Downtown Calgary's New Community Rink Officially Named Esso Community Arena
The community arena currently under construction as part of the expansive Scotia Place development in downtown Calgary has now received its official designation. During Sunday's National Hockey League matchup between the Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Ducks, the new indoor facility was publicly christened as the Esso Community Arena.
A Multi-Purpose Facility for Community and Professional Use
Scheduled to open its doors to the public in 2027, this 1,000-seat arena will be situated directly adjacent to the forthcoming Scotia Place complex. The new complex will serve as the future home for the Calgary Flames, along with their affiliate teams, the Calgary Wranglers and Calgary Hitmen. The Esso Community Arena has been specifically designed to prioritize community access and will function as a versatile, multi-use facility.
It is intended to support both new and existing programs run by the Flames Foundation, while also serving the broader Calgary community. In addition to public use, the arena will operate as a dedicated practice facility for the Flames, Hitmen, and Wranglers professional hockey teams.
Creating a Hub for Community and Sport
Robert Hayes, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, emphasized the arena's community-focused vision in an official press release. "The Esso Community Arena will be a place where families come together, young athletes discover their love for hockey, and lifelong memories are made," Hayes stated.
The announcement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing development of Calgary's entertainment and sports district. The broader Scotia Place project, which includes the main event centre, is on track to open in time for the 2027-28 NHL season.
Surrounding Development and Economic Impact
Alongside the progress on Scotia Place and the newly named community arena, several other developments have been announced for the surrounding area. Plans include the construction of multiple hotels in the vicinity, such as:
- A 320-room Autograph Collection hotel developed by Truman.
- A W Calgary hotel, being built through a partnership between Marriott International and Truman.
These projects collectively signal a major transformation for downtown Calgary, aiming to create a vibrant hub for sports, entertainment, and community engagement for years to come.
