Calgary has earned its place among the world’s premier sports cities. From the legacy of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games to hosting professional leagues and amateur tournaments, the city boasts world-class venues, more than 300 thriving local sport organizations and a community spirit that just won’t quit.
By Angela Kryhul
Fast Facts
visitcalgary.com/sport-and-culture
Population: 1.6 million
Accommodations: 15,000+ hotel rooms
Getting here: Alberta’s largest airport, YYC Calgary International, serves more than 80 destinations worldwide.
IN THE WORKS
Set to open in late 2027, Scotia Place will be Calgary’s state-of-the-art event centre and new home of the Calgary Flames. Seating 18,400 for hockey and 20,000 for concerts, the venue will anchor the city’s Culture & Entertainment District. The Scotiabank Saddledome, in operation since 1983, will be demolished once Scotia Place opens.
At Glenmore Athletic Park, the newly redeveloped track and field features a new 400-metre, eight-lane track, natural turf field and dedicated throwing sport area. Work has begun on the $85.6-million Glenmore Twin Arena, which will replace the aging Stu Peppard Arena with two ice surfaces, spectator seating and multipurpose spaces. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2027.
Calgary’s hotel scene is poised for a major expansion. By 2030, Marriott International will introduce three flagship hotels—W Calgary (157 rooms), JW Marriott Calgary (248 rooms) and an Autograph Collection property at Stampede Park (320 rooms)—satisfying a need for additional guestrooms and meeting facilities in the city. Adding momentum, the new Element by Westin Calgary Downtown has renovated a former office tower into 226 extended-stay suites.
The City of Calgary has secured a 35-acre site near the Calgary airport for the Northeast Athletic Complex, a planned year-round sports facility. Phase one will feature Calgary’s first designated cricket field, four competition-sized artificial turf fields and community amenities, while phase two adds a modern indoor fieldhouse.
Photo: Tourism Calgary/Colin Way
Cutting Edge Venues
Home to Canada Olympic Park, the flagship legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics, WinSport offers ski and snowboard terrain, a tube park, lift-accessible mountain biking and a renowned event centre. More than a dozen sport organizations train here, supported by top facilities like the Markin MacPhail Centre, which features three NHL-sized ice rinks.
Celebrating 50 years, Spruce Meadows is one of the world’s premier equestrian facilities. Spanning over 500 acres on Calgary’s southern edge, it hosts international tournaments, including the prestigious Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, while supporting riders from novice to Olympic levels. Beyond show jumping, Spruce Meadows is home to Cavalry FC, a Canadian Premier League champion.
The Tsuut’ina Nation’s Seven Chiefs Sportsplex and Chief Jim Starlight Centre has quickly become one of Western Canada’s premier sports and event destinations. Featuring two NHL-sized ice rinks, an outdoor covered rink and a 50,000-sq.-ft. multi-use gymnasium, the property has hosted everyone from Hockey Canada to Skate Canada.
The Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary’s largest live entertainment venue, anchors the Stampede grounds with seating for over 17,000 fans. Home to the NHL’s Calgary Flames, it offers premium executive suites for groups of 16–36 guests.
Photo: Tourism Calgary/Josh Segeleski
CALGARY SPORTS TEAMS
Calgary Flames: National Hockey League; Scotiabank Saddledom
Calgary Stampeders: Canadian Football League; McMahon Stadium
Calgary Surge: Canadian Elite Basketball League; WinSport Event Centre
Cavalry FC: Canadian Premier League; ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows
Calgary Wild FC: Northern Super League; McMahon Stadium
Calgary Wranglers: American Hockey League; Scotiabank Saddledome
Calgary Hitmen: Western Hockey League; Scotiabank Saddledome
Calgary Roughnecks: National Lacrosse League; Scotiabank Saddledome
Recently Hosted and Coming Soon
2026 Grey Cup: November 15, 2026; McMahon Stadium
2026 BKT World Women’s Curling Championship: March 14-22, 2026; WinSport Event Centre
2025 Centennial Cup: May 8-18, 2025; Max Bell Centre
2024 Indoor Pan American Cup: March 19-22, 2024; Seven Chiefs Sportsplex
2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games: February 27 to March 2, 2024; WinSport, Confederation Park Golf Course, Seven Chiefs Sportsplex, Olympic Oval, Nutrien Western Event Centre and other locations
Published October 2025
