A Guide to Scotiabank Saddledome
The Scotiabank Saddledome is one of the most distinctive buildings in professional sports, instantly recognizable by its iconic saddle-shaped roof that mirrors Calgary's rich western heritage. Opened for the 1988 Winter Olympics, it stands as the NHL’s second-oldest active arena and serves as the passionate, high-energy home of the Calgary Flames. Nestled within the Calgary Stampede grounds, a visit to this legendary venue offers a deeply authentic hockey experience, especially during the upcoming 2026–2027 season, which marks the historic final full year of hockey at the Dome before the franchise transitions to its brand-new arena.
Getting to the Arena
- Driving & ParkingIf driving, parking is available in Stampede Park lots and surrounding surface lots along Macleod Trail and 12th Avenue SE; lots fill up fast, so arrive early or prepay online
- Public Transit
- Transit BusCalgary Transit bus routes 10, 17, 24, 69, 90, and 300 provide service directly to the Scotiabank Saddledome.
- CTrainCalgary's CTrain (LRT) runs directly to the Victoria Park/Stampede station, which is a short walk across the Stampede grounds to the arena entrance. This is the easiest and most recommended way to get to the game.
- RideshareRideshare drop-off zones are designated on 12th Avenue SE near the main gates.
Pregame Festivities
The 17th Avenue SW strip. Calgary's main entertainment corridor and the neighborhoods around Stampede Park offer a vibrant mix of sports bars, restaurants, and local hangouts.
Bars & Restaurants
- Is a Calgary institution on 17th Avenue. A beloved pub with a massive patio, local craft beer, and a fiercely loyal crowd that spills out onto the sidewalk on game nights
- Is a sprawling bar and restaurant along the Red Mile strip with rooftop and patio seating, craft cocktails, and a high-energy game-day atmosphere.
- Is a stylish cocktail lounge on 17th Avenue for fans looking for a more refined pregame drink in a sleek, modern setting.
- Pays homage to Calgary sports culture with a casual, welcoming vibe and cold beers. A neighborhood spot that fills up on game days.
- Is one of Calgary's most acclaimed restaurants, offering creative, locally sourced dishes in a converted dairy building on 17th Avenue a special-occasion pregame dinner.
- Serves Neapolitan-style pizza and an excellent wine list in a lively, casual atmosphere right on the Red Mile.
- Is a cozy neighborhood spot for coffee, brunch, or a light bite before an afternoon or early-evening game.
Neighborhood Attractions
- Rises 190 metres above downtown with an observation deck and revolving restaurant offering views of the Rockies, the prairies, and the Saddledome's distinctive roof.
- A stunning architectural landmark on the East Village that houses Canada's music history. Interactive exhibits, rare instruments, and performance spaces.
- A scenic multi-use trail system along the Bow River that connects to Stampede Park and offers beautiful views of the city skyline and surrounding foothills.
- An award-winning architectural masterpiece in the East Village with soaring interior spaces, public art, and a rooftop terrace. Worth visiting even if you're not a reader.
- At the junction of the Bow and Elbow Rivers is the birthplace of Calgary, featuring interpretive trails, public art, and green space near the Stampede grounds.
Monuments & Unique Features
- Saddle Shape DomeThe saddle-shaped hyperbolic paraboloid roof is the Saddledome's defining architectural feature — designed for the 1988 Winter Olympics and unlike anything else in professional sports
- The Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau Memorial / TributeFollowing the tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, the steps of the Saddledome became an immense, historic grassroots memorial site. While the massive organic mountain of sticks and flowers was respectfully transitioned by the team into charitable items, the area. Specifically the Saddledome stairs and the grassy area immediately to the north remains a deeply sacred focal point for fans coming to pay tribute.
- The Blasty Fire-Breathing StatueDepending on the homestand, a large, custom-built metallic statue of Blasty the team's iconic horsehead logo that actually breathes fire has made appearances directly out front of the arena to pump up fans.
- Championship Banner1989 Stanley Cup Championship
- Conference Championships3 Campbell Conference Championships 1986, 1989, 2004.
- 2 Presidents' Trophies1987 & 1988
- Division Championship Banners2018 & 2021
- "Forever a Flame" BannersThis program honors legend status without taking their numbers out of circulation. These banners feature the player's likeness and name, but future players can still wear the numbers. There are exactly two: #2 Al MacInnis & #25 Joe Nieuwendyk.
- Retired Jerseys
- #9 Lanny McDonald
- #12 Jarome Iginla
- #30 Mike Vernon
- #34 Miika Kiprusoff
- The 1988 Winter Olympics DisplayBecause the Saddledome was built for the Calgary '88 Winter Games, various historical plaques and imagery celebrating the Olympic figure skating and hockey events remain integrated into the building's infrastructure.
Seating & Special Sections
- TELUS Club SeatsSections 115–122: Located in prime lower-level sections on the north and west sides of the arena. Ticketholders sit in oversized, green-padded seats designed for maximum comfort.
- Sportsnet Platinum ClubSituated discreetly on the Terrace Level, this is an ultra-exclusive, luxurious 188-seat super-suite environment designed for upscale entertaining.
- Executive Luxury SuitesSuites 4101–4140: Private, mid-level hospitality boxes flanking the arena that comfortably accommodate 12 to 20 guests.
- Super SuitesSuites 1A, 27, 202, 203, 207, and 208: Massive, large-scale hospitality spaces built for hosting corporate events or major parties.
Concessions
- The Saddledome's concessions lean into Alberta's culinary strengths. Expect Alberta beef burgers, smokehouse items, and hearty fare built for a hockey crowd.
- Pocket DawgSections 214, 225: The ultimate, undisputed culinary staple of a Flames game. It is a hot dog completely encased inside a hollowed-out, toasted French baguette, loaded from the inside with your choice of specialized condiments or cheese. It is a brilliant, mess-free arena design.
- Shorty’sSection 205: A fan-favorite spot known primarily for its signature premium item: the Shorty Short Rib Sandwich, featuring tender, slow-braised beef.
- The Angry ChickenSection 210: A go-to destination for fans looking for a kick, specializing in fiery, hot fried chicken sandwiches and tenders.
- The RotisserieSection 218: Perfect for those wanting a break from standard fried stadium fare, serving up hearty, juicy rotisserie chicken meals.
- Madame TigerSection 227: The designated haven for health-conscious fans, offering a dedicated menu of vibrant vegan and vegetarian meals.
- Coca-Cola Test KitchenSection 227: A unique, rotating culinary concept stand that features a completely different monthly menu, giving frequent game-goers something brand new to try throughout the season.
- Burgers & BrewSections 215, 227: The premier spot for elevated, classic arena pairings, serving up thick-cut Alberta beef burgers alongside cold draft beer.
- Market 213Utilizing Amazon’s checkout-free Just Walk Out technology, this spot allows fans to tap a card, grab bottled beverages, packaged sandwiches, salads, and snacks, and leave immediately without waiting in a traditional register line.
- Foothills CreamerSections 210, 213, 224, 227, 301, 310: A proud Alberta institution serving up local ice cream, their legendary stadium malt cups, and warm, sugary churros.
- Tim HortonsSection 213: A necessary Canadian arena fixture, serving classic coffees, hot chocolates, and a selection of Timbits and donuts.
- Pizza 73Sections 213, 216, 222, 226, 301, 310: The official pizza provider of the Saddledome, serving up hot, quick-service slices on all three concourse level.
- CaesarvilleMain Concourse: A uniquely Canadian stadium bar dedicated entirely to the country's unofficial national cocktail: the Caesar (Vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, loaded with savory garnishes.
- Banded Peak Craft Nacho StandSection 213: Pairs massive plates of loaded stadium nachos with fresh, locally brewed craft beer from Calgary's own Banded Peak Brewing.
- Specialty Drink HutsConcourse-wide: Scattered around the building are dedicated thematic beverage bars, including the Fireball Whisky Bar, the Rum Hut, and a dedicated Wine Bar for upscale pours.
Arena Information
Notable Events
- The 2004 Stanley Cup Finals saw the Flames push the Tampa Bay Lightning to seven games, with the infamous "it was in" debate over a potential goal in Game 6 that still haunts Calgary fans.
- The Saddledome opened in 1983 as the Olympic Saddledome for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics making it the oldest active arena in the NHL and a living piece of Olympic and hockey history
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this arena