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“When the IOC (International Olympic Committee) toured the Saddledome, they said it was adequate for the Games.

“But I cannot comment whether it is adequate for a nine-month hockey season.”

At the same time, Moran welcomed ongoing discussions between the Flames and the City of Calgary, adding if they can reach a deal for a new NHL arena, Calgary 2026 would be willing to “reconfigure” its plans for new venues.

According to the draft hosting plan concept, as much as $1.6 billion will be spent on what the document called “urban development.” This would include as much as $400 million combined for the two new venues, $500 million to upgrade and renew eight existing facilities — including the Olympic Oval and WinSport — and about $600 million for new housing in Calgary and Canmore, initially for athletes and then released to the market.

But within the $400-million cost for a new field house and mid-size arena, officials refused to break down the individual costs of the two sites because construction contracts will eventually be put out for tender to the private sector.

Both new venues will be located in the “Foothills cluster” between McMahon Stadium and the University of Calgary, one of three facility clusters that will also include sites at Stampede Park and WinSport.

The new field house and mid-size arena, Moran argued, are the most economically responsible options and will meet a growing community need for accessible recreation, leaving the kind of legacy that Calgary 2026 is anchored on.