After a ten-year design phase and the next four years of construction, Calgary’s newest landmark has finally opened its doors with the unveiling of the newly expanded BMO Centre.
The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) was the driving force behind the expansion, and Kate Thompson, president and CEO of the company, was particularly touched.
“I’m very proud,” she said.
“I think the biggest thing I feel is the pride for this place and this team. From a practical standpoint, the size of this place is very impressive and the potential is amazing.”
The Calgary Stampede will open the BMO to the public on June 8, with the space hosting a variety of programming during the show.
Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, said his favourite room is “The Exchange,” which features a 21-metre-high fireplace and covers 25,000 square feet.
“When you walk into the building, it’s very impressive,” he said, noting that the room was 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 ‘brand’ 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 anywhere else, and it fits. But we also don’t want them to feel overwhelmed.”
Newton said these design elements will be a game changer, not only for Calgary, but for future convention centres around the world.
“Typically, in the hospitality industry, we try to monetize every square foot of space. But we didn't do that in 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 many will try to replicate in future convention center designs.”
The resulting project, Thompson said, was nothing short of miraculous.
Thompson added: “Completing this work on time and on budget would not be nearly as impressive without the quality we are seeing today.”
The $500 million BMO Centre expansion is the largest expansion to date in Western Canada and encompasses over 1,000,000 square feet. It can comfortably accommodate 33,000 people and offers a grand ballroom that seats 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.
