McMahon Stadium assessment identified about $40 million in repairs, operator says

A 2024 assessment identified about $40 million in repairs at McMahon Stadium, the chair of the society that operates the Grey Cup venue said. Steve Allan told CBC Radio’s Calgary Eyeopener that the most urgent spending has gone toward keeping the stadium operating. CBC interview

The City of Calgary and the University of Calgary each contributed $1 million to repair water and sewer lines beneath the west concourse, Allan said. Work on the washroom ventilation system cost nearly another $1 million. CBC interview

Allan said McMahon’s capacity grew to about 36,000 seats, leaving the original concourses and washrooms to serve larger crowds. He said the sightlines still draw praise from people around the CFL. “It’s a challenge getting to your seat,” he said. CBC interview

The university, which owns McMahon, said the stadium remains safe and operational. Its board noted in December 2024 that keeping the facility open over the following decade would require significant investment. University statement · Board minutes

McMahon’s field has taken on more uses. Artificial turf installed in early 2025 allowed Calgary Wild FC to play there, and the stadium has also hosted rugby, Allan said. CBC interview

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Photograph from Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 · Resized for display.