CALGARY – The future arena for the Calgary Flames will introduce a novel concept to sports venues: flex washrooms.
Scotia Place aims to solve stadium restroom congestion by incorporating three types of facilities: men’s, women’s, and adaptable washrooms that can switch between genders as needed.
For instance, at Flames games with a predominantly male audience (around 70%), the flex washrooms will be designated for men.
Conversely, during events like a Lady Gaga concert, these facilities will be reassigned for women, catering to the largely female crowd.
Susan Darrington, a key figure in the Scotia Place project, explained that 20% of the arena`s restrooms will be flexible, featuring stalls that can be re-designated nightly.
“Convention centers use this approach, so we thought it would be beneficial here,” said Darrington, Chief Venues and Entertainment Officer and Head of Scotia Place Transition.
“By understanding the expected audience demographics for each event, we can optimize the restroom allocation to better serve our fans.”
Darrington mentioned that a designer at HOK, a venue design firm, was unfamiliar with this flex washroom concept in stadiums.
“We`re unsure if we`re the first, but we`re excited to implement this in Calgary.”
Darrington’s experience includes opening multiple major venues, such as a large soccer stadium in Brazil, Lumen Field in Seattle, and Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Each venue opening provides valuable lessons.
Edmonton`s Rogers Place had to increase restroom capacity two years after opening, a mistake the Flames are keen to avoid.
Long restroom lines negatively impact venue revenue from concessions and merchandise, disrupt concourse traffic, and detract from the overall fan experience.
Darrington noted that while they are exceeding standard restroom-to-customer ratios, completely eliminating wait times is challenging, especially with thousands of fans needing facilities during short intermissions.
“We aimed to surpass typical standards.”
The flex washroom details were shared at a season ticket holder event, “Journey to Scotia Place,” at the Saddledome. The event informed attendees about the 18,400-seat Scotia Place, under construction for eight months and set to open in mid-2027.
Key details revealed at the event:
– The venue will feature two concourses, including a ground-level entry concourse. Lower bowl seating will be accessed below grade, with steeper seating for a closer view of the action.
– Vertical access to the upper concourse will be facilitated by elevators and stairwells in each corner, plus escalators at the SW and north entrances for easier navigation.
– Construction involves a 40-foot deep excavation with 1,100 pilings, significant dirt removal, tons of steel, and extensive wiring.
– The upcoming Scotia Place Experience Centre will offer fans a detailed preview of the $800-million arena`s interior.
– CSEC President & CEO Robert Hayes acknowledged expected ticket price increases due to rising expenses, emphasizing fair pricing consultations to ensure full attendance.
– Flames GM Craig Conroy highlighted state-of-the-art player facilities, including shooting rooms and expanded workout areas, as a draw for free agents and a “game changer.”
Conroy plans to show players the construction progress after practice.
– The visitor’s goalie will defend towards the end with club seats, terrace tables, and elevated platforms, designed to create an intimidating atmosphere.
Tristan Blackwood