Calgary Flames Arena

The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team, competing in the NHL’s Western Conference. Established in 1972 as the Atlanta Flames, the team relocated to Calgary in 1980. The Flames have won three conference titles (1986, 1989, 2004) and one Stanley Cup championship in 1989. The team made six playoff appearances in eight seasons in Atlanta, but financial difficulties led to the move to Calgary.

In Calgary, the Flames reached the playoffs in their first 11 seasons. The team won its first Stanley Cup in 1989, led by stars like Al MacInnis and Joe Mullen. The Flames struggled in the late 1990s but returned to the Stanley Cup finals in 2004, losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in a close series.

What is the name of the Calgary Flames Arena?

The Calgary Flames play at the Scotiabank Saddledome, an indoor arena located in Stampede Park, Calgary, Alberta. Built in 1983 to replace the Stampede Corral, it was initially designed to host ice hockey and figure skating during the 1988 Winter Olympics. The arena has also hosted concerts, conferences, and other events.

The Saddledome has undergone several name changes, including Canadian Airlines Saddledome and Pengrowth Saddledome, before becoming Scotiabank Saddledome in 2010. The arena is owned by the City of Calgary and managed by the Flames. Its distinctive roof design, shaped like a horse saddle, is the reason behind its "Saddledome" name.

Calgary Flames Arena History/Calgary Flames Arena Construction Cost

The Calgary Flames started playing in Calgary in 1980, but the city had been using the Stampede Corral since 1950. By the 1970s, the Corral was outdated and not suitable for the National Hockey League (NHL), leading to the Calgary Cowboys folding. In response to the need for a new arena, Calgary bid to host the 1988 Winter Olympics, which also prompted the construction of a new venue for the Flames. After debating several locations, Calgary's City Council selected a site within Stampede Park for the new arena.

Construction of the arena began on July 29, 1981, after overcoming opposition from the Victoria Park Community Association. The facility, initially named Olympic Saddledome, was projected to cost $60 million but eventually exceeded $97 million due to cost overruns and delays. Despite the challenges, the arena opened on October 15, 1983, with an NHL game between the Flames and the Edmonton Oilers. The arena also added luxury suites and upgraded facilities in 1994-95, with its name changing several times due to sponsorship deals.

Where is the Scotiabank Saddledome?

The Scotiabank Saddledome is located in Stampede Park, which is in the southeast part of downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The arena is situated near the Calgary Tower and is easily accessible via the Victoria Park/Stampede CTrain light rail station.

Calgary Flames Arena Capacity

The seating capacity of the Scotiabank Saddledome is 19,289 for hockey games. It can accommodate up to 20,000 people for concerts and other events.

Calgary Flames Arena Seating

According to Tickpick, The seating chart at Scotiabank Saddledome includes different sections and rows, with seat numbers organized in a way that seat number 1 in any section is closest to the highest seat number in the preceding section. The 100-level sections typically start with row 1 and end with row 15, while the 200-level sections start with row 1 and go up to row 25. For floor sections, rows range from 1 to 40, while the PL sections have rows from 1 to 21.

The Flames' bench is located behind sections 108-109, while the visitors' bench is behind sections 109-110. The penalty box is behind section 120, and the Flames shoot twice toward sections 110 and 119.

The best seats for watching a Flames game are in sections 108-110 and 119-121, which are closest to center ice on the lower level. For premium seating, club seating is available in sections 115-122, offering in-seat food and beverage service, a club lounge, and extra seating in bar areas.

What is the parking cost at Calgary Flames Arena?

According to SpotHero, Parking at Scotiabank Saddledome typically costs between CA$15 and CA$25 for game days and events. There are official parking lots around the arena, such as Lot A and Lot B, which are operated by Calgary Stampede Park. Street parking nearby is limited and regulated, with time restrictions and permits often required.

Calgary Flames Arena Notable Events

The Scotiabank Saddledome has hosted several notable events. These include the 2009 Tim Hortons Brier, the 1985 NHL All-Star Game, and three Stanley Cup Finals in 1986, 1989, and 2004. It is home to the Calgary Hitmen, who won the President's Cup in 1999, and the Calgary Roughnecks, who have won multiple NLL Champion's Cup games.

The arena hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics' figure skating and ice hockey events, and it was a venue for the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. It has been the site for major musical acts, including the Moody Blues and Rod Stewart, as well as events like the 1997 WWF "Canadian Stampede" pay-per-view and Queen Elizabeth II's 2005 visit.