Newly expanded BMO Centre officially opens

After more than three years and $500 million, Calgary's BMO Centre expansion officially opened Wednesday.

With the work complete, it's now Western Canada's largest convention centre, with over one million square feet of floor space and the ability to host 33,000 guests at once.

The expansion was funded by all three levels of government.

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"This expansion really represents the next generation of convention centres and I have great confidence that a lot of the elements that you see in this building will be emulated and improved upon in convention centres around the world that have yet to be built," said Calgary Stampede CEO Joel Cowley.

"It is bold and it is striking," he said. "When you look at the renderings of this building and when you walk into this building, it's like you walked into the renderings.

"It's exactly what was promised."

Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal said the BMO Centre expansion was an essential project for the economic prosperity of the city.

"Bringing people to Calgary is essential and this infrastructure will simply do that," he said.

"These projects are making a real significant difference in our lives and in our communities," Chahal said. "The convention centre will support the growth and development of the cultural and entertainment district and allow Calgary to host national and international meetings and conventions."

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the BMO Centre offers visitors a doorway to the rest of Calgary and the rest of the province.

"Increasingly, businesses are choosing to locate here. With a thriving economy, more people have been choosing Calgary as a place to live, work, invest and raise a family."

"This city and this province is the place to be, whether you're hosting a conference, planning a vacation or choosing Alberta as your new home."

The project broke ground in April 2021, and it was completed on-time and on-budget.

More than 600 workers were on site daily during major construction and crews logged a combine two million hours of work.

About 9,000 tonnes of steels was used in construction and it also boasts the country's largest indoor fireplace.

The BMO Centre is expected to bring in at least $267 million each year.

More than 100 bookings have been placed for events as far out as 2030, but the first in the new space will be the Global Energy Show beginning June 11.

The expansion is one of several major projects announced for the area in the last five years, including the new event centre.