Disclaimer: this article is published as an April Fool’s post and is not to be taken as accurate information.
Big news today on April 1, 2022, breaking from Calgary city council chambers. Councilors met with Calgary Sports and Entertainment (CSEC) in a secret closed-door meeting at midnight last night to negotiate, and apparently finalize, plans for the new arena.
The Saddledome is the most iconic arena in the history of sports—passing the Roman Coliseum in a vote last week—and fortunately, the new event center will be modeled identically to the existing ‘Dome, just without the roof. After an arduous process, Calgarians can finally breathe a sign of relief as construction will commence soon, and the new arena will open for the 2032–33 season—in style.
It’s a historical moment for the NHL as the Flames will be the first team to have an open-air arena. Jim Lentil, the CEO of CSEC, issued the following statement on the new plans early this morning:
We’re thrilled to be making history with our new arena. Calgary is a city that strives for innovation and ingenuity in everything we do, and this arena will add to that reputation. With climate change in full swing, we are confident that an open-air arena is the best way to showcase the best sport on earth, and allow our players to bask in the sunshine as they skate down the ice.
Why wait for the NHL to allow your team to be Chicago’s opponent in the Winter Classic when you can have every game be a winter classic?
This is an exciting moment for Calgary and the NHL.
Jim Lentil, CSEC CEO
Flames superstar and runaway Hart Trophy favourite Jimmy Badcolumn is looking forward to the new arena:
It’ll be fun!
Jimmy Badcolumn
No architectural plans have been released other than the high-quality rendering of the exterior, but plans should be released to the general public in the next few weeks. CSEC has committed to holding town halls to get the public’s opinion on plans, and ensure their voices are heard when it comes to designing the interior.
Several local establishments have announced they will have locations at the new arena, including Quinoa & Co., Blockbuster Video Rentals, and Lloyds Roller Rink.
New information will be added as it becomes available.
