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Eight years is a long time for the Calgary Stampeders to wait on a fieldhouse and/or a new or revamped stadium.

But they’re open to pretty much any timeline at this point.

And the latest comes in the new proposal put forth by the Calgary 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Draft Hosting Plan that includes a new fieldhouse next to McMahon Stadium and improvements — albeit minor — to the 58-year-old football facility.

“I just hope I’m here then,” said Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson with a chuckle. “I’d like the fieldhouse much much sooner than eight years. I think we should be able to get one in the next year or two, to be honest.”

If the money’s already available, then that seems doable.

But at this point, the only plan being publicized is the one associated with the Olympic Games in eight years time.

“It’s a little far in the future, depending on when it gets done,” said Stampeders QB Bo Levi Mitchell. “I know the Olympics are that far away, but maybe the fieldhouse gets done before then, however it works out. It’ll be good whether or not I’m here or any of us are here.

“But it’s something deserving of Calgary and the city. We’ve been winning a lot of football games here, so we want to see a new stadium — not just for us but for the fans.”

Added teammate Alex Singleton with a smile, “Hopefully it’s nice. The city of Calgary deserves everything nice, so hopefully the Olympics come here and everybody gets treated nicely after that.”

tsaelhof@postmedia.com

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