After a ten-year design phase and the next four years of construction, Calgary’s newest landmark has finally made its much-anticipated grand opening with the unveiling of the newly expanded BMO Centre.
The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) is the driving force behind the expansion, and Kate Thompson, president and CEO of the company, has one sentiment in particular.
“Proud,” she said.
“I think my deepest emotion is the pride I have for this place and this team. The size of this place is very impressive in practical terms and the potential is really amazing.”
The Calgary Stampede will open the doors of BMO to the public on June 8, and the space will host a variety of programming during the show.
Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, said his favorite room is “The Exchange,” which features a 21-meter-high fireplace and covers 25,000 square feet.
“When you walk into the building, it’s very impressive,” he said, noting that the room is modeled after a hotel lobby. “It’s where people gather and network during meetings.”
The BMO Centre was turned over to the Calgary Stampeders.
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From the neon cowboys to the special ‘branded’ room at Stampede, this building is filled with Western elegance,” said Greg Newton, executive vice president of BMO Center.
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“We want people to feel like they’re in Calgary,” Newton said. “We want people to know you’re here. You couldn’t put this building somewhere else and it would work. But we don’t want them to feel overwhelmed either.”
Newton said these design elements will be game-changing, not only for Calgary but for future convention centres around the world.
“Usually, in the hospitality industry, we try to monetize every square foot of space. We didn't do that with this venue. We were more about connection,” Newton explained.
“From the exterior courtyard to the internal communication, this is a game-changing move that I’m very proud of and one that I think a lot of people will try to replicate in future convention center designs.”
The resulting project, Thompson said, is nothing short of miraculous.
Thompson added: “Getting it done on time and on budget wouldn’t be nearly as impressive if it weren’t for the quality we saw today.”
The $500 million expansion of the BMO Centre is now the largest in Western Canada, spanning over 1,000,000 sq. ft. It can comfortably accommodate 33,000 people and offers a grand ballroom that can accommodate 5,000 with panoramic views of the city and mountains.
It is expected to generate $100 million in revenue per year for the City of Calgary.
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