Proposed $380M multi-sport fieldhouse clears next hurdle at Calgary city hall

Calgary's Multi-Sport Fieldhouse Committee unanimously endorsed the proposed mix of amenities and a move to the design phase for the long-awaited fieldhouse project.

Calgary’s proposed multi-sport fieldhouse has been given the green light from a city committee to move to the next stage, following a study to determine what type of amenities the facility would offer.

The city’s multi-sport fieldhouse committee voted unanimously Monday in favour of the mix of amenities and allowing the project to proceed to the design phase, but it still requires final approval by city council as a whole.

The results of the amenity refinement study is similar to what was proposed back in March, including a track and field area with a 200-metre hydraulic track and separate 130-metre 10-lane sprint track, gymnasia with a feature court, six regular courts and two multi-activity courts, and an indoor artificial turf field.

Supporting infrastructure, such as change rooms, team rooms and seating, as well as ancillary spaces like a fitness area, food services, daycare space and commercial space, are also included in the proposal.

City administration surveyed more than 130 sports groups and representatives to determine the list of facilities the fieldhouse would need to include.

Multi-Sport Fieldhouse Committee chair and Ward 3 Coun. Jasmine Mian said the facility’s design would need to strike a balance to ensure all the needs are met.

“I think administration has the tough job of bringing forward the best possible compromise between all of it, while making sure it’s specific enough to meet people’s needs but not so broad and flexible that it doesn’t meet anyone’s particular needs,” Mian told reporters.

The report pegged the estimated cost at $380 million but administration noted that figure is in 2027 dollars and also includes costs to demolish Foothills Stadium, which currently sits on the site.