University of Calgary selects architecture firm for proposed new stadium

Photo: University of Calgary/GEC Architecture

The University of Calgary has taken another step towards building a new stadium on campus.

On Monday, the school announced that Dinos Fifth Quarter, a Dinos football alumni group, has crossed the $23 million fundraising threshold. The school has now entered the consulting phase after selecting Canadian firm GEC Architecture to assist with the proposed project.

“Great sporting cities and universities do not become great by accident — they invest in the places where people come together,” said University of Calgary president and vice-chancellor Dr. Ed McCauley in a statement.

“Today, we are bringing to life the vision of a new stadium that will connect young Calgarians with our Dinos athletes, our athletes with our researchers, our students with our community, and our university with Calgarians.”

The proposed venue would include capacity for 5,000 spectators for football, soccer, and rugby. It would feature year-round access with a seasonal dome, provide training access for student-athletes, support future growth through scalable infrastructure, and address what the school termed a “critical sport-facility shortage in Calgary.”

The school indicated that is still seeking financial support for the project from private, corporate, and public sources.

“This is an opportunity to create a true home for sport on campus that will also serve the community — and it’s the community that’s making it happen,” said Faculty of Kinesiology dean Dr. Nick Holt.

“There’s a critical gap in sporting infrastructure here in Calgary and a new stadium here on campus will address that. … By opening our doors to the community during evenings and weekends, we can create more field time for youth and community sport — something leagues across the city have been needing for a very long time.”

“Truly, this stadium will be a place for everyone: Dinos student-athletes, UCalgary’s 38,000 students, Calgarians, and southern Albertans of all ages and abilities to engage with sport and each other. It’s a win for the entire community.”

In April, it was reported that the University of Calgary was seeking bids on construction for a new stadium.

McMahon Stadium, which was built in 1960, is located on campus in the northwest area of the city, and is the full-time host of the Stampeders, the Dinos football team, and Calgary Wild FC of the Northern Super League (NSL).

Last month, it was reported that the City of Calgary was searching for a third party to conduct a study regarding the possibility of building a new stadium. The Stampeders have publicly acknowledged multiple times that McMahon Stadium is reaching the end of its lifespan.

“The enthusiasm and generosity we’ve seen from these early donors and champions is remarkable,” said University of Calgary vice-president of development and alumni Andrea Morris.

“These philanthropic commitments are so much more than financial transactions — it’s a demonstration of their belief in our student-athletes, in the value of sport and recreation to a community, and in future generations. It’s a really powerful show of support, creating both a strong foundation and the momentum to keep going.”

The Dinos currently rank fifth in the Canada West standings with a record of 1-3.