The Calgary Flames’ future home is rising fast-and it’s starting to look every bit like the NHL arena it’s destined to become.
Scotia Place, the long-anticipated new home for the Flames, broke ground in the summer of 2024. Since then, it’s gone from a dirt lot to a steel-framed structure that’s beginning to resemble a full-fledged hockey venue. And if the latest updates are any indication, the project is charging ahead with serious momentum.
At the end of January, the team behind Scotia Place shared a series of construction updates on social media, giving fans a closer look at the progress. The most striking development?
The structural steel is now in place, outlining the arena’s overall shape. It’s no longer just a concept-this thing is real, and it’s rising fast.
Inside the arena, precast concrete work is underway. That’s a big deal, because it marks the beginning of the inner bowl construction-the guts of the building where fans will actually sit and experience the game.
As CANA construction manager Stewart Kohnen explained, “The precast comprises of the walls, floors, and seating area that the fans will actually sit on during the games. It takes the building from a skeleton into an overall functional arena facility.”
To get there, crews are hauling in thousands of precast pieces-more than 900 truckloads worth-from central Alberta. It’s a massive logistical operation, but so far, the build has been running with impressive efficiency. That’s good news for Flames fans eager to see their team skate into a brand-new barn.
Looking ahead, construction is expected to keep moving at a brisk pace throughout the year. Structural steel work will continue, and the building envelope-the outer shell of the arena-is set to go up soon. Once that’s in place, the roof will follow, and interior work will start to pick up speed.
But Scotia Place isn’t just about NHL hockey. The facility is being designed as a true community hub.
One of the standout features will be an outdoor gathering space with a massive viewing screen-the future home of the Flames’ beloved Red Lot. If you’ve ever seen the playoff energy that place brings, you know how important that space will be to the fan experience.
Inside, the project includes a community arena with rentable ice time for local teams and rec leagues. It’ll seat up to 1,000 people, giving Calgary’s hockey community a fresh place to skate, train, and compete.
There’s still plenty of work left before the doors open, but as of now, Scotia Place is right on track for a grand debut in time for the 2027-28 NHL season. And when it does open, it won’t just be a new home for the Flames-it’ll be a new heartbeat for Calgary’s hockey scene.