Huge update on Flames’ new arena deal that fans never expected

It’s been a roller-coaster ride in Calgary when it comes to the arena and the need for a new one. In January 2022, it was confirmed that the Flames would continue playing in the Scotiabank Saddledome indefinitely as the agreement the team had with the city of Calgary to build a new $634 million arena was terminated. The Flames have a lease with the city to operate the building until 2033.

The Flames have been playing at the Scotiabank Saddledome since 1983. However, back in July 2019, city counsel approved the project for the new arena, with then-Mayor Naheed Nenshi adamant that the deal provided “a great balance of social and financial return” for the city. It then all fell apart - much like the roof of the Saddledome! A report from CBC recently pointed to damage in the roof and got the city and its fanbase worried.

But on Wednesday, it’s been reported by Jason Herring of the Calgary Herald and Sun that “the City of Calgary and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation have agreed to restart formal discussions on a new arena deal.”

Still per Herring, "in a news release, CSEC president and CEO John Bean says: “All parties share a collective desire to see a new event centre constructed in Calgary. We look forward to discussions with The City to see if we can find an acceptable path forward.”

“The city says the third party appointed to facilitate communication between the city and CSEC has fulfilled its mandate. City now represented by CAA ICON, a consulting firm which specializes in public private sports entertainment venue deals.”

This is a welcomed but unexpected update for the Flames and their fans as the team kicked off its 39th season in the Saddledome, the second-oldest in the NHL behind the New York Rangers’ Madison Square Garden.

This will get fans excited as everyone hopes the mediator will get both parties on board and settled on a new deal for a brand new arena.