Edmonton’s renovated Butterdome will be gold and green, light up at night

Edmonton’s iconic Butterdome will somewhat keep its trademark buttery colour, though it’s losing the rounded edges that contributed to its popular nickname.

That’s according to digital renderings released Wednesday that show what the new exterior of the Universiade Pavilion, as it’s officially called, will look like following long-overdue renovations.

The new-look Butterdome will be gold and green, drawing from the University of Alberta’s colours. It will also have a lighting feature that winds across the exterior and illuminates the building at night.

There will be more windows for additional natural light, and solar panels will be added to the building’s roof.

Gone will be the building’s rounded cladding, which was rusted in areas and leading to leaks. Students told CityNews last year the existing design was dangerous.

“Due to the existing building shape, snow and ice can slide from the roof onto sidewalks below, requiring the university to install protective scaffolding during colder months. The new design will correct this issue,” the university said in a news release.

Funding for the renovation came from a $27-million grant by the Alberta government.

“The Butterdome is one of Edmonton’s most recognizable campus landmarks and a place where students, families, and communities have come together for more than four decades,” said Myles McDougall, Alberta’s minister of advanced education.

“This investment will modernize the building, improve safety, and extend its life while respecting its history and iconic design. By upgrading this facility with sustainable features and a renewed exterior, we are ensuring it continues to serve the University of Alberta and the wider community for generations to come.”

Site preparation work and sidewalk closures are underway. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.

Built in 1983 for the Universiade Games, the 64,000-square-foot Butterdome houses athletics areas, multiple sports courts and multi-purpose spaces. It’s hosted sporting events, craft shows, ceremonies and career fairs over the years.

“For decades the Butterdome has been a home for athletic tournaments and so much more,” said Todd Gilchrist, the U of A’s vice-president of university services, operations and finance. “From celebrating high school graduations to hosting the annual craft sale — and even serving as a safe space during a provincial crisis — it has consistently brought people together.”