Scotia Place name unveiled as work begins on new $800M arena for Calgary Flames

globalnews.ca:

Calgary Flames hockey team.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek joined others Monday picking up a chrome shovel to symbolically turn the sod to launch the multi-year process to replace one of the NHL’s oldest arenas.The new building — to be named Scotia Place — is being built in the shadow of the Saddledome and its iconic saddle-shaped concave roof.“Today is a big day for Calgary. After a decade of talking, Calgary is breaking ground on a new events centre…a project that promises to become a cornerstone of our sports and entertainment district,” said city councillor Sonya Sharp, the chair of the committee overseeing the project.“This is a place where dreams will be realized, where champions will be made and our community will come together to celebrate, to be entertained and to enjoy.”The arena is part of a new $1.2-billion event centre and entertainment district near the city’s downtown.The project plan includes plazas and gathering places, bars, restaurants and retail shops, with the main event centre hosting the NHL team along with other sports, concerts and events.The facility, with a seating capacity of 18,400, is expected to be completed in 2027.

At that time the Saddledome will face the wrecking ball.In addition to the sod ceremony, new images of the arena were released.Bill Johnson, with the design firm HOK, said there was a lot of consultation with Indigenous groups.“I think the best buildings tell stories and narratives. It was important for us to come up with a story that resonated with this place,” Johnson said.A striking feature of the building is the central structure with a textured flame motif that emulates a home fire, which is accentuated when it is lit at night.“We came up with