Scotiabank Saddledome
Scotiabank Saddledome - Travel Guide & Stadium Information
- Ice Hockey stadium in Calgary, Unknown with 19,289 capacity - complete travel and matchday guide
- Professional playing surface with modern facilities
- Transport: Nearest train station, tube line, and bus routes with walking times
- Parking: Official stadium parking £10 to £20, street parking options nearby
- Away fans: Dedicated section, entrance gates, and capacity allocation information
Key Facts
Scotiabank Saddledome Essential Details
Scotiabank Saddledome Basic Details
Stadium Capacity
19,289 spectators
Year Opened
1983
Address & Location
555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2W1
Calgary, England
Technical Specifications
Pitch Type
No Pitch
Stadium Type
Single-Sport Venue
Primary Sport
Ice Hockey
Venue Classification
Arena
Location & Maps
About Scotiabank Saddledome
About Scotiabank Saddledome
Scotiabank Saddledome is the home of the Calgary Flames (NHL), located at 555 Saddledome Rise SE in Stampede Park in the southeast end of downtown Calgary, Alberta. Opened on October 15, 1983, the arena was built specifically for the 1988 Winter Olympics -- one of the most ambitious pre-Olympic arena projects in history. At a capacity of 20,016 for the Games, it was the largest arena ever used at a Winter Olympics. The International Ice Hockey Federation called it "the finest international rink in the world." The arena was also the first in North America designed to accommodate the wider international ice surface. Now the third-oldest arena in the NHL (after Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and Madison Square Garden), the Saddledome is in its final two NHL seasons before Scotia Place opens in fall 2027. The arena's defining feature is its hyperbolic paraboloid roof -- a double-curved concrete shell shaped like a horse saddle, giving the building its name and its unmistakable skyline profile. The saddle form is simultaneously concave and convex, creating exceptional structural strength from a relatively thin concrete shell. Calgary's skyline is defined by this shape, making the Saddledome one of the most recognisable arenas anywhere in professional sport. The Calgary Flames won their only Stanley Cup Championship in 1989, defeating the Montreal Canadiens in six games. The arena has also witnessed the 2004 playoffs' legendary Red Mile -- when 17th Avenue SW became an impromptu celebration street as the Flames made an improbable run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning and fuelling one of hockey's great popular moments. The arena survived the devastating 2013 Alberta floods, during which water rose to the eighth row of seats inside -- and reopened for the following season in a remarkable recovery. CTrain's Victoria Park/Stampede Station sits directly adjacent to the arena -- one of the most direct transit connections in the NHL. The 7th Avenue downtown free fare zone means fans from downtown hotels pay nothing for the 5--8 minute journey. Shorty's Sandwich -- braised Alberta beef short rib on ciabatta with fries, chimichurri, and red wine demi-glace -- is widely cited as one of the best single in-arena food items in professional hockey. The Saddledome's farewell is underway. Scotia Place groundbreaking occurred July 22, 2024, with foundation construction beginning January 2025. The new $920+ million arena in Victoria Park -- 18,400 capacity, ground-level barrier-free access, Indigenous-influenced design with a central flame motif -- is scheduled to open fall 2027. The Saddledome will then be demolished. For the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons, attending a Flames game at the Saddledome is an opportunity to experience one of hockey's great arenas in its final chapter.
Getting to Scotiabank Saddledome
Getting to the Stadium
CTrain Light Rail -- Victoria Park/Stampede Station
Calgary's CTrain light rail has a dedicated station for the Saddledome: Victoria Park/Stampede Station (Red Line), located adjacent to the arena on Stampede Park. The Red Line connects downtown Calgary to the southeast -- from downtown's 7th Avenue Free Fare Zone, the journey to the Saddledome station takes approximately 5--8 minutes. The 7th Avenue downtown corridor is a free fare zone for CTrain. For games, CTrain adds event-specific extended service. The CTrain is by far the easiest way to reach the Saddledome from downtown Calgary hotels and the city core.
Calgary Transit Bus Routes
Multiple Calgary Transit bus routes serve Stampede Park and the Victoria Park area surrounding the Saddledome. Routes 9, 10, and others pass near the arena on Macleod Trail and 17th Avenue SE. The CTrain is more direct for most fans, but buses serve outlying neighbourhoods not on the Red Line. Rideshare (Uber) operates in Calgary -- designated rideshare zones available outside the arena on game nights.
Driving & Parking at the Saddledome
Scotiabank Saddledome is on Stampede Park in the southeast end of downtown Calgary, accessible via Macleod Trail SE and Stampede Trail SE. Multiple parking lots surround the Stampede Park complex. The Scotiabank Saddledome parkade is the closest structure. Surface lot parking is also available across the Stampede grounds. Parking rates for Flames games start at approximately CAD $25. Calgary downtown parking is generally less congested than comparable Canadian cities -- traffic post-game is manageable.
Walking from Downtown Calgary via Stampede Park
The Scotiabank Saddledome is on Stampede Park, approximately 1.5km southeast of Calgary's downtown core on 9th Avenue SE. From downtown hotels on 7th Avenue or the Beltline neighbourhood, the walk to the Saddledome takes 15--20 minutes through Stampede Park grounds. The Saddledome's iconic saddle-shaped roof is visible from downtown -- a navigational landmark. Elbow River pathways and Stampede Park pedestrian access make for a pleasant walk in good weather.
Stadium Tours
Scotiabank Saddledome Farewell Tour
Tour Description
Experience one of hockey's most iconic arenas -- the Scotiabank Saddledome -- before it closes forever when Scotia Place opens in fall 2027. A guided behind-the-scenes tour covers the Calgary Flames locker room, the players' tunnel to ice level, the unique hyperbolic paraboloid roof structure (the saddle shape that defines the building's silhouette), and views of the adjacent Scotia Place construction site rising next door. Learn about the arena's extraordinary history: built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, the largest arena ever used at a Winter Games, home of the 1989 Stanley Cup champions, site of the legendary 2004 Red Mile playoff run, and survivor of the 2013 Alberta floods. The tour is also an opportunity to document your visit to a building in its final NHL seasons.
Pricing & Duration
Adult tickets cost £20, children's tickets are £12, and concession tickets are available for £16. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 75 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.
Tour Highlights
The Scotiabank Saddledome Farewell Tour includes flames locker room, players' tunnel, ice level, saddle roof structure, scotia place construction view, 1988 olympics heritage, 1989 stanley cup displays, 2004 red mile memories, flood recovery story, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Available on select non-event days -- book soon as the Saddledome enters its final NHL seasons (2025-26, 2026-27). Contact Scotiabank Saddledome guest services or visit scotiabanksaddledome.com. Book via scotiabanksaddledome.com or call 403-777-4646.
Hotels Near Scotiabank Saddledome
Where to Stay
Hotel Arts
Accommodation Type & Location
Luxury accommodation - short walk / CTrain
Pricing
Rates from £200 to £420 per night
Description
Calgary's most celebrated boutique luxury hotel, 1.2km from the Saddledome in the Beltline neighbourhood. Yellow Door Bistro restaurant, outdoor heated pool, curated art collection throughout. A Calgary cultural institution -- the city's finest independent hotel for Flames game visits.
Marriott Calgary Downtown
Accommodation Type & Location
Mid-range accommodation - CTrain or short walk
Pricing
Rates from £160 to £300 per night
Description
Reliable Marriott in downtown Calgary's 7th Avenue corridor, 1.5km from the Saddledome and directly on the CTrain free fare zone. A convenient choice for Flames game visits with easy arena access and good downtown amenities.
Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport
Accommodation Type & Location
Budget accommodation - drive or CTrain + shuttle
Pricing
Rates from £90 to £160 per night
Description
Affordable airport-area hotel approximately 15km from the Saddledome, accessible via CTrain Blue Line to Red Line transfer. Good value for budget-conscious Flames fans arriving by air -- significantly cheaper than downtown options. Free airport shuttle.
Fairmont Palliser
Accommodation Type & Location
Boutique accommodation - CTrain or short walk
Pricing
Rates from £230 to £480 per night
Description
Calgary's grand historic hotel -- a 1914 landmark in the heart of downtown, 1.8km from the Saddledome. The Fairmont Palliser has hosted royalty, world leaders, and generations of Flames fans. The Rimrock Restaurant and its elegant lobby bar are Calgary dining institutions. The most storied hotel in the city.
Dining at Scotiabank Saddledome
Restaurants
Pubs & Bars
Scotiabank Saddledome Accessibility
Accessibility
Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Scotiabank Saddledome has wheelchair and companion seating throughout. Elevators provide access to all levels. Note: the Saddledome is a 40-year-old building with a complex multi-level concourse layout -- the concourse can be challenging to navigate on busy game nights. Scotia Place (opening 2027) is being built with ground-level barrier-free access addressing this longstanding limitation. Contact guest services for accessible seating. The concourse crush before and during intermissions is a known challenge -- arrive early for best navigation. Scotia Place will be fully accessible from street level.
CTrain -- Victoria Park/Stampede Station
Victoria Park/Stampede CTrain station is adjacent to the Saddledome with accessible platforms. The CTrain Red Line provides accessible transit from downtown Calgary. The 7th Avenue free fare zone covers downtown CTrain travel. All CTrain cars are ADA/ACA accessible. CTrain is fully accessible. Victoria Park/Stampede station has accessible ramp access. Calgary Transit DATS provides accessible door-to-door transit for those unable to use fixed-route services (403-303-0000).
Saddledome Parkade & Stampede Park Lots
Designated accessible parking in the Saddledome parkade and Stampede Park surface lots. Pre-book where possible for Flames games. Accessible spaces in the Saddledome parkade and surrounding Stampede Park lots. Contact the Saddledome at 403-777-4646 for specific accessible parking arrangements.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices available for Flames games and events. The arena's concave saddle-roof creates distinctive acoustic properties. Request assistive listening devices at guest services desks inside the arena.
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms on all concourse levels throughout the arena. Accessible restrooms on every concourse level. The concourse can be crowded at intermissions -- allow extra navigation time.
Scotiabank Saddledome Ticket Information
Ticket Prices
General Admission Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
Upper Bowl (300 Level) tickets range from $35 CAD to $130 CAD for the season tickets via flames ticket office. final saddledome seasons -- contact early for farewell-season packages..
Description
Upper bowl seating for Calgary Flames home games. The Saddledome is in its final NHL seasons (2025-26, 2026-27) before Scotia Place opens in fall 2027. Attending a game in these farewell seasons is an opportunity to experience one of hockey's most storied arenas before it closes.
What's Included
These upper bowl seating under the saddledome's iconic saddle roof. the arena's steep rake and distinctive architecture give the upper bowl a unique character -- the roof's concave shape creates an intimate enclosed atmosphere unlike any other nhl venue. tickets include assigned seat, concourse access, standard concessions, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Club Seating Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
Club Section & Saddledome Foundation Club tickets range from $85 CAD to $280 CAD for the season club packages available. farewell season demand is elevated..
Description
Club seating includes access to the dedicated club concourse areas. The 1994-95 renovation also added 41 luxury suites at the top of the lower bowl. Final opportunity to experience club seating in the historic Saddledome before Scotia Place opens in 2027.
What's Included
These club level seating added in the 1994-95 renovation with 1,172 dedicated club seats. premium concourse access with dedicated food and beverage. tickets include assigned club seat, club concourse access, enhanced f&b, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Suite / Hospitality Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
96 Luxury Suites tickets range from $4000 CAD to $12000 CAD for the final season suite leases. very limited single-event availability..
Description
Private suite rental for Flames games. The Saddledome's farewell NHL seasons have elevated suite demand -- a historic opportunity to experience a legendary arena at the highest level before it closes. Catering via the Saddledome's food service team.
What's Included
These the saddledome has 96 luxury suites -- 41 added in the 1994-95 renovation at the top of the lower bowl, and 55 on the upper suite level. final nhl seasons in the saddledome create elevated demand for premium experiences. tickets include private suite, catering, vip parking, dedicated attendant, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Scotiabank Saddledome FAQs
Filter by Category
Why is the Saddledome shaped like a saddle?Featured
The Scotiabank Saddledome's distinctive roof is a hyperbolic paraboloid structure -- a saddle-shaped double-curved concrete shell that is simultaneously concave in one direction and convex in another. Designed by Graham McCourt Architects, the shape was chosen for structural efficiency (the curved form is exceptionally strong) and to reflect Calgary's cowboy and ranching heritage. The roof is one of the largest such structures ever built for an arena and was an engineering landmark when completed in 1983. Calgary's city skyline is defined by the Saddledome's unmistakable silhouette.
When will the Saddledome close and what replaces it?Featured
The Scotiabank Saddledome is in its final NHL seasons -- 2025-26 and 2026-27. Scotia Place, the Flames' new $920+ million arena being built adjacent to the Saddledome in the Victoria Park neighbourhood, is scheduled to open in fall 2027 for the 2027-28 NHL season. After Scotia Place opens, the Saddledome will be demolished. Scotia Place will have 18,400 capacity for hockey, a ground-level barrier-free concourse, and three outdoor plazas.
How do I get to the Saddledome?Featured
Take the CTrain Red Line to Victoria Park/Stampede Station -- directly adjacent to the arena. From downtown Calgary's 7th Avenue free fare zone, the journey takes approximately 5--8 minutes at no cost. By car, access via Macleod Trail SE or Stampede Trail SE. Multiple parking lots surround Stampede Park. The CTrain is by far the most convenient option from downtown Calgary hotels.
Was the Saddledome built for the Olympics?
Yes -- the Saddledome was built specifically for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, opening in 1983 to allow the city time to prepare. With a capacity of 20,016 for Olympic events, it was the largest arena ever used at a Winter Games. The International Ice Hockey Federation called it "the finest international rink in the world" and the IOC praised the arena as a key factor in Calgary's successful Olympic bid. Figure skating and ice hockey events were held at the Saddledome during the 1988 Games.
What was the Red Mile and what happened during the 2004 playoffs?
The Red Mile refers to 17th Avenue SW in Calgary's Beltline neighbourhood, which became the legendary spontaneous celebration street during the Flames' 2004 Stanley Cup playoff run. Calgary reached the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1989, and the Flames' remarkable run sparked nightly mass celebrations on 17th Avenue -- thousands of fans flooding the street in red, making it one of Canadian sports' great moments. The Flames lost the Finals to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7. The Red Mile lives on as a symbol of Calgary's deep hockey passion.
Was the Saddledome damaged in the 2013 Alberta floods?
Yes -- the 2013 Alberta floods in June-July severely damaged parts of Calgary, including the Saddledome. Floodwater rose to the eighth row of seats inside the arena, damaging the event level, player benches, locker rooms, and mechanical systems. The Saddledome was repaired and reopened in time for the 2013-14 NHL season -- a remarkable recovery effort. The flooding is part of the arena's storied history as a building that has survived both triumph and adversity.
What food is available at the Saddledome?
The Saddledome's standout food option is Shorty's Sandwich on the mezzanine level -- braised Alberta beef short rib on ciabatta with fries, chimichurri, and red wine demi-glace, widely considered one of the best in-arena food items in the NHL. Madame Tiger serves Indian-influenced food including vegan options. The Dog House serves gourmet hot dogs. Standard concessions include hot dogs ($7.50), nachos ($11.50), pop ($6.50), and Original 16 craft beer ($11.75) on tap.
Are accessible facilities available at the Saddledome?
Yes, though the Saddledome's age (1983) means accessibility has limitations compared to modern arenas. Wheelchair and companion seating is available; elevators serve all levels; accessible restrooms are on every concourse. Victoria Park/Stampede CTrain station is accessible. Calgary Transit DATS provides door-to-door accessible transit (403-303-0000). Scotia Place (2027) is designed with ground-level barrier-free access as a core feature -- addressing a known Saddledome limitation.
When did the Flames win the Stanley Cup?
The Calgary Flames won their only Stanley Cup Championship in 1989, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 in the Finals. The Flames were led by the legendary Lanny McDonald (who scored and retired after winning the Cup), Al MacInnis, and coach Terry Crisp. The Flames also reached the Finals in 1986 (losing to Montreal) and 2004 (losing to Tampa Bay in 7 games). The 1989 championship remains the only Stanley Cup in Calgary's history.
Where can I buy Calgary Flames tickets?
Tickets via Ticketmaster Canada and nhl.com/flames. Box Office at 555 Saddledome Rise SE (403-777-4646). Final Saddledome seasons -- demand for farewell games is high. Book early.
Latest News
Scotiabank Saddledome Enters Final NHL Seasons After 40-Year Run
Published
1 October 2025
Article Summary
The Scotiabank Saddledome -- opened in 1983 for the 1988 Winter Olympics and home to the Calgary Flames for over four decades -- entered its final NHL seasons in 2025-26. The third-oldest arena in the NHL, the Saddledome will close when Scotia Place opens in fall 2027. The arena's farewell seasons have generated significant nostalgia among Flames fans and hockey historians celebrating 40 years of memories under the saddle-shaped roof.
Scotia Place One-Year Construction Update -- On Time and On Budget
Published
22 July 2025
Article Summary
One year after groundbreaking in July 2024, the City of Calgary reported that Scotia Place construction is proceeding on time and on budget. As of July 2025, what was a parking lot has become a rising structural framework in the Victoria Park neighbourhood adjacent to the Saddledome. The arena features an 18,000-seat bowl, three outdoor plazas, a ground-level barrier-free concourse, and a design influenced by Indigenous ancestral lands with a central flame motif illuminated at night.
Scotia Place Groundbreaking -- Saddledome's Replacement Under Construction
FeaturedPublished
22 July 2024
Article Summary
Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), the City of Calgary, and the Province of Alberta broke ground on Scotia Place on July 22, 2024 -- the Calgary Flames' new $920+ million arena being built adjacent to the Scotiabank Saddledome in the Victoria Park neighbourhood. Foundation construction began January 2025. Scotia Place is scheduled to open in fall 2027, making 2025-26 and 2026-27 the Saddledome's final NHL seasons. The new arena will have 18,400 capacity for hockey, a ground-level concourse, three outdoor plazas, escalators and elevators throughout, and a community rink.
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