Interesting story on the history of the Dome here:
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...a-39821fa3f0f9
"Airdrie was pitched and rejected as a new arena site. The old Firestone plant at Memorial Drive and Deerfoot Trail, owned by a Bavarian land developer, was also considered. Fort Calgary, the city's most important historical site, was considered and rejected, as was a site at Nose Creek, north of the zoo.The search was narrowed to three spots -- the Stampede grounds, a west downtown location at 14th Street and Bow Trail and another near the East Village. Although a consultant recommended the west downtown site as the least disruptive to surrounding communities, the Stampede was selected because the land was available and the clock was ticking."
And for those who wonder why the rood can't hold the weight for some large stage shows:
""Think of it as a giant tennis racket, a grid of cables, and on this net you drop these concrete panels," says Graham"