FODS Goes Elbows Up Against Mud at the New Calgary Event Center
FODS - The New Enforcer at the Calgary Saddledome
In the heart of downtown Calgary, Alberta, a transformative infrastructure project is reshaping the city's urban core: the Calgary Event Centre. This $900 million undertaking marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of Calgary's entertainment and cultural district. At the centerpiece of the development is Scotia Place—a state-of-the-art arena that will serve as the future home of the Calgary Flames, replacing the iconic Saddledome. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the Event Centre is envisioned as a modern venue supporting sports, concerts, exhibitions, and major events, while also driving economic and social vibrancy in the region.
The surrounding infrastructure is designed to seamlessly integrate with key downtown landmarks such as the BMO Centre, Stampede Park, and Calgary's core business district, reinforcing the area’s role as a premier destination for entertainment and tourism.
The new Calgary Event Centre is a landmark in sustainable urban development, engineered with a projected 75-year lifespan to serve as a long-term asset to the city. Designed with green building technology, the facility integrates 600 solar panels, contributing to an impressive 11% improvement in source energy consumption—a major milestone in energy efficiency for large-scale sports and entertainment venues. Spanning 16,500 square feet, this state-of-the-art arena is a centerpiece of the Calgary entertainment district redevelopment and will provide year-round events for sports fans, concertgoers, and visitors alike. Situated in the heart of Calgary, the Event Centre is poised to house roughly 8,000 local residents, aligning with the city's goals for smart growth, environmental leadership, and community-driven infrastructure.
Stakeholders and Project Partners
This ambitious project is backed by a strong public-private collaboration. The City of Calgary, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), and the Province of Alberta have partnered to co-fund and deliver the Event Centre as part of the broader Rivers District Master Plan located along the Bow River.
The construction is being led by two industry leaders: Mortenson Construction, a U.S.-based firm with global expertise in large-scale arenas and event venues, such as Ball Arena in Denver, CO, The Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington with over 150 arenas under their belt the were the perfect general contractor for this job Accompanied by CANA Construction, a Calgary-based company known for its deep roots and reliability in major infrastructure projects across Western Canada completing projects such as the National Music Centre’s Studio Bell, a renovation on the Glenmore Athletic Park, and The Taylor institute for Teaching and Learning. Together, these contractors are overseeing a complex operation requiring high-level coordination, community engagement, and strict adherence to regulatory and environmental standards.
Architectural Excellence: Dialog + HOK
The architectural vision behind Scotia Place is a collaboration between global architecture powerhouse HOK and Calgary-based firm Dialog. Their design embraces transparency, community access, and energy efficiency. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels invite daylight into the venue and connect event-goers with the city’s landscape.
The plan also incorporates year-round outdoor gathering spaces and retail frontages that energize the pedestrian realm. Unanimously approved by the Calgary Planning Commission, the design reflects a contemporary vision grounded in local identity and long-term viability
FODS Deployed On The Construction Of The New Calgary Event Center
Environmental and Logistical Challenges
Constructing a megaproject in a bustling urban center introduces multiple logistical and environmental concerns. From heavy equipment traffic to proximity with public roads, stormwater infrastructure, and pedestrian pathways, every element of the Calgary Event Centre required careful planning.
Among the most pressing concerns was erosion and sediment control (ESC). Calgary’s municipal ESC regulations, alongside provincial standards enforced by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and the Bow River Basin Council (BRBC), their proximity to the Bow River demands more stringent controls to prevent sediment from contaminating stormwater systems and affecting nearby neighborhoods and watersheds.
Traditionally, construction sites have relied on gravel-stabilized construction entrances to mitigate trackout. However, in high-traffic, high-visibility locations like downtown Calgary, these methods are insufficient. Rock Stabilized Construction Entrances deteriorate quickly, require frequent maintenance, and often fail to remove sediment effectively from vehicle tires. The result is increased debris on public roads, elevated environmental risks, and potential fines for non-compliance.
Turning Point: Choosing FODS Trackout Control Mats
Recognizing these challenges early, Mortenson Construction and CANA Construction proactively evaluated alternative Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) methods. Their research led them to FODS (Foreign Object Debris System) Trackout Control Mats—a modern, engineered solution offering superior sediment capture, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
FODS mats are designed with a proprietary pattern of raised elements that dislodge dirt, mud, and debris from vehicle tires before they exit a jobsite. Made from durable composite materials, these mats are robust enough for heavy construction traffic and Calgary’s varying climate.
To date, more than 30 FODS mats have been installed across the Calgary Event Centre site. Their modular design allows for strategic placement and redeployment as construction phases evolve, making them a highly adaptable and cost-effective asset.
Rendering of the Calgary Event Center
Key Benefits of FODS for the Calgary Event Centre
1. Rapid Deployment
FODS mats can be deployed in under 30 minutes with minimal equipment. This fast setup minimizes disruptions to site operations and traffic flow, especially crucial in a downtown setting.
2. Reusability and Versatility
Unlike gravel entrances that degrade and must be replaced, FODS mats are fully reusable. When one phase of the project is complete, the mats are relocated to new access points, maximizing their lifecycle value and cutting material waste.
3. Low Maintenance
Traditional rock entrances require frequent top-ups, reshaping, and eventual replacement. FODS mats only require occasional trench clearing with custom tools provided by the manufacturer. This simplicity translates to significantly lower maintenance costs and labor requirements.
4. Superior Sediment Control
Independent tests show that FODS mats are up to 60% more effective at sediment removal than gravel solutions. This improved performance drastically reduces the burden on municipal street sweeping operations and helps prevent sediment discharge into stormwater systems.
5. Regulatory Compliance
FODS meets and exceeds Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) compliance standards in Canada and the U.S. For contractors like Mortenson Construction and CANA Construction, this means fewer inspections, reduced risk of non-compliance fines, and smoother project execution.
6. Safety and Site Cleanliness
Cleaner roads mean safer environments for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. By trapping debris at the source, FODS contributes to a tidier, more professional-looking jobsite and better community relations.
Broader Impacts: Economic and Environmental Gains
Implementing FODS mats has delivered significant economic and environmental benefits for the Calgary Event Centre project:
Reduced material costs through reusability
Recycled Materials FODS Trackout Control Mats Incorporate Post Consumer Recycled Materials in their manufacturing process
Lower labor expenses due to minimal maintenance
Decreased emissions from less frequent street sweeping
Improved compliance and fewer disruptions from inspections
Enhanced sustainability by reducing construction waste and runoff
These gains align with Calgary’s sustainability goals and send a strong message about environmental responsibility and innovation in public infrastructure.
A Model for Modern Construction
Mortenson Construction and CANA Construction's adoption of FODS Trackout Control Mats highlights a shift in the construction industry toward more innovative, greener building practices. They have set a benchmark for large-scale developments across Canada by thinking beyond conventional methods.
Their foresight and commitment to innovation helped mitigate a major risk area—trackout—while maintaining schedule, budget, and compliance. FODS enabled both teams to focus on delivering core project outcomes without distractions from sediment-related setbacks.
FODS at a Glance: Benefits Recap
Fast Installation: Under 30 minutes, minimizing delays
Reusable & Relocatable: Adaptable for every construction phase
Minimal Maintenance: Trench clearing only—no replenishment needed
Proven Performance: 60% more effective than gravel
Full Compliance: ESC regulations met without compromise
Sustainable: Long lifecycle, low waste, lower emissions
Safer Worksites: Reduced mud, debris, and public road hazards
Conclusion: Leading by Example
The Calgary Event Centre stands as a powerful example of how innovation and environmental accountability can go hand in hand. In a project shaped by complexity and visibility, the decision to implement FODS Trackout Control Mats offered a straightforward yet impactful solution to one of construction’s most persistent challenges.
For Mortenson and CANA, this choice was not just about meeting today’s standards—it was about setting new ones. By championing reusable, high-performance construction technology, they delivered more than just a building. They delivered leadership, sustainability, and a cleaner, more compliant path forward.
FODS is more than a mat—it’s a better way to build.
ABOUT FODS, LLC.
Based in Centennial Colorado, FODS is working to replace ineffective and costly traditional rock stabilized construction entrances, saving you time and money. Our proprietary mat design works to effectively remove debris from your vehicle tires without damaging the tire or the ground’s surface. FODS Vehicle Trackout Controls BMP mats are 100% Made In the USA and 100% recyclable.
To find out more information on how we can help your project stay on schedule and in compliance contact 844-200-3637 or email us at info@getfods.com.