In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our Architrivia.

McMahon Stadium has hosted a plethora of sporting and cultural events since its inception in 1960, when crews built the structure in only 103 days. Its primary function has not changed in the 57 years since then, continuing to serve as the home turf for the beloved Calgary Stampeders. Designed by Rule Wynn and Rule, the building replaced the aging Mewata Stadium, and was constructed on 40 acres of land with a 99-year lease from the City of Calgary.

McMahon Stadium in 2012, image via Huskies Football

The property partially comprised a piece of land that was dedicated for the purposes of a new university — the University of Calgary would be established in 1966, six years after completion of the stadium. To recognize the $300,000 donation for construction from Calgary oil tycoons Frank and George McMahon, the facility would bear the brothers' surname.

McMahon Stadium during the opening ceremonies, 1988 Winter Olympics, image by Flickr user Brian Woychuk via Creative Commons

A six-member non-profit group called the McMahon Stadium Society was appointed the task of operating and improving the venue. On August 15, the first CFL game would see the Stampeders fall to the Winnipeg Bluebombers 38-23. The team's first win in their new home would take place two weeks later, when they defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 23-15. The stadium has proven to be a place of fortune for the Stampeders, who have gone 304-157-8 since moving in. In that time, the team has finished first 14 times, and have collected six Grey Cups.

The exterior of the 1960-built facility, image by Flickr user daniel0685 via Creative Commons

The stadium's capacity received a 7,000-seat boost in 1978 following a $4.5 million renovation, which also brought amateur sports facilities, a tunnel, and a new press box to the complex. More enhancements were carried out as the venue prepared to host the opening and closing ceremonies for the 1988 Winter Olympics, once again bumping the capacity of the stadium, and adding new turf and sound systems.

Further renovations in 2005 would reduce the number of seats to the current 35,650, though the stadium would still achieve an attendance record four years later, when 46,020 spectators occupied both permanent and temporary seating to witness the Montreal Alouettes face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 97th Grey Cup. The complex was also the site of the 2011 NHL Heritage Classic between the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens.

Edmonton Eskimos vs Calgary Stampeders, image by Flickr user daniel0685 via Creative Commons

In 2013, some fitted seats replaced aluminum benches, and LED sideline signage was added. A new 30x50-foot scoreboard was installed in 2014, along with an expanded concourse and a new FieldTurf surface that replaced the 2006 turf.