Scotia Place construction passes halfway point, on track for fall 2027
The $926M arena is 95% committed on costs, with roof installation underway and weather-tight status expected by year-end.
Scotia Place's $926 million construction is now more than halfway complete and holding both schedule and budget, city administration reported Tuesday to council.
Roof installation is underway, and the building is expected to be watertight by the end of this year. Project lead Bob Hunter said the 18,400-seat arena is on pace for a fall 2027 opening.
"We're 95 per cent now committed on buying out the project, so most of the challenges financially are behind us," Hunter said. "We've managed the tariff issue pretty regularly, but we feel confident we're right on the number."
The project broke ground in July 2024 and will anchor Calgary's Culture and Entertainment District, with a 450-stall parkade and public plazas. About 800 workers are on site now; that number will grow to 1,200 to 1,300 in coming months.
City administration identified risks tied to the "aggressive" schedule and market volatility, but said early procurement and scope adjustments have mitigated those challenges. Mayor Jeromy Farkas said he's encouraged by the progress despite "heavy trade winds," including the U.S.-Canada trade dispute.
The broader investment picture is also bright. More than $1 billion has been invested in the surrounding area, with an additional $1.47 billion in private investment for nearby hotels. When the doors finally open next year, the Dome will be the centrepiece of one of the city's biggest cultural and economic bets.