MCMAHON STADIUM
Calgary, Alberta
McMahon Stadium is a outdoor stadium in Calgary, AB known for calgary's classic cfl stadium and 1988 winter olympics ceremony venue.
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The Building
Overview
McMahon Stadium is Calgary's long-time outdoor football stadium and the home of the Calgary Stampeders. Opened in 1960, it has hosted CFL football, Grey Cups, University of Calgary Dinos games and major civic events. The venue is also historically tied to the 1988 Winter Olympics, making it important beyond football.
Built in just 103 days in 1960 by oilman brothers Frank and George McMahon, McMahon Stadium has been the Calgary Stampeders' home ever since. It has hosted four Grey Cups, the 1988 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, and remains a beloved (if aging) cathedral of Canadian football.
A replacement is in long-term planning, but until then the building stays one of the loudest, most intimate venues in the CFL.
By the Numbers
Capacity Breakdown
35,650
- Football35,650
Configuration may vary for special events.
What This Profile Covers
On This Stadium
- 1960 opening
- Calgary Stampeders history
- University of Calgary setting
- 1988 Winter Olympics ceremonies
- Grey Cups and renovation debates
Source-Backed
Verified Facts
- Opened August 15, 1960.
- University of Calgary source says the stadium was built quickly and welcomed the Stampeders and 20,000 fans at opening.
- Current capacity should be handled carefully because Stampeders and historical sources present different capacity figures over time.
Through the Years
History & Timeline
- 1960Opens August 15 — built in 103 days
- 1988Hosts Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies
- 1993Hosts Grey Cup (Eskimos win 25th franchise title)
- 2009Hosts Grey Cup (Stamps win 6th)
Who Plays Here
Tenants
Current
- Calgary Stampeders
- Calgary Dinos (U Sports)
Memorable Moments
Notable Events & Records
- 1988 Winter Olympics ceremonies
- Four Grey Cups (1975, 1993, 2000, 2009)
- Annual Stamps–Eskimos Labour Day Classic
In the Bowl
Seating Guide
Bench seating throughout — bring a cushion or rent one. West-side seats face the afternoon sun; east-side stays in shade. The Touchdown Zone end-zone party deck is the social spot.
Game Day
Getting There
Banff Trail C-Train station is a 10-minute walk. McMahon parking opens 4 hours before kickoff for tailgating.
Concessions
Food & Amenities
Alberta beef burgers, Caesar bars, Big Rock and Wild Rose taps. Local pre-game spots include The Unicorn pub on Stephen Avenue.
Climate
Weather Notes
Late-season Chinook winds can swing temperatures 30°C in a day. Dress in layers.
Plan Your Visit
Visitor Policies
What to check before you go
- bag policy
- prohibited items
- camera/video rules
- mobile tickets
- cashless payments
- re-entry
- accessibility entrances
- transit and parking
- door times
- food and beverage
- family washrooms
- sensory/accessibility accommodations
Going Deeper
Related Topics & Guides
- McMahon Stadium capacity changes and event configurations
- McMahon Stadium naming rights and former names
- McMahon Stadium transit, parking and arrival guide
- McMahon Stadium accessibility and family visitor notes
- McMahon Stadium seating, sightlines and atmosphere
- McMahon Stadium concert setup vs sports setup
- McMahon Stadium neighbourhood or district impact in Calgary
- McMahon Stadium historic moments and major events timeline
- McMahon Stadium field surface, roof/weather and event-day conditions
- McMahon Stadium football/soccer/baseball configuration guide
Supporting pages should be generated only after official sources are checked; policy pages require event-specific disclaimers.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
When was McMahon Stadium built?
It opened on August 15, 1960, built in just 103 days by the McMahon brothers.
Was McMahon Stadium used in the Olympics?
Yes — it hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
Who plays at McMahon Stadium?
The Calgary Stampeders and Calgary Dinos use McMahon Stadium.
When did McMahon Stadium open?
McMahon Stadium opened in 1960.
Did McMahon Stadium host Olympic events?
McMahon Stadium was part of Calgary's 1988 Winter Olympics story, including ceremony use.
Where is McMahon Stadium?
McMahon Stadium is in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What leagues are associated with McMahon Stadium?
McMahon Stadium is associated with CFL, U Sports.
What is the capacity of McMahon Stadium?
McMahon Stadium capacity should be read by event configuration: 35,650. Configuration may vary for special events.
What teams play at McMahon Stadium?
Current or notable teams associated with McMahon Stadium include Calgary Stampeders, Calgary Dinos.
Why is McMahon Stadium important?
Calgary's classic CFL stadium and 1988 Winter Olympics ceremony venue.
What should visitors check before going to McMahon Stadium?
Visitors should confirm current bag rules, mobile-ticket requirements, camera policies, accessibility entry, transit updates and event-specific restrictions on the official McMahon Stadium or ticket issuer page before attending. Policies can vary by event.
Research
Sources & Verification
Last verified May 20, 2026
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