Truman to Build First Hotel at Stampede Park in Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District
Calgary’s inner city is set to welcome a major hospitality project as Truman is announced as the official development partner for the first hotel at Stampede Park—right in the heart of Calgary’s rapidly evolving Culture + Entertainment District.
The hotel, a joint initiative between Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) and the Calgary Stampede, will mark a significant milestone in the execution of the Rivers District Master Plan. With Truman bringing over 40 years of award-winning development experience in Calgary, this project is a major vote of confidence in the district’s future.
A Full-Service Hotel Steps from the BMO Centre and Calgary Stampede Grounds
Planned for an 85,000 sq ft parcel at the west entrance of Stampede Park, the new hotel will be a 13-storey, upper-upscale lifestyle boutique property featuring:
• 320 rooms
• 15,000 sq ft of meeting and event space
• 14,000 sq ft of food and beverage offerings including a rooftop lounge, restaurants, lobby bar, and café
• South-facing outdoor terrace with pool, jacuzzi, and bar
• Indoor pool and fitness centre
This full-service hotel will be the first convention-oriented hotel in downtown Calgary in over 25 years, designed to directly support the BMO Centre and the growing needs of convention and event guests.
Why Now? Strategic Timing Meets Surging Demand
The announcement comes on the heels of several major milestones in the Culture + Entertainment District, including:
• The BMO Centre expansion completed in 2024
• The Scotia Place groundbreaking
• The 17th Avenue S.E. extension connecting Stampede Park to the Beltline
These projects have unlocked new commercial opportunities and triggered a surge in real estate and hospitality interest across Calgary’s inner city.
“Hotel development has been a top priority for CMLC and the Calgary Stampede,” said Kate Thompson, President and CEO of CMLC. “With Truman on board and development conditions aligning, we’re excited to see this project take shape and support the continued growth of Stampede Park.”
Partnership with a Global Hotel Brand Incoming
Truman has signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Calgary Stampede and is currently finalizing a deal with a world-class international hotel operator, set to be announced in the coming months. This move ensures that the guest experience will meet international standards and offer the signature hospitality Calgary is known for.
Major Private Investment in Calgary’s Downtown Core
Valued at approximately $330 million, this development reflects a significant private investment in downtown Calgary real estate and Stampede Park. Truman’s involvement in the Culture + Entertainment District extends beyond this hotel project—they recently acquired a second nearby development site at 15 Ave and Macleod Trail.
“The location is unbeatable,” said Tony Trutina, COO of Truman. “Guests will be steps from concerts, hockey games, conventions, and of course, the Calgary Stampede itself. We’re proud to bring this hotel to life in a district that represents the future of downtown Calgary.”
More Visitors, More Events, More Hotel Demand
Since the opening of the expanded BMO Centre, Calgary has hosted 409 events and secured 205 major bookings through 2032. The centre is projected to contribute over $250 million to Canada’s GDP annually, most of which will benefit Alberta’s economy. With over a million Stampede visitors each July, the need for new hotel inventory is critical—and Truman’s development answers that call.
World-Class Design Inspired by Calgary’s Heritage
The hotel’s architecture, led by NORR Architecture (Chicago), Scatliff+Miller+Murray, and CivicWorks, will echo the motion and spirit of the Calgary Stampede, with curved lines inspired by bucking horses and materials reflecting Alberta’s natural landscape.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 with completion anticipated in late 2028.
Why This Matters for Calgary Real Estate
This hotel project isn’t just a hospitality investment—it’s a catalyst for growth in downtown Calgary real estate, tourism, and event hosting. It boosts property values in surrounding areas, increases foot traffic for nearby businesses, and enhances the long-term viability of the Culture + Entertainment District as one of the most exciting redevelopment zones in Western Canada.
If you’re investing in, developing, or marketing real estate in inner-city Calgary, the momentum around Stampede Park is impossible to ignore.
🏙️ Want to learn more about Calgary’s real estate transformation?
Contact me for insights, development updates, or inner-city investment opportunities.
—
Dylan Kisilowski
Inner-City Calgary Real Estate Specialist
Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.
📲 403-371-1196
