CalgaryNEXT plan unveiled for new arena, fieldhouse and multi use complex

Season ticket holders and the general public had their first look at the highly anticipated CalgaryNEXT project which includes a new arena for the Flames and Hitmen and a stadium for the Stampeders.

The official news conference was at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, but ticket holders got a sneak preview, during a meeting with the team at Stampede Park earlier in the day.

CalgaryNEXT also has a website set up, providing visuals for the complete complex.

Looking east, toward the Downtown Core.

According to Flames President and CEO Ken King, the project would cost $890 million dollars if the project is built all together, but would be upwards of $1.2 billion if built separately. He spoke about how the area, on the south side of the Bow river is out of a flood zone, stating how the area was not affected by the 2013 floods.

The complex could have around 19,000 – 20,000 seats for hockey and lacrosse; 30,000 for football.

The multisport field centre will be able to hold a FIFA regulation pitch and a CFL regulation football field in a single configurable space.

There will also be space for court sports like volleyball, basketball, and badminton. Additionally, there will be spots for track and field athletes and a spot for training.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi posted his take Tuesday afternoon:

The following is a statement from Mayor Naheed Nenshi regarding the “CalgaryNext” announcement made earlier today:

Today, the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (the company that owns the Calgary Flames and Stampeders, among other professional sports teams) released an intriguing proposal for a new arena, sports fieldhouse, and football stadium. This project has been in the works for some time, and I am pleased that the Flames ownership group is now engaging the public on what they would like to see. I also appreciate that the ownership group has come forward with a definitive financial commitment—something that has rarely been seen in other cities.

However, there are a number of challenges that must now be addressed:

The proposal has not been part of The City’s comprehensive capital planning process, and does not form part of the plan, under which the City’s capital funds are fully allocated through 2018.
The proposal includes incorporating The City’s proposed (and much-needed) fieldhouse into the facility. However, that project, while a very high priority for the City, remains unfunded.
The funding proposal includes a $250 million “ticket tax”, but it is unclear if The City will be asked to provide the upfront financing for this.
The proposed site requires significant expenditures to remediate the environmental contamination there. That remediation is also unfunded.
In addition, the proposal requires the contribution of land, a community revitalization levy and significant investments in infrastructure to make the West Village a complete and vibrant community.
Therefore, there are very significant requirements for public funding beyond the fieldhouse funding, and there is currently no money.

I have said for a long time—and continue to strongly believe—that public money must be for public benefit and not private profit. The question for Council, the ownership group, and all Calgarians is whether this proposal meets that test.

That said, I truly appreciate the efforts of the ownership group in bringing forward an innovative project in a thoughtful, professional, and ethical way. I firmly believe that these Calgarians want to do something exceptional for our community.

City Council will ensure that that there is significant public engagement and will work cooperatively with the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation and the other orders of government to determine whether this project is viable.

One season ticket holder was asked by 660 NEWS if he is concerned about a ticket tax.

“No, let’s face it, every year something goes up. You can’t go to a grocery store if it doesn’t go up,” said Jim Huntley.

Ward 5 Councillor Ray Jones said he is excited about what this could mean for the city.

He was, however, unsure about what this could mean for the taxpayer.

“Where we do we find the money, or how do we re-allocate money to put it into this kind of project?” Jones stated, “I mean, based on the presentation, it was a great presentation.”

Those inside the Boyce Theatre on the Stampede grounds were told not to get too far ahead of themselves as this project could still be years before it becomes a reality.

Ken King confirmed Tuesday afternoon that it would take three years to complete, once shovels hit the ground.

Check out what people are tweeting from the event (may not be safe for work):

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