Revisit the Stampede Corral with these photos as demolition looms for 70-year-old city landmark

As the expansion of the BMOCentre promises to change the local landscape, Calgarians should ready themselves to say goodbye this month to a longtime landmark: the Stampede Corral.

The city recently announced it would begin demolishing the 70-year-old building thismonth, to make room for a $500-million update to the BMO Centre.

"As we prepare to say goodbye to the Corral, we are proud to be building the future of Stampede Park with the BMO Centre as a catalyst for Calgary's continued economic growth and diversity," said Jim Laurendeau, the vice-president of park planning and development with theCalgary Stampede, in a Dec. 2 news release.

"Despite current challenges, there remains no better way to learn and share ideas than to do so gathered together in person.The 2024 opening of the building is perfectly timed to make this possible."

The Corral opened in December 1950, and its construction cost the Stampede about $1.5 million.

Built as an arena for professional hockey, it would go on to host dog shows,Stampede Wrestling, dancesand even a royal visit from Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Artifacts from its history will be preserved, though some characteristic pieces of art including the skaters carved into concrete, and the neon cowboy cannot be salvaged. Instead, digital renderings will allow them to be recreated.

Revisit the Corral with these photos taken from its construction and throughout its history.

With files from Scott Dippel.