Southcentre Mall

Southcentre Mall Calgary Visitor Guide: Hours, Tickets, and Experience

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Southcentre Mall’s Role in Calgary

Southcentre Mall, located at 100 Anderson Road SE in Calgary, Alberta, is a cornerstone of the city’s southeast community. Since opening in 1974, it has grown from a traditional shopping mall to a multifaceted destination for retail, dining, entertainment, and cultural engagement (Southcentre Mall Community). Spanning over one million square feet and featuring more than 190 stores, Southcentre blends national brands with local boutiques, Indigenous retailers, and specialty services. Its accessible design, ample parking, and direct connection to Anderson C-Train Station make it a convenient and inclusive hub for both locals and visitors.

The mall’s evolution has mirrored Calgary’s growth and diversity. Southcentre is not just a place to shop—it is a venue for cultural celebration, family entertainment, and community partnership. Events like Asian Heritage Month and Indigenous fashion showcases reflect a commitment to reconciliation and multiculturalism (Todo Canada – Asian Heritage Month; Authentically Indigenous). With innovative entertainment offerings, such as the cutting-edge PowerPlay complex, Southcentre continues to redefine the modern retail experience (PowerPlay FAQs; Oxford Properties).

Mall Overview and History
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Mall Layout and Anchor Tenants
Unique Retailers and Dining
Entertainment and Experiences (PowerPlay)
Amenities, Accessibility, and Travel Tips
Community Engagement and Cultural Initiatives
FAQs
Plan Your Visit
References

Mall Overview and History

Origins and Growth

Southcentre Mall opened in 1974, designed with a “dumbbell” layout anchored by major department stores (Retail Insider). As Calgary’s southeast grew, so did the mall—expanding in the 1980s and 1990s with new wings, a food court, and enhanced amenities. The 2000s saw further diversification of tenants, welcoming both national chains and independent stores (Southcentre Mall Community).

Modernization and the End of the Department Store Era

The closure of legacy stores like Sears in 2018 marked a pivotal transformation. Southcentre repurposed these large spaces to introduce new anchors, specialty retailers, and entertainment venues—most notably PowerPlay—mirroring the broader trend of malls moving beyond traditional retail (Retail Insider).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Mall Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Holiday hours may vary; check the official website for updates.
Admission:
- Mall entry is free for all visitors.
- Certain entertainment venues, such as PowerPlay, require separate tickets, which can be purchased onsite or online (PowerPlay FAQs).

Mall Layout and Anchor Tenants

Southcentre Mall’s design is user-friendly, with two main retail levels and a straightforward rectangular layout (Wikipedia; Oxford Properties). Wide corridors, natural lighting, and clear signage make navigation easy. Main entrances are on the north (Anderson Road) and south (Bonaventure Drive), with additional access from east and west parking lots.

Parking: Over 4,000 stalls, including accessible and family-friendly spaces.
Public Transit: Located across from Anderson C-Train Station for direct LRT access.

Anchor Tenants (as of 2025):

Hudson’s Bay: Flagship department store at the north end (Calgary.com).
Sporting Life: Large-format sporting goods retailer at the north entrance.
Winners: Discount fashion and home décor on the ground floor of the former Sears space.
Dollarama: Value shopping, also in the former Sears footprint.
PetSmart: Pet supplies and services.
Indigo: Books, gifts, and lifestyle products.
PowerPlay: Entertainment complex on the third floor of the former Sears area (Wikipedia).

Unique Retailers and Dining

Fashion and Beauty

Sephora: Beauty and cosmetics.
Lululemon Athletica: Athletic wear and yoga apparel.
Aritzia, RW&CO., H&M, Pandora: Popular fashion and accessories for a range of styles (Southcentre Offers).

Home, Lifestyle, and Family

Crate & Barrel: Modern home furnishings (Wikipedia).
QE Home: Bedding and textiles.
Indigo: Books and unique gift items.
Children’s Place, Build-A-Bear Workshop: Clothing and interactive experiences for kids.
Children’s Play Area: Safe, engaging space for families (Calgary.com).

Supporting Local and Indigenous Retailers

Southcentre actively supports local and Indigenous entrepreneurs, hosting pop-up markets and events like Indigenous fashion shows in partnership with organizations such as Authentically Indigenous Inc. (Calgary Herald; Authentically Indigenous). These initiatives bring unique, culturally significant products to shoppers.

Dining Options

The centrally located food court offers a wide selection of international cuisine and local favorites, while sit-down restaurants like Earls Southcentre provide upscale dining in a welcoming, art-filled environment (Calgary.com).

Entertainment and Experiences (PowerPlay)

PowerPlay Calgary: The Ultimate Family Entertainment Venue

Occupying 80,000 square feet on the third floor, PowerPlay transforms Southcentre into a premier entertainment destination (PowerPlay FAQs). Entry is via external east and south entrances.

Attractions

Bowling: 16 lanes with dynamic lighting and in-lane food and beverage service (Avenue Calgary).
Arcade: Classic and modern games with lounge seating.
Micro Cinemas: Ten dine-in theaters with chef-led menus delivered to your seat.
Sports Simulators: Realistic baseball (Strikezon) and golf (GolfZon) simulators with bar service.
Augmented Reality Game Rooms: Immersive digital/physical play experiences (Curiocity).
Full-Service Restaurant and Bar: Wide-ranging menu including Korean fried chicken, pizza, and seafood pasta.
Upcoming Expansion (2025): Laser tag, rooftop patio, speakeasy, and Starbucks (Retail Insider).

Hours and Tickets

Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tickets:
- Purchase online or at the venue. Advance booking is recommended for bowling, cinemas, and simulators.

Accessibility

Accessible entrances, elevators, and dedicated seating ensure PowerPlay is welcoming to all guests.

Amenities, Accessibility, and Travel Tips

Accessibility: Wide corridors, elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout the mall.
Family Facilities: Family washrooms, nursing rooms, stroller rentals.
Digital Tools: StyList platform for browsing and shopping online (Southcentre Mall).
Travel Tips:
- Use public transit during busy periods to avoid parking congestion.
- Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons for a quieter experience.
- Combine your mall trip with local attractions like Fish Creek Provincial Park or the Calgary Zoo.

Community Engagement and Cultural Initiatives

Southcentre is deeply embedded in Calgary’s community life:

Cultural Programming: Hosts events such as Asian Heritage Month, Indigenous fashion shows, and seasonal festivals (Todo Canada – Asian Heritage Month; Calgary Herald).
Commitment to Reconciliation: Acknowledges traditional Indigenous territories and partners with local Nations to support inclusivity and dialogue (Southcentre Mall Community).
Sustainability: Initiatives include urban beehives and partnerships with environmental organizations.

FAQs

Q: What are regular mall hours?
A: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM. Individual store and holiday hours may vary.

Q: Is parking free?
A: Yes, including accessible and family spaces.

Q: How do I access the mall by public transit?
A: Use Anderson C-Train Station, located directly across from the mall.

Q: Are there tickets needed for entry?
A: Mall entry is free; tickets are required for some entertainment venues like PowerPlay.

Q: Are there family facilities and accessibility features?
A: Yes, including family washrooms, play areas, elevators, and ramps.

Q: Does the mall host special events?
A: Yes, including cultural celebrations, community fundraisers, and pop-up markets.

Plan Your Visit

To maximize your Southcentre Mall experience:

Check official hours and events before your visit.
Use the StyList or Audiala apps to browse store promotions and plan your itinerary.
Combine your trip with nearby attractions, such as Fish Creek Provincial Park, Calgary Zoo, or Glenmore Reservoir.
Stay connected via the mall’s social media channels for the latest updates.

For more details, visit the Southcentre Mall official website.