A massive new indoor action sports facility is breaking ground just outside Calgary city limits, promising a world-class, year-round destination for athletes and families. The UNREAL Athletic Centre, a $30-million project, is taking shape in Rocky View County near the intersection of Peigan Trail and Stoney Trail S.E.
Spanning approximately 200,000 square feet indoors with an additional 40,000 square feet of outdoor dirt tracks, the complex is poised to become one of the largest of its kind in North America. Founders say the facility is designed to serve a wide audience, from high-performance athletes seeking a premier training ground to local families and riders just starting out. Construction is underway, with a targeted public opening in the first quarter of 2027.
A complete action sports ecosystem
Led by CEO Jerrod Hoskins and co-founder Goe Novello, the project is envisioned as more than just a bike park. Hoskins describes it as a "full action sports ecosystem," with dedicated, purpose-built spaces for not only biking but also skateboarding, scooters, climbing, martial arts, and general fitness. This integrated approach aims to create a comprehensive training environment unlike anything currently available in the region.
"Our aim is to build a world-class training destination for Calgary . and Western Canada, with input and interest from top athletes who understand what a serious progression and performance environment should look like,” says Hoskins. The year-round indoor functionality is a key feature, providing a much-needed outlet during Calgary's long winters.
While Calgary has the 60,000-square-foot B-Line Indoor Bike Park in the northeast, UNREAL's scale is significantly larger. The facility is being constructed in a custom-built structure with ceilings reaching nearly 45 feet, a detail Hoskins emphasizes allows the park's features to dictate the building's design, not the other way around. “The building is accommodating the park,” he says.
The vision was developed in consultation with top athletes to ensure the layout meets the rigorous demands of training and progression. "This is a structured, purpose-built progression facility, not a random collection of ramps,” Hoskins adds. “The design separates high-speed riding from creative flow areas, and supports the broader athlete experience around it.”
Economic and community impact
The project represents a significant private investment in the region's recreational infrastructure. The development is expected to generate more than 80 new jobs for youth in areas like hospitality, coaching, retail, operations, and event management. It will add a major recreational amenity to a growing part of the Calgary area, which has seen other significant developments like the new rental tower in the East Village.
Founders also highlight the potential for sport tourism, positioning the centre to attract visitors and events to both Calgary and the neighbouring city of Chestermere. Its proximity to the Calgary International Airport, about a 20-minute drive, is a strategic advantage in attracting national and international events such as training camps, clinics, and major competitions.
We see UNREAL as more than a facility. It is an opportunity to build a lasting home for action sports in this region, and create a destination that serves both the local community and visitors coming in from outside Calgary. The focus on community building is central to the project's mission. The facility aims to provide a hub for the local action sports scene, which has a strong following but has lacked a centralized, all-weather venue of this magnitude. The growth of sports like mountain biking and BMX is recognized by national bodies like Cycling Canada, and facilities like UNREAL are crucial for nurturing talent at all levels, much like how organizers of large-scale events such as the Boston Marathon employ a crowd scientist to manage a growing field.
A destination in the making
With permits approved and construction proceeding, the project is moving quickly. Hoskins confirmed that 1.5 million pounds of steel were already in production, signalling that the structure will soon take physical form. The team has launched a website with founding memberships and a 'Buy a Brick' campaign, allowing the community to get involved in the project's early stages.
By blending professional-grade training facilities with accessible spaces for beginners, UNREAL aims to foster a holistic environment that supports an athlete's entire journey. “The whole idea is to create a year-round destination where different athletes can progress in the same facility without clashing with each other,” Hoskins says.
As construction continues just off Frontier Road, the facility is on track for its soft opening in late 2026, with the full public launch planned for early 2027. “The long-term goal is to make it a destination that attracts users and events from well beyond Calgary,” states Hoskins. The project is set to become a landmark not just for local riders, but for the Canadian action sports scene as a whole.
