Calgary has marked the official groundbreaking of a $170.4-million athletic complex in the city's northeast, promising new competition and recreation space for cricket, soccer and other sports in one of its fastest-growing areas.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas, Ward 5 Councillor Raj Dhaliwal and community sports representatives attended the ceremony Thursday, October 29, at 8500 40 Street N.E. in Saddle Ridge. Construction crews had already begun site work in September; Thursday's event marked the public groundbreaking rather than the first day of construction.
What the complex will include
The 35-acre Northeast Athletic Complex will feature Calgary's first competition-capable cricket field, intended to host local, regional and national games; four outdoor multi-use artificial-turf fields; and a 162,500-square-foot indoor fieldhouse for year-round sports and training.
According to the City's project plans, amenities will include indoor cricket batting nets, 16 team rooms, four officials' change rooms, spectator seating, washrooms, multi-purpose areas and parking for more than 550 vehicles. Public pathways, picnic areas, playgrounds and green space are also planned.
The City expects construction to be completed in early 2029. That remains a project target, not a confirmed public opening date.
Funding and construction status
The City says the $170.4-million project is fully funded for construction. Council approved the funding in December 2025 through the 2026 budget process, and the Calgary Planning Commission approved the development permit on April 30, 2026.
The City selected Ledcor Construction Limited as general contractor. With design complete, the project has moved into the construction stage. The City's project page will carry further schedule and construction updates.
Why northeast Calgary is getting the facility
The project is part of GamePLAN, the City's long-term strategy for expanding and maintaining recreation infrastructure as population growth increases demand. Calgary council adopted the 25-year strategy in 2025.
Cricket and soccer organizations have long raised concerns about limited field capacity. At Thursday's event, representatives of the Future Cricket Stars Academy and Calgary Minor Soccer Association highlighted how additional facilities could support local leagues, youth training and year-round play.
The Northeast Athletic Complex will be a public recreation facility serving residents across Calgary, not just nearby neighbourhoods.
Sources
City of Calgary, October 29, 2026: official Northeast Athletic Complex groundbreaking announcement.