University of Calgary pursuing on-campus replacement for McMahon Stadium not fit for Stampeders

Photo courtesy: Calgary Dinos

The University of Calgary will seek bids for the construction of a new “fit-for-varsity” stadium to replace McMahon, according to a report from Global News.

The institution is eyeing proposals for a 3,500 to 7,000-seat venue, with a seasonal dome for year-round use. It would host multiple Dinos field sports, including football, soccer, and rugby, while also being open to public use. $21 million has already been fundraised to support the project thanks to Dinos 5th Quarter, the football alumni group.

“We’ve known for some time that the Dinos will outlive McMahon Stadium,” the dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Nick Holt, said. “We need a long-term solution to ensure the future of Dinos programming.”

The Calgary Stampeders, who currently share McMahon Stadium with the Dinos, are not a part of the proposed new venue, which would be smaller than what is required for a CFL team. The organization has publicly acknowledged in recent years that McMahon is reaching the end of its lifespan, with head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson telling reporters late last month that his team will need a new home within “the next five to seven years.”

No formal proposals are currently in place for a replacement venue for the CFL franchise, though the Calgary Stampede hinted at the possibility of upgrading GMC Stadium into a multi-sport facility capable of accommodating them during the unveiling of a 20-year master plan in March. Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, which owns the Stampeders, confirmed it would have an interest in that project if it came to fruition.

Stampeders president Jay McNeil told 3DownNation in 2024 that the viability of the team is dependent on the construction of a new stadium. The club enjoyed a 3.5 percent year-over-year increase in attendance in 2025, though average crowds have still shrunk over 25 percent since 2015.

Built in 1960, McMahon Stadium is located on campus at the University of Calgary in the northwest area of the city. The venue is the full-time host of the Stampeders, the Dinos football team, and Calgary Wild FC of the Northern Super League (NSL), but is widely viewed as outdated and incompatible with modern professional sports, despite recent upgrades.

McMahon Stadium is scheduled to host the 113th Grey Cup on Sunday, November 15, 2026.