The design for the Calgary Event Center could be released by July

Calgary consultants have seen the first designs of the new event centre, but the public will have to wait until this summer to see what the new home of the Calgary Flames will look like.

The closed-door meeting led event center committee members to fast-track a $1.2 billion project that would include improvements to the area's public ice rink and infrastructure.

“It's going as planned,” said Sonya Sharp, Ward 1 counselor.

“The momentum of that timeline has always been at the fore, and that's exactly where we need to be with this project.”

Design details have yet to be released publicly, but Sharp said he prefers the concepts compared to the previous arena design, due in 2021.

“My personal opinion is that I like it better,” he said.

The project allows for three developments, the last of which addresses the design of the building.

It could be released in July, in time for the Stampede, Sharpe said.

The first two development permits issued in February will review the site's excavation.

“This process creates efficiencies and saves time and money on the overall project schedule,” reads part of the update released by the city.

The city will cover more than 40 percent of the project cost ($537.3 million) and own the building. Calgary Sports and Entertainment (CSEC) pays $40 million in upfront and annual fees, which start at $17 million annually.

The provincial government has pledged $330 million to cover infrastructure costs, half of the public rink and the demolition of the Saddledome.

According to the details of the last signed agreements, the project is scheduled to be completed on August 31, 2026 and handed over to CSEC the next day.

That means the Flames could play the 2026-27 season in the new arena if it goes on schedule.