BOLD VISION FOR FUTURE
The Calgary Flames are getting closer to outlining their ambitions for a new arena to replace the aging Saddledome in what’s a hat trick of sorts. Club CEO Ken King shared the plans with Mayor Naheed Nenshi last month, who then laid them out for councillors earlier this week. It’s an ambitious vision that features three elements in the West Village: a new hockey arena and a football stadium that would also serve as an amateur sports field house. Facilities for track meets, indoor soccer and other amateur sports have long been at the top of community groups’ wish list, so the inclusion of a field house is certain to increase the project’s appeal among Calgarians.
“A multi- sport facility is needed in this town and, I think, if they can be the ones to bring it to the table and get it done, it looks good on them as well,” said Jason Zaran, incoming chairman of the Calgary Multisport Fieldhouse Society.
Zaran’s group has been working with the city’s recreation department on a $ 202- million proposal for Foothills Athletic Park, just north of McMahon Stadium — a facility that would be financed with tax dollars. Including the field house in the Flames’ proposal could provide the level of public benefit that Nenshi has said is necessary for the city to consider becoming a partner with the Flames ownership. There are other ways the city can help beyond money, of course — by providing some land, for instance.
Most Calgarians want to avoid the style of negotiations that Edmonton city council engaged in, taking on ever- larger amounts of debt for the construction of its city’s new $ 480- million arena. It’s evident, however, that new amenities — ones that provide more suitable homes for the Calgary Flames, Calgary Hitmen and Calgary Stampeders, among other teams owned by the management group — would be an asset to Calgary.
Traffic congestion and environmental cleanup would have to be addressed, but the project would put an end to major musical groups bypassing Calgary because of the Saddledome’s distinctive roof, which prevents the staging of elaborate sets.
It’s to be hoped the Flames’ new home includes features that make it a must- see meeting place, rather than an unimaginative grouping of sports venues.
The ownership group, which includes some of Calgary’s most generous philanthropists, has hinted at a bold vision, so there’s every reason to believe it will live up to expectations when details are formally released. The project would be a tremendous source of pride and economic development for all of southern Alberta.