Step Inside: Scotiabank Saddledome – Home of the Calgary Flames

Home of the Calgary Flames

Scotiabank Saddledome is home to the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League. Situated within Stampede Park on the bank of the Elbow River, the indoor arena is located at 555 Saddledome Rise in close proximity to GMC Stadium, BMO Centre, Nutrien Western Event Centre and more.

Below, take a step into Scotiabank Saddledome, including the arena’s history, parking and admission, and capacity and seating options, as well as food and beverage options inside the venue.

Scotiabank Saddledome History

Scotiabank Saddledome first opened as Olympic Saddledome in October 1983 in preparation for Calgary hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics. Its unique name is derived from the arena’s saddle-shaped roof.

The first game at the Saddledome was played between the Flames and their rivals, the Edmonton Oilers, on October 15. Two years later, it hosted the 1985 NHL All-Star Game and in 1986, the Flames played their first Stanley Cup Finals series there. Over its first five years of use, more 2,600 seats were added to the arena’s upper loges. By the time the Olympics arrived in 1988, the International Ice Hockey Federation declared the ‘Dome to be the largest arena to ever be used at the Winter Olympics for both ice hockey and figure skating. The following year, the Flames won the Stanley Cup — beating the Montreal Canadiens in the most recent time in NHL history that two Canadian teams have vied for the championship trophy.

The Saddledome underwent significant renovations in the mid-1990s, adding luxury suites, a new restaurant, club section seating, a new parking garage and more. When it re-opened for the 1995-96 NHL season, the stadium was rechristened Canadian Airlines Saddledome — though removing the Olympic moniker created a bit of controversy among the public and Calgary’s city council.

The venue’s name changed again at the turn of the millennium, after Canadian Airlines was acquired by Air Canada and the now-defunct Pengrowth Energy Corporation acquired the naming rights from 2000 to 2010. In 2000, the ‘Dome hosted the NHL Entry Draft and four years later, the Stanley Cup finals once again took place there.

In 2013, the stadium was among the areas severely impacted by the worst flooding in Alberta history. Thanks to approximately 650,000 hours of round-the-clock work, the ‘Dome was repaired in just two months for the start of the 2013-14 NHL season.

Over the course of its history, the Saddledome has also hosted major events like the Canadian men’s curling championship known as Brier, the women’s curling championship known as the Tournament of Hearts, the 1990 Liberal Party leadership convention, the 2006 World Figure Skating Championships, a 2009 address by the Dalai Lama, yearly events for the Calgary Stampede and more.

Parking and Admission at Scotiabank Saddledome

Parking at the Stampede Park grounds, including at the Saddledome, is overseen by Calgary Parking. Fans can plan ahead by using the MyParking App or use the virtual or onsite pay machines to pay for parking. Parking passes also give pass holders access to Lots A, B, C and PAD.

Accessible parking at the ‘Dome is available in Calgary Stampede Lots 2 and 3 as well as Saddledome Lot A. Nearby accessible parking lots include Lots 10, 8 and 20, and the Remington parking lot north of 11 Ave S.E.

The arena is also accessible via Calgary’s public transit system by taking the CTrain to the Victoria Park/Stampede Station. Bus routes 10, 17, 24, 69 and 300 also make direct stops at the stadium.

Scotiabank Saddledome Capacity & Seating Options

Scotiabank Saddledome contains a total capacity of 19,289 fans, split between a lower bowl, upper bowl, suites, the Platinum Club, a press level, and an alumni lounge. To view a seating chart, click here.

Food & Beverage Options at Scotiabank Saddledome

Scotiabank Saddledome offers a multitude of food and beverage options, with vendors including The Angry Chicken, Madame Tiger, Market 213, The Rotisserie, Coca-Cola Test Kitchen, Tim Hortons and Pocket Dawg. Traditional concessions like popcorn, nachos, craft beer, grab-and-go snacks and more are also available on every level of the stadium.

Scotiabank Saddledome is also home to multiple on-location restaurants and clubs that provide dining during events, including Saddleroom Grill, The Telus Club, Alumni Lounge, The Ultra Club, Super Suites, Dutton’s Original 16 Lounge and Flames Platinum Club.