Calgary's UNREAL Action Sports Facility: A North American First

Calgary is on the verge of unveiling an ambitious project: UNREAL, poised to become North America's most expansive indoor action sports facility. Developed by Goe Novello and Jerrod Hoskins, this colossal venue, encompassing approximately 200,000 square feet, is designed with a strong focus on progression for athletes across various disciplines, particularly mountain biking. With a partial opening targeted for spring 2027, UNREAL aims to distinguish itself not merely by its size, but by the exceptional quality and thoughtful design of its interior spaces, offering a comprehensive environment for skill development and high-level training.

The vision for UNREAL extends beyond sheer scale. Hoskins highlights that while many facilities offer individual elements like pump tracks and jumps, UNREAL's uniqueness lies in integrating these components into a cohesive, progression-focused ecosystem. The indoor space spans about 160,000 square feet, complemented by an additional 40,000 square feet of outdoor riding areas. This design philosophy ensures that riders of all proficiencies, from novices to seasoned professionals, can continuously advance their abilities without feeling intimidated. The emphasis is on a step-by-step progression system, allowing individuals to gradually master more challenging features, including various airbag landing options for safer trick practice.

Elite athletes are central to UNREAL's mission. Hoskins and Novello have engaged top slopestyle and freeride mountain bikers, such as Brett Rheeder, in the design process to create world-class features. The facility will include a specialized 'pro line' intended to attract professional riders seeking a dedicated year-round training ground, especially crucial given Canada's challenging winter climate. Additionally, UNREAL will cater to BMX training with a four-rider race format, and boast extensive outdoor dirt jump lines and pump tracks, further enriching its offerings.

Beyond cycling, UNREAL will be a multi-sport hub featuring rock climbing, a gym, martial arts facilities, a skate/scooter park, a golf simulator, axe-throwing, and dining options. This diverse array of activities is intended to encourage visitors to spend an entire day at the facility, transforming it into a vibrant social and spectator space. Parents can observe their children, and enthusiasts can watch professionals hone their skills, all within a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. This holistic approach aims to foster a strong community, making UNREAL a destination for families and athletes alike.

Addressing concerns about maintaining visitor numbers during summer, Hoskins notes that UNREAL will not compete directly with outdoor mountain trails. Instead, it will adapt its summer programming to include camps, competitions, and specialized training, utilizing both indoor and outdoor spaces. The long-term ambition is for UNREAL to become an indispensable winter training solution for Northern Hemisphere athletes, offering a more accessible alternative to traveling to warmer climates. Ultimately, UNREAL aspires to be a foundational space where young riders can discover and cultivate a lifelong passion for cycling, potentially nurturing the next generation of mountain biking legends.