BMO CENTRE EXPANSION: A VISION REALIZED

Today, Calgary’s BMO Centre at Stampede Park is ready to welcome the world, officially becoming Western Canada’s largest convention centre with the grand opening of its 565,000 sq. ft. expansion. Following decades of planning and four years of construction, the over 1M sq. ft. Tier 1 convention facility opens its doors for the first time, not only creating an architectural landmark for Calgary, but making gatherings even greater with our western hospitality and community spirit.

The BMO Centre expansion project has been years in the making for the Calgary Stampede, from first questioning ‘Should we expand?’ to considering ‘What would an expansion look like?’ to then involving our development partners in making it happen. Our team will now work to operationalize the building in preparation for welcoming the world to the BMO Centre at Stampede Park in June 2024. We can’t wait to welcome you to this iconic space on Stampede Park. 

Once a beacon for concerts, hockey games, Olympic events, and rodeos at the Stampede Corral, the iconic Neon Cowboy witnessed decades of celebrations. Now, it has been reimagined at nearly a 1:1 scale as a marquee installation in the expanded BMO Centre.

"The Neon Cowboy was truly a visual symbol of Stampede Park’s history and Calgarian’s Nostalgia. The re-envisioned Neon Cowboy will continue to exude our community spirit as we welcome the world to Stampede Park and the expanded BMO Centre".

This impressive installation is prominently displayed on the main floor of the BMO Centre expansion, where visitors can enjoy this tribute to Calgary's heritage during conventions, meetings, and special events.

The Brand Room is a premier 3,000 sq. ft. event space in the BMO Centre, named after the iconic brands of the Stampede’s “Big Four” founders. This elegantly designed venue is filled with natural light and elevated finishes, including charred wood, leather, and copper accents. Complementing the indoor space is an expansive 11,000 sq. ft. covered outdoor balcony, offering year-round panoramic views of Stampede Park—a perfect setting for gatherings, receptions, and special events.

To welcome guests, the Brand Room doors feature a custom stitch design by Alberta Boot Company, paying tribute to the Calgary Stampede’s heritage with their iconic “Calgary” stitch pattern. This design marries the Stampede’s Western legacy with contemporary elegance, adding a distinctive touch to this unique meeting space.

The Pavilion Lights at the BMO Centre feature 1,500 unique lighting soffits that illuminate the building’s striking 170-ft. curved canopy. Extending seamlessly from the expansion to the outdoor plaza on the building’s south side, the lights create an inviting and dynamic atmosphere for event guests.

Inspired by the energy and movement of the Calgary Stampede, the Pavilion Lights reflect the excitement of the rides, fireworks, and festivities that define the annual celebration. This captivating light display enhances the sense of arrival, welcoming visitors to the BMO Centre’s world-class event spaces.

The Spirit of Water is a breathtaking public art installation by renowned artist Gerry Judah, part of the 14-piece outdoor public art collection at Stampede Park. This awe-inspiring sculpture, standing 70 ft. tall and 45 ft. wide, weighing in at 112,000 pounds, symbolizes the power and vitality of water. Located in the 40,000 sq. ft. plaza of the BMO Centre, this striking artwork creates a memorable focal point for visitors attending meetings, conventions, and events.

The Spirit of Water serves as a celebrated landmark, inviting both local and international guests to experience Calgary's commitment to art, community, and culture.