Calgary's iconic Stampede Park has officially begun above-ground construction on a landmark project: its first-ever onsite hotel. The ceremonial groundbreaking, held Friday at the adjacent BMO Centre, marks a significant milestone for the city's Culture and Entertainment District.
A New Landmark for Stampede Park
The development will see a 14-storey, 320-room Autograph Collection Hotel rise on the grounds of the former Weadickville area, which was dismantled last summer to prepare for the build. With excavation work starting before Christmas, the project is now moving into its vertical phase and is scheduled for completion in 2028.
This $330-million venture is a collaborative effort led by Truman Homes and Marriott International, with support from the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation and the Calgary Stampede. For Truman Homes, this project represents a strategic expansion, being the residential developer's first major entry into the non-residential sector.
Boosting Calgary's Convention Capabilities
The hotel's location, directly across from the recently expanded BMO Centre, is strategically crucial. Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, emphasized the new convention centre's immediate success, having hosted 327 events in 2024 alone, including 47 new conferences that chose Calgary for the first time.
"That’s what generates economic impact — bringing people to our city for conferences, conventions and special events," Cowley stated. He highlighted the substantial ripple effect, where delegates spend money on accommodations, dining, and transportation, injecting outside funds into the local economy and sustaining employment.
The BMO Centre's calendar is already packed, with 205 conventions booked through 2032. A standout event was the June 2025 Rotary International convention, which attracted over 15,000 global delegates and generated an estimated $80 million in economic impact for Calgary.
A Catalyst for Growth and Momentum
Tony Trutina, Chief Operating Officer for Truman Homes, called the groundbreaking a "milestone" that signifies more than just construction. He noted it is Calgary's first new convention-oriented hotel in a quarter-century, positioning the city to compete more effectively as an international destination.
"Today’s groundbreaking is about more than just the start of construction; it exemplifies Truman’s commitment to this city and what comes next for it," Trutina said. "It represents momentum for Stampede Park, momentum for the Culture and Entertainment District and momentum for our city as a whole."
The project underscores a period of significant growth and evolution for downtown Calgary, directly supporting the city's strategy to attract larger global events and visitors year-round, building on the world-famous Stampede brand.
