McMahon Stadium

About McMahon Stadium

McMahon Stadium sits on the University of Calgary campus in northwest Calgary — a 35,650-seat open-air venue where the Calgary Stampeders play CFL football with the Rocky Mountain foothills visible on the western horizon. Built in 103 days in 1960 and funded in part by a $300,000 donation from petroleum brothers Frank and George McMahon, it is one of the oldest and most enduring professional sports venues in Western Canada.

The stadium was constructed at extraordinary speed — breaking ground in spring 1960 and opening on August 15, ready for the CFL season. The McMahon brothers’ contribution was one of the largest private sports donations in Canadian history at the time, and their name has been on the stadium ever since. The venue has been expanded and renovated multiple times, growing from its original 25,500 seats to its current capacity, with synthetic turf replacing the original grass surface.

McMahon Stadium achieved international recognition as the venue for the 1988 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies — the Games that gave the world Eddie the Eagle Edwards, the Jamaican bobsled team, and some of the most memorable moments in Olympic history. The stadium was expanded to 41,000 seats for the ceremonies, and the Olympic legacy remains visible in the surrounding infrastructure, including the nearby Canada Olympic Park (now WinSport).

The Stampeders have been one of the most successful franchises in CFL history, winning 8 Grey Cup championships. McMahon Stadium is the heart of Calgary’s football culture — a place where fans endure November snow games, celebrate Grey Cup victories, and tailgate on a university campus that transforms into a sea of red on game days. The CTrain’s Banff Trail station sits directly across from the stadium, giving it one of the best transit connections of any CFL venue.

Getting to McMahon Stadium

Public Transit

McMahon Stadium has one of the best transit connections in the CFL. The CTrain stops directly across the street.

The CTrain is the best way to reach McMahon Stadium. Parking is limited, and Crowchild Trail traffic on game days is heavy. Take the Red Line — it is fast, cheap, and drops you at the gates.

Driving + Parking

The stadium address is 1817 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary, AB T2M 4R6. Crowchild Trail and 16th Avenue NW (Trans-Canada Highway) are the primary approaches.

Limited on-site parking is available. University of Calgary lots cost $10–$20 on game days. The surrounding Banff Trail neighbourhood has free street parking, but it fills early and residents are protective of their spaces. The CTrain is strongly recommended over driving.

Rideshare

Uber operates in Calgary, along with local rideshare services. From downtown Calgary hotels, expect $12–$18 CAD. From the Beltline, $10–$15 CAD. Post-game surge is moderate — walk to Kensington Village for a postgame drink and a quicker pickup.

From the Airport

History of McMahon Stadium

McMahon Stadium was built in 1960 with a $300,000 donation from petroleum brothers Frank and George McMahon and an additional $1.05 million in public funding. Designed by Peter Rule, the stadium was constructed in just 103 days — an extraordinary timeline that reflected Calgary’s frontier spirit and the urgency of having a proper CFL venue ready for the season.

First Game (August 15, 1960): The Calgary Stampeders hosted the first CFL game at McMahon Stadium before a crowd of over 20,000. The venue replaced Mewata Stadium, which had been the Stamps’ home since the 1930s.

1988 Winter Olympics (February 1988): McMahon Stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the XV Olympic Winter Games. The stadium was expanded to 41,000 seats for the occasion. The ceremonies featured traditional Aboriginal performances and showcased Calgary to the world. The Games themselves — Eddie the Eagle, the Jamaican bobsled team, Katarina Witt — became legendary.

Grey Cup Championships: McMahon Stadium has hosted multiple Grey Cup games, including 2009 and 2019. The Stampeders have won 8 Grey Cup championships in their history, with the most recent in 2018 when Calgary defeated Ottawa 27–16. Grey Cup in Calgary means snow, cold, and tailgating on the university campus — Canadian football at its most authentic.

Renovations and Modern Era: The stadium has undergone significant renovations, including new video boards, upgraded seating, and the installation of FieldTurf synthetic surface. While Calgary has periodically discussed building a new stadium or event centre, McMahon has endured — a testament to its location, its CTrain access, and the community’s attachment to a venue that has served the city for over 60 years.

From the 103-day build to the Olympic ceremonies to November Grey Cup snow games, McMahon Stadium is where Calgary’s football identity lives — a venue built by philanthropy, tested by weather, and sustained by a city that loves its Stampeders.