City of Calgary seeks bids to study feasibility of a major stadium project

The City of Calgary is seeking third-party assistance to assess the feasibility of constructing a new outdoor stadium, as discussions around the future of McMahon Stadium continue. The city has issued bids for two contracts aimed at evaluating the market, financial and operational aspects of a proposed major sports and event facility project. If successful, the study is expected to be completed and the contracts awarded in October, with an estimated cost of $875,000.

McMahon Stadium, home to the CFL's Calgary Stampeders and the University of Calgary Dinos, has been in operation for 66 years. However, its future remains uncertain due to mounting costs associated with maintaining the aging facility. The stadium is set to host the 113th Grey Cup game later this year, despite ongoing issues such as a $1 million sewage and water problem that nearly put the building at risk of failure.

Steve Allan, with the McMahon Stadium Society, emphasized the need for modern facilities, stating that "we have a desperate need for facilities and McMahon Stadium is way beyond its best before date." The feasibility study aims to help city officials make informed decisions regarding the future of McMahon Stadium and broader stadium-related infrastructure.

Simultaneously, the Calgary Stampede and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation are evaluating bids to study the feasibility of multipurpose usage for the GMC Stadium. The 17,000 seat stadium on Stampede Park currently hosts rodeo and chuckwagon races during the 10-day event, with upgrades part of the Calgary Stampede's 20-year master plan.

Jim Laurendeau, the Stampede's executive vice-president of park development and operations, stated that the proposal seems feasible due to the existing half of a CFL stadium on the site, but any future plans must minimize impacts on the track, particularly considering animal safety.

Allan noted that the feasibility study will help determine the actions of other organizations moving forward, particularly regarding the university's plans to build its own stadium for varsity sports. The city's contract work is described as early-stage due diligence, not representing a decision or commitment to build a new facility.

Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas acknowledged the need for new sports facilities as the city continues to grow, expressing support for the project and emphasizing the importance of a return on public investment, including commercial spaces or housing.