The Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival held every July in Calgary, Canada, has reached a new phase in the expansion of its convention centre.
The BMO Convention Centre has completed construction of the new Exhibition Hall F, which holds 100,000sqft of exhibition space.
The total venue expansion is valued at USD$500m. Funded equally by the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the BMO Centre will become the largest convention centre in western Canada upon completion.
Kate Thompson, President and CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), commented: “Over the past 18 months, our project team has made significant progress on the preparatory work required to support the successful delivery of the BMO Centre expansion.
“While we’ve certainly had to adapt and respond to health guidelines brought forward from the pandemic, we are now moving into the next stage which lays the groundwork for the expansion to be built – it’s a major step for the project and the realization of Calgary’s Culture & Entertainment District.”
The next phase of the project will see significant visible change at Stampede Park beginning this month, with the removal of the Stampede Corral and BMO Centre Exhibition Hall A.
In preparation for the external demolition, crews have been working to remove materials from the interior of both buildings, upgrading and relocating underground utilities and technology services, and removing the Plus 15 walkway on the south side of the Corral.
Jim Laurendeau, Vice President of Park Planning & Development, Calgary Stampede, commented: “As we prepare to say goodbye to the Corral, we are proud to be building the future of Stampede Park with the BMO Centre as a catalyst for Calgary’s continued economic growth and diversity.
“We continue to receive interest from around the world, with the unique western culture and community spirit of Calgary a significant attraction for those planning future events. Despite the current challenges, there remains no better way to learn and share ideas than to do so gathered together in person."
