Exclusive: Calgary’s new arena to have western design

The Calgary Flames are slated to move into their new home in the summer of 2024. While the announcement of the primary architect has been delayed somewhat by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, FlamesNation has exclusively learned a key element that potential designers have been told to include – the building is required to be shaped like a cowboy hat.

The Flames’ original home, the Stampede Corral, retain many of the same design elements as actual horse barns – including a boxy shape and barn-like roof. Their current home, the Scotiabank Saddledome, is famous world-wide for its saddle-shaped roof – the actual architectural term is “reverse hyperbolic paraboloid” – the same general shape as a Pringles potato chip.

With the demolition of the Saddledome written in as part of the agreement for the new arena, one of the most common concerns shared with the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation during public engagement was the loss of the iconic roof within the city’s downtown skyline. Seeking to placate the masses, a recommendation was made leading into the bid process to require a western design element – more precisely, a cowboy hat shaped arena.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, City Hall sources explained the rationale.

Fools, indeed.

Groundbreaking for the new Flames arena is scheduled for July 2021, with the new building slated to open for operation in May or June 2024. Announcement of the primary architect for the building is expected to be made sometime this spring.