It would be cool if there was a way to repurpose some of the saddledome but I would understand if that weren't possible. All I am advocating for is whatever is put in its place has a roof that is saddledome shaped.
 
Does the Nutrien have year-round programming? Granted its capacity is quite small. And I don't think they ever move the dirt out.

 
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CSEC wouldn't have any say in what the Stampede builds on the site though?
Considering the Stampede was part of the deal, I'm sure they also agreed to not build a building that could compete with the new event centre. That likely doesn't include an outdoor venue though...
 
CSEC wouldn't have any say in what the Stampede builds on the site though?
There would def be "non-compete" language within the city/stampede land swap. Having a 4-5k seat music venue seems to be the trend in North America, they are going up all over the place in close proximity to arenas/ballparks. Think palace theatre but bigger. Personally, anything outdoors just doesn't make sense.
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Considering the Stampede was part of the deal, I'm sure they also agreed to not build a building that could compete with the new event centre. That likely doesn't include an outdoor venue though...
Could be a new permanent location of the Coke Stage for Stampede. Might help with some of the crowd control problems faced this past year.
 
The Stampede is doing another Stampede Park rethink currently. I'm very curious what comes out of that. They have a lot of things they could do but it will be up to them how ambitious they want to be. There's what's next for the Saddledome site, a need to replace the barns beside the Nutrien Events Centre, the Big Four Building, the Grandstand. I of course have ideas for all of these sites, but it isn't my decision to make. This Stampede Hotel could be the start of some interesting changes for the Stampede. I'd actually like it to be a broader the conversation with the region about what the Stampede Park should be. There's a real opportunity for some City Building and Place Making.
 
The Stampede is doing another Stampede Park rethink currently. I'm very curious what comes out of that. They have a lot of things they could do but it will be up to them how ambitious they want to be. There's what's next for the Saddledome site, a need to replace the barns beside the Nutrien Events Centre, the Big Four Building, the Grandstand. I of course have ideas for all of these sites, but it isn't my decision to make. This Stampede Hotel could be the start of some interesting changes for the Stampede. I'd actually like it to be a broader the conversation with the region about what the Stampede Park should be. There's a real opportunity for some City Building and Place Making.
Some 365 day use of the park would be ideal
 
The Stampede is doing another Stampede Park rethink currently. I'm very curious what comes out of that. They have a lot of things they could do but it will be up to them how ambitious they want to be. There's what's next for the Saddledome site, a need to replace the barns beside the Nutrien Events Centre, the Big Four Building, the Grandstand. I of course have ideas for all of these sites, but it isn't my decision to make. This Stampede Hotel could be the start of some interesting changes for the Stampede. I'd actually like it to be a broader the conversation with the region about what the Stampede Park should be. There's a real opportunity for some City Building and Place Making.
I am frankly terrified of what is going to come out of that process because I have very little faith that the people in charge have the ambition necessary. I don't know them, but that's just my feeling based on the way things typically go in the city.

There is immense potential for stampede Park to be a really special place year round, but to really unlock that potential would require a great deal of ambition and creativity because it is currently a wasteland and needs a lot more than just a minor rework. Imagine Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen or Millenium Park in Chicago. That's the kind of scale and ambition we should be talking about. Activating the Park for as many days of the year as possible should be the number one goal, and that is a monumental task that goes far beyond basic public realm improvements.

It requires a total rethink of what the grounds are for and how they are used, which also means a rethink in how the stampede is operated and organized. If they are not willing to seriously engage with that stampede question then I don't see how stampede "park" can ever be anything more than a giant empty pit. The current format for stampede necessitates a giant asphalt crater for 320 days of the year which at this point is just unacceptable.

As with most things, I think if the stampede were serious they would hold a design competition. Alas, those basically never happen here, which means we as citizens have to nut up and accept whatever those in charge decide to do.
 
I have an inside scoop from someone directly involved that turning the Grandstand into the new home of the Stampeders is surprisingly closer and more realistic than we think…..
Interesting. Very Interesting. I'm a life long Stamps season ticket holder and the one thing that worries me in the move to Stampede ground scenario is what happens with the tailgating - which is a huge part of the Stampeders culture. Other than that, it makes sense to consolidate all the sports venues somehow down to this new central entertainment district. The other troubling outcome would be RIP Nicks😢...another Calgary institution gone. Unfortunate collateral damage.
 

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