"It's going to cost close to $1B" - NHL insider provides major update on Calgary Flames' new arena set to replace Saddledome

The Calgary Flames are trying to build a new home arena. They are currently housed at Saddledome Arena, but they are working to break soil on a new rink on Monday, according to reports. NHL insider Salim Valji offered an update on the Flames' progress on the new rink.

Valji said:

"The Saddledome's old; it was built in 1983. It's technically the second oldest rink in the league, and it's become a little bit of a problem for the Flames in recruiting free agents and trying to present themselves as a first-class operation."

The analyst said that a few seasons ago, star player MacKenzie Weegar said he didn't have a great season (in terms of enjoyment and fun) because of the arena they call home.

Valji added:

"It's going to cost close to a billion dollars, a lot of which will be paid for by taxpayers like you and me."

He added that regardless, this is a huge day for the city of Calgary. Weegar deserves credit, and now the team can continue to work towards being a high-caliber well-received NHL squad.

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NHL commissioner speaks on new Calgary Flames stadium

As of now, the Calgary Flames have not yet revealed their plans for a new stadium. A report confirms that a new stadium is on the way, but no one knows what it looks like.

The Calgary Flames will break ground on a new stadium

They will break ground on Monday and at the same time will reveal the plans and show fans what they can expect in the near future. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said via Pro Hockey Rumors:

“This building was built in the 1980s, they don’t build buildings like this anymore… it’s historic in many ways. But these aren’t the facilities that our hockey teams typically have.”

Of course, the stadium will take a few years to build, but this is the first step in a major change for the franchise. Eventually, Saddledome will be a thing of the past and the new, modern arena will take its place.