The starting turf replacement is a step towards better playing conditions, but it is nonetheless just part of a larger discussion about the future of the stadium, which will host the prestigious Grey Cup final in 2026. Will this historic stadium get a modern makeover?

New turf at McMahon Stadium

McMahon Stadium, one of the oldest stadiums in the CFL, is undergoing significant changes. The decision to replace the surface is not only expected to improve the playing experience, but also to fit in with the green efforts - Fieldturf, the company responsible for the project, has declared that the old infill will be recycled and reused.

It has taken 10 years to replace the turf, with the last redevelopment of the stadium taking place more than 20 years ago. In today’s dynamic world, we don’t want to wait so long, especially when it comes to online activities. That’s why many fans use betting sites which offer exclusive insights on Canadian sports teams and the best payment methods.

The new surface, which will arrive at the stadium in April 2025, is the same type of artificial turf that was installed at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg last May. This will allow teams such as the Calgary Stampeders, Dinos, Wild FC, and the Calgary Wind FC women's team to benefit from modern playing conditions as early as this coming season. The event takes on added significance in the context of the upcoming Grey Cup in 2026, which will be held at McMahon Stadium.

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Grey Cup 2026 revives discussion of new venue

Calgary's selection to host the 113th Grey Cup final in 2026 has sparked renewed interest in the future of McMahon Stadium. The stadium, which has served the city for years, will be 66 years old when the prestigious match is played. The issue of its outdated infrastructure has been raised repeatedly, with CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie himself outright describing the facility as awful and suggesting the need for a new stadium for the Calgary Stampeders and local teams.

While McMahon Stadium has been successful in hosting major events such as the Grey Cup, the city government and stakeholders face a difficult challenge. Upgrading the stadium requires significant funding, and the University of Calgary, which owns the facility, is not in a position to shoulder the revitalisation costs alone. According to McMahon Stadium Society president Steve Allan, the future of the stadium may depend on finding new sources of funding and deciding whether to relocate the facility.

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Modernization or new development?

Current work at McMahon Stadium includes minor upgrades to prepare the stadium for upcoming events. Despite this, there is still debate about the viability of further investment in the outdated facility. Steve Allan highlights that discussions with stakeholders have included upgrading the stadium as well as building a new facility in a different location. One of the key arguments in favour of new development is the stadium's overcapacity - 35,400 seats is proving to be too much.

The city council has approved a conceptual plan for the revitalisation of Foothills Athletic Park, which includes the construction of a new pitch and upgrades to the sports infrastructure. Unfortunately, most of these intentions remain unfunded at present. Allan is hopeful that the upcoming Grey Cup will mobilise local authorities and the community to move forward with these plans.

As work on Scotia Place draws to a close, the attention of local authorities and investors can focus on the stadium issue. The president of the Calgary Stampeders, Jay McNeil, announces that he is stepping up talks with potential partners to build a new facility. In his own words: Now that deal is done and the hole is in the ground, I will have a conversation with anybody that wants to listen and there has been conversations.

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