Calgary Municipal Land Corporation has announced the prime design consultant, construction management and specialty firms selected to lead the design and construction of Calgary’s new Event Centre, which will help catalyze the organization’s vision for Calgary’s Culture & Entertainment District.
DIALOG and HOK have come together as partners to create a world-class destination that will elevate the spectator, athlete and performer experience in Calgary, Alberta, building on the potential of the Rivers District Master Plan.
The DIALOG + HOK partnership blends local experience in leading the design of iconic Calgary projects like the Central Library and the new Cancer Centre. The team’s sports expertise includes the design of notable projects including Little Caesars Arena in Detroit and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. DIALOG + HOK were selected based on their combined relevant expertise for projects of this scale, thoughtful understanding of the guiding principles of the project and connection to how the Event Centre will contribute to and fit within the area supporting a vibrant Culture & Entertainment District.
To manage the complex construction delivery of the C$550 million project, local construction firm CANA Construction partnered with Mortenson Construction. Together, the team has in-depth local knowledge and vast experience in construction of sports and entertainment venues across North America.
“The Event Centre will be a year-round entertainment facility that will serve as an extraordinary civic amenity for Calgarians and visitors to enjoy for generations to come,” said Kate Thompson, president and CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. “First and foremost, we were looking for a team to work alongside us for the next five years. We’re confident in our selection of DIALOG + HOK and CANA + Mortenson based on their collective experience, capabilities and understanding of how to deliver a venue that demonstrates Calgary’s pride and spirit.”
Specialty consultant teams selected to support the structural, mechanical and electrical requirements for the project include:
• Structural engineering: Entuitive + Thornton Tomasetti
• Electrical engineering: DIALOG + ME + Designcore
• Mechanical engineering: Remedy + ME
“As we move forward with the development of this facility, we are confident this project team brings the experience, leadership and ambition to realize the full potential of what the Event Centre provides Calgary,” said John Bean, president and CEO, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. “With their experience of large-scale sports and entertainment facilities, we know that Calgary’s new Event Centre will be a source of civic pride for many years to come.”
Fundamental principles for the project describe not only the importance of a premier sport and entertainment venue, but a careful integration of how the facility fosters active community spaces surrounding the facility and integration into the vision for Calgary’s Culture & Entertainment District. The goal for the design of the Event Centre is to balance the needs and expectations of various sporting leagues, while providing the flexibility and adaptability to host myriad entertainment, cultural and commercial events. This project will serve as the anchor for the surrounding district with neighboring amenities like the soon-to-be expanded BMO Centre.
“The Event Centre is one of several significant infrastructure projects to which the City has made a significant city-building and financial commitment,” said Stuart Dalgleish, general manager, planning and development, City of Calgary and Event Centre steering committee member. “The work these teams have been entrusted to do will contribute significantly to the Culture & Entertainment District and have a lasting impact on our city.”
Fusing collaboration with expertise, the DIALOG + HOK team will provide diverse design thinking that will challenge assumptions, explore alternatives and seek fresh opportunities.
“Our passion for collaboration and combined experience in providing state-of-the-art design solutions, backed by thorough technical sport and entertainment expertise, will create an unparalleled visitor experience,” said Rob Adamson, principal, DIALOG. “Our design team is proud to have the capacity and experience to tailor the design of the Event Centre with the needs of Calgarians at the forefront. We are committed to this project team and look forward to working alongside our partners to successfully deliver this project.”
With the PDC and CM teams now in place, the firms will work on the concept design of the facility, considering the fundamental principles of the project set forth by the City of Calgary, CMLC and CSEC, aligning with the Rivers District Master Plan, Area Redevelopment Plan and public engagement findings.
Construction of the Event Centre is set to begin in August 2021, with completion slated for May 2024.