Calgary’s $500-million BMO Centre expansion project is substantially complete in advance of this summer’s grand opening, says the city’s land manager and infrastructure investor.

The expanded facility, which is located on the Stampede grounds just off downtown, will give Calgary an additional 550,000 square feet of additional convention centre space. 

“The impact that the expanded BMO Centre will have on the Calgary Stampede and on Calgary’s tourism, convention and hospitality sector cannot be overstated,” said Kate Thompson, president and CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, in a news release.

CMLC has handed over the centre’s keys to the Calgary Stampede board, the facility’s operator, which is slated to complete the landscaping and other finishing touches before the doors officially open in June.

The four-year project was completed on time and on budget, said Thompson. The federal, provincial and municipal governments funded the project equally.

“We have already seen great interest in the expanded BMO Centre and now have more than 100 incremental events booked through 2030,” said Thompson.

Alberta-based companies played key roles in the redevelopment. PCL Construction and M3 served as the construction and project manager, respectively. Kansas City, Mo.-based Populous and Calgary-based S2 oversaw design.

The expanded centre will be able to host 33,000 visitors at a time. The first event will be the Global Energy Show in June.

Image: Calgary Municipal Land Corporation