[browna]

Been a while since this got off the ground; first heard of this in 2005, though obviously it wasn't a multi sport complex, but it was painfully clear the Flames wanted out from under the Stampede Board and its politics and red tape.

I would think that a multi use setup, given the space constraints in the area, and the fact that the football stadium will be used under 20 times a year for full on CFL/Colts (?) football. Also, maximizing profits. While there may be a "civic duty" angle as part of the overall PR for the project, for building a field house, a separate facility to handle rec volley ball or other amateur sports is not the money maker. Plus, there are facilities exisiting for this in the city.

I think if you wanted to build a kick ass, full on, all encompassing new field house, there's more space at any one of the City operated facilities (Foothills, Glenmore, Shouldice).

So, while I think the building will have field house capabilities, its designed a football/soccer stadium first, with some floor and seating flexibility where the facility can be divided into 2 or 3, allowing floorspace, and seating for 5k up to 30k for whatever event or activity.

Also, I can see a practice rink as part of this...to be used by kids/shinny 90% of the time, but to allow Hitmen/Flames an alternate place to practice if the rink is hosting an event, similar to what they have at the Corral.

And then, convention space where they can attract things such as Grey Cup week, a Calgary NHL draft week and/or All Star week etc; events that don't need a roof required for football, but also to keep them part of the action, rather then being downtown. Then, proper offices and administration; I could see Hockey Canada moving into that space as well, as well as other amateur organizations.

Add in elements of the LA Live venue (Flames Central West, plus I am sure numerous Cowboys-group developments), and yeah probably a hotel as well so that out of towners don't have to take the train up to Motel Village. Add whatever parking structures, and you've taken up a lot of that premium space, however the roadways are redeveloped.