The Flames could potentially have a new home

There could be a chance to revive the new arena plans for Calgary, with Calgary and the Flames talking about a new arena again.

The City of Calgary confirmed on Wednesday that Calgary Sport and Entertainment Corporation has re-entered negotiations for a new building.

"We’re at the beginning of an important stage," said Councillor Sonya Sharp, Chair of the Event Centre Committee. "A new event centre for our city will attract investment and international events. It will have enormous benefits for visitors and for Calgarians. We look forward to working with CSEC for our mutual benefit and for a result that works for everyone."

Late last year the previous deal agreed upon in 2019 collapsed when the estimated cost of the project rose and the Flames withdrew.

According to the release from The City of Calgary, CSEC has agreed time is of the essence to reach a formal agreement on a new event centre while ensuring they take the time necessary to reach an agreement that will meet The City and CSEC’s needs.

"I must emphasize this point," said Stuart Dalgleish, General Manager of Planning and Development Services for The City. "We must do this right, which means we will need space and we will need time to work on a successful agreement. We will be keeping our discussions confidential and reporting to the Event Centre Committee when the time is right."

With CSEC and The City now entering formal discussions, The City’s third party have fulfilled their mandate and their work has concluded. Moving forward, The City will now be represented by CAA ICON, who are experts in structuring deals for major sports and entertainment venues in North America and Europe. CAA ICON will have local support from Altus Group’s Calgary office.

"This new team has the right expertise to get the best outcome possible for Calgary," said Sharp. "Our environment has changed quite a bit over the past couple years. With everything we have learned, I am confident that CAA ICON representing The City is our best path forward and reflects how important this project is."

The city press release expressed that a new event centre remains important to Calgary and its growth, with the facility being a year-round community destination attracting people, events, investment and redevelopment/revitalization.

"Home to the Calgary Flames and other professional sports teams, the new event centre will host global and local art and entertainment events, and be an amenity for Calgarians and visitors to enjoy."

Construction on the new facility was originally scheduled for this year, a new 19,000-seat hockey arena and concert venue was set to replace the Saddledome, which has been the home of the Flames for 39 years.

The original estimate for the new facility was $550 million, which was to be split between the two parties, however, that figure increased to $634 million prior to the deal falling apart in 2021. 

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