© Photo courtesy the City of Calgary

CALGARY — Calgary Flames coach Ryan Huska said he believes the construction of a new events center will help the team recruit some key on-ice talent.

On Monday, the Flames’ owner group, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, along with the city of Calgary, revealed the designs for the upcoming Scotia Place events center.

Huska expressed his excitement about the upcoming building, emphasizing the incredible design, layout, and diverse architectural styles. He believed that the building would not only attract players to their hockey team but also become a desirable place for people to spend their time. The design of the building impressed him greatly, leaving him feeling excited and blown away.

I really hope we could skip ahead a bit at this moment.

After ending the previous season with a record of 38-39-5 and failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third time in four years, the Flames are now in the process of rebuilding.

Scheduled to open in the autumn of 2027, the arena is designed to accommodate a total of 18,400 fans.

© Photo courtesy the City of Calgary

Scotia Place is scheduled to be built on a 10-acre plot, located two blocks north of the current site of the Scotiabank Saddledome. The arena, which is the second-oldest in the NHL, is situated in Calgary’s Victoria Park community.

According to Alberta premier Danielle Smith, Calgary is a city that offers something for everyone throughout the year. Projects like this one aim to provide even more reasons for people to experience the city’s lively atmosphere every day. Once the revitalization is finished, Calgary will become a top contender among major cities in North America, attracting visitors for various events such as concerts and playoff games. Additionally, it will become a community hub where friends and neighbors can gather to enjoy shows, have meals, or take a leisurely walk in the Rivers District. Ultimately, Calgary will be recognized as the ultimate place to call home.

Scotia Place’s design draws inspiration from four natural elements: fire, ice, land, and air, as well as the ancestral and historical lands of Indigenous Peoples. Atop the building, a textured flame resembling fire will be prominently displayed.

In addition to that, the arena will include a subterranean community rink that can accommodate up to 1,000 individuals. Furthermore, this area will serve as a hub for a variety of public spaces.

Huska expressed his fascination with the captivating design that artfully integrated elements of fire, ice, air, and land. The underground location of the practice facility caught his attention, as did the impressive scale of the project and its seamless integration with the Stampede grounds and surrounding area. In Huska’s eyes, the development has the potential to become a vibrant festival plaza that attracts people who want to immerse themselves in its lively atmosphere.

When a new building is constructed, it’s inevitable that people will observe its progress. Whether it’s by casually passing by or viewing pictures, witnessing the development can make you feel immersed in the process. Eventually, the time will come when the building is ready for action.

I absolutely adore the Saddledome. I’ve expressed my fondness for it in the past. In my opinion, it is an exceptional venue for playing hockey. However, the appearance and layout of this arena, particularly the steepness of the stands, give me the impression that it will create an intimate atmosphere. I anticipate it will be filled with energy and noise, making it an ideal setting for thrilling hockey matches.