The centre designed by Stantec, Populous and S2 Architecture is valued at $500 million.
Dana Peers, President & Chairman of the Calgary Stampede Board, said, “The innovative design unveiled today—its inspiring architecture and enticing spaces—will draw community members and visitors alike, day after day, year after year.”
As per the news release, the design adds over 1 million square feet of total floor space, including 350,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, and more than double its current rentable area.
Calgary Stampede says the expanded BMO Centre will sustain thousands of jobs—both during construction and after it’s complete, and significantly boost both business and leisure tourism to Calgary and the province as a whole for years to come.
In 2019, the Calgary Stampede contributed $700M to Canada’s economy with $540M of that staying in Alberta—not including the construction activities associated with the expansion. Post-construction, the BMO Centre will add another $223M to Alberta’s economy and support 1,757 full-year jobs – 90 per cent of which will stay in Calgary.
The BMO Centre expansion is significant also for being a keystone project set to catalyze the transformation of east Victoria Park into Calgary’s Culture & Entertainment District.
Jason Kenny, Premier of Alberta, said “This exciting project will not only enhance the world-class infrastructure in Calgary but will create jobs in this city when they are needed most. Once complete, this upgrade will continue to positively impact the Calgary economy, as conventions and events from around the world take advantage of the BMO Centre, creating jobs and supporting the hospitality sector.”
Calgary Stampede is cancelled for the first time in almost a century due to COVID-19.