New bridge on Highway 8 named after Stampede Wrestling founder Stu Hart

The province is honouring a Calgary legend by naming a new Highway 8 bridge after Stu Hart, a wrestling icon and the man behind Stampede Wrestling.

A new bridge built on Highway 8 will honour the founder of Stampede Wrestling, one of Canada’s longest-running TV shows.

The province announced on Wednesday the structure will be called the Stu Hart Memorial Bridge, paying tribute to the man who launched Stampede Wrestling back in 1948.

“For many Albertans, Stampede Wresting wasn’t just a show; it was a Saturday night tradition,” said Devin Dreeshen, minister of transportation and economic corridors, in a Wednesday news release.

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“Naming this bridge in Stu’s honour provides a lasting tribute to Stu and his legendary family, not only for promoting the sport of wrestling, but for the family’s countless contributions to Alberta.”

Stampede Wrestling launched the careers of professional wrestlers like Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Owen Hart, Dynamite Kid, Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart, among others.

Hart family spokesperson Allison Hart says they’re “deeply honoured” by the decision to name the bridge after Stu.

“[He] always believed in hard work and community, and this bridge is a meaningful tribute to that legacy,” she said. “It’s touching to know his name will continue to inspire others in the city he loved.”

The westbound bridge opened to traffic in 2021 as part of the southwest Calgary ring road.

Construction of the eastbound section of the bridge is underway and expected to be complete by fall 2026.

Both bridges are part of the Highway 8 twinning project between the west Calgary ring road and Lott Creek Boulevard.