Alberta has major venue developments underway in both Edmonton and Calgary that are designed to accommodate a growing population, attract major national and international events, and strengthen the province’s position as a premier destination for live entertainment and tourism.
Two major venue developments in Edmonton are set to expand the city’s capacity to host concerts, festivals, conferences, sporting events, and community celebrations while supporting downtown revitalization and tourism.
One of the most significant developments is the proposed Event Park in the ICE District. Planned for the current Fan Park site adjacent to Rogers Place, the project will create a modern indoor-outdoor entertainment venue capable of hosting concerts, cultural festivals, sporting celebrations, and year-round community events. In 2026, OEG Sports & Entertainment and the City of Edmonton selected Dialog and HNTB as the lead design team, marking the beginning of the project’s design phase.
By expanding the entertainment offerings in the ICE District, the project aims to boost economic activity for nearby restaurants, hotels, and businesses.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the venue envisioned as a vibrant public gathering space that complements Rogers Place and strengthens Edmonton’s downtown entertainment district. Completion is expected in 2029.
A major cultural project underway is the Winspear Centre Expansion, which will add more than 50,000 square feet of new space. The Francis Winspear Centre for Music is undergoing a $115-million expansion to its building. It will add new immersive spaces for conferences, rehearsals, and corporate events, and feature a new outdoor plaza. Key additions include: the 550-seat Music Box performance hall, new classrooms and studios, and vibrant community gathering areas. The new venue will offer broader programming with the potential to attract conferences, festivals, community organizations and corporate users.
Clark Builders delivered the structural and exterior package. Ledcor is overseeing the complex interior build-out. Project completion is expected before the end of 2027.
In Calgary, Scotia Place is currently under construction in the Culture + Entertainment District. The modern arena will replace the aging Scotiabank Saddledome and serve as the future home of the NHL’s Calgary Flames.
Designed by Dialog and HOK, Scotia Place is intended to serve as a year-round venue capable of hosting concerts, conventions, family shows, and community events. The broader district includes new public plazas, transportation improvements, a community rink, and enhanced pedestrian connections, creating a vibrant downtown destination that extends well beyond game days.
Construction began in 2024, with the arena expected to open before the 2027–28 NHL season. The overall project represents an investment of more than $1 billion in Calgary’s downtown revitalization efforts.
