The Scotiabank Saddledome is literally beginning to fall apart
The Scotiabank Saddledome, the multi-use indoor arena in Calgary and home of the Flames, is quite literally crumbling.
As reported by CBC, pieces of concrete around the roof's ring beam have loosened, and other deteriorating pieces have been removed entirely to prevent them from falling. It has been recommended by Entuitive, an engineering firm, that there be semi-annual inspections in the spring and fall to monitor the decaying structure. Entuitive also stated that "the concrete around the ring beam is worsening at an accelerated rate."
Naturally, sports fans had something to say about it:
Luckily, though, these concrete issues are not a cause of concern for the Saddledome's roof structure or public safety due to the close monitoring of the situation and the location of where any loose concrete pieces are expected to fall if it gets to that point.
Similarly, in Toronto, the beloved SkyDome (Roger's Centre) stadium, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, has faced structural issues for years and even was threatened to be demolished for redevelopment a few years ago. However, it was announced in July that Roger's Centre would be getting major renovations worth $300 million. Construction is set to begin this upcoming winter during the baseball offseason.
A deal between the city of Calgary and the owner of the Flames that would've cost more than $600 million to build a new arena fell through last December due to rising costs.
Built for the 1988 Calgary Olympics and to be home of the Calgary Flames, the only time the Saddledome's major structural failure isn't the responsibility of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) is if it was not caused by poor maintenance. This includes floods or fire and for any structural replacements like the roof, foundation, or columns, states the Win Column.
Currently, the CSEC has an agreement with the Saddledome Foundation until 2033 to hold them responsible for all arena maintenance. But, if we're all being honest with one another, it's been time for a new arena in Calgary for some time. The Saddledome remains one of the oldest buildings in the league.
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