, with more restrooms and additional amenities. In Bettman’s view, the design is thoughtful and well suited to its intended functions, which will help the venue operate smoothly once open.
The arena is slated to open in fall 2027. It’s also a contender to host events for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. Calgary and Edmonton have submitted a joint bid, though a final decision has not yet been announced. Bettman acknowledged the bid’s quality and suggested that, while he cannot declare it the winner today, it is certainly a bid that could make Calgary and its neighboring city proud. An official decision is expected in the near future, within a few weeks.
If Scotia Place hosts World Cup games, Bettman believes Calgary will excel as a host city. He highlighted the city’s strong hospitality industry and dedicated fan base, noting the inflow of tourists and the annual Stampede as indicators of its attractivity. “Millions of tourists come through here each year,” he observed. He also reflected on his personal history with Calgary, mentioning his first visit in 1988 for the Winter Olympics, and stressed that his appreciation for the city’s character and warmth remains high.
In short, the project is coming together more quickly and comprehensively than it might appear at first glance, with the potential to redefine Calgary’s sports, entertainment, and hosting capabilities—and to spark lively conversations about its role in future international events.
