Shovels in the ground as work begins on new $800-million arena for Calgary Flames

Bill Johnson, design principal with HOK, describes the design of the new Calgary Flames arena to dignitaries at a ceremony in Calgary, Alta., Monday, July 22, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Construction has begun on the new $800-million arena for the NHL’s Calgary Flames.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek joined others Monday picking up a chrome shovel to symbolically turn the sod to launch the multi-year process to replace one of the NHL’s oldest arenas.