I've been to a lot of different sports arenas, so it was a fun experience to check out a Canadian hockey arena. One interesting part is that when you approach the building, you walk right past the structure of what will clearly be the team's next arena, which looks like a huge and impressive project. The current arena definitely feels older and a bit dated. The food options try to keep things modern, but the building itself has a classic "old barn" feel with simple seating and no cup holders. That said, you can really feel the history inside. The seating is built steeply upward rather than flat, so there really isn't a bad view in the place. It will be sad to see it go, but I'm glad I got to catch a game here before the new arena opens. If you're in the area before it's replaced, it's worth checking out. read more

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This was my first experience for a concert! Before it was only for hockey games. The place is a very good venue for concert and in terms of sound and the rest of the experience, it was great! We had a great time there and enjoyed our experience. I have a feeling this building will be gone soon! :( read more

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I recommend everyone seeing a game at the this classic venue. Smaller than most big stadiums these days but full of heart! All staff we encountered was incredibly friendly and helpful. Happy hour if you get there at least an hour before the game! read more

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The five star rating is a reflection of our experience at the Scotiabank Saddledome, not of the facility itself. We encountered so many friendly locals at this arena! Even though we were wearing Kraken jerseys, the Flames fans couldn't have been any more hospitable! The facility itself is on the older side. As loyal, and dedicated as the fans are... they deserve a *newer venue! We dined at the Telus Club and have to admit that our dinner was amazing. Thank you Ryan for the impeccable service. Thank you Calgary Flames fans for being so gracious & welcoming! You make your team proud! read more

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I like it! The old school arena, vintage photos of the good ole days. I was at a Wranglers game so I'm pretty sure the traffic and crowds were non existent, which made the experience stellar. I had to see a hockey game when I was visiting Canada, I'm gonna fit it into the itinerary no matter what. Luckily we got to see the Wranglers vs Ontario Reign, seated in section 120, row 2 near the penalty box. I thought the tickets were a good deal, they were $35 CAD on ticketmaster. The Caesars were refreshing and made well $6 at the club bar. The parking was $15 and it was an easy garage right next to the northeast entrance. The construction didn't interfere with us getting to the stadium in anyway. I would definitely come back and try to see the Flames play! I'd like to see the C of red! Enjoy friends! read more

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Wow! An amazing place to watch sports or singers! Really good food and an overall phenomenal experience! 10/10

How much do I know about hockey, probably the single greatest use of the Scotiabank Saddledome? A little, not very much, really. So I was slightly aghast that my son-in-law dressed me in a Calgary Flames hockey jersey for the game. Wouldn't I kind of stand out and look weird? Then, prior to the game after entering I bought myself a Flames ball cap. That settled it. Now I look like the other 15-16K people at the game. No, EXACTLY like them. lol Had a great time here, and as others have reflected, the stadium is showing it's age and then some. But what an atmosphere, what a party, what a crazy time, being in an arena like this in Canada with a packed house of wild hockey fans (they lost... I digress). And so ends my review which means absolutely nothing in the world of Calgary, hockey and the city and fans. Hope to return to see some of the Calgary Stampede activity here this summer. I can imagine it might be a bit quieter. Just a hunch. Go Flames. read more

At the time of this writing, Saddledome is the 2nd oldest NHL arena in use (after Madison Square Garden, which underwent a major renovation a few years back). It is very nice but definitely shows its age. Getting in was very easy...lots of doors and plenty of security personnel (lots of dudes in cowboy hats too!) Walking in, it isn't as impressive as newer arenas, with a low ceiling on the concourse and bare, concrete floors. The concession stands are a little dated as well. The inside of the arena is actually pretty impressive. Lots of red dominates the color scheme and the flames that flare during intros and when Calgary scores put out a lot of heat! The arena definitely is a family friendly place with lots of signs about not cursing and activities that are kid-appropriate. The nicest thing about the arena is the pride the fans take in their team. There was a definite camaraderie among the fans around me and they take the Flames very seriously. Also , when the Grey Cup champion Stampeders were introduced before the game, the crowd went nuts! Even though the place is old and a little run down, it is still an iconic venue and I am happy I went. read more

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seating good Site lines, good, food as expected prices obviously too high Digital screen center ice, shameful, I've seen bigger in peoples houses. Sound and music, Horrendous. Must be controlled by by some executive's teenage son with no skills. I am OK with loud, and any genre, but when it is played louder than the system can handle, then for 3 hours all I heard was screeching distortion. Never mind try to comment on the game or play to the person in the next seat. read more

Fun night at the Dome to watch a hockey game. The game was so so but the arena was nice. Nothing outstanding but quite pleasant. Plenty of venues and great seats read more

Scotiabank Saddledome - Warm up - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

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Most big city has their own Areanas. Vancouver has Rogers Arena and Calgary has Scotiabank Saddledome. I hear about the Saddledome all the time in Calgary. I think this place should be classified as a landmark. Came here to watch a horse/ cowboy or cowgirl champion competition during the Stampede. The areana isn't like super big. It was interesting that you will have to walk through the bar or restaurant first to get to the arena 1st floor level (depending on the entrace going through). This arena is where Flames play. Home of the Calgary Flames. Arena is a bit old and I don't think its as big as compared to the one back home. But I do love the shape of it from the outside Especially looking at it from far away. Great for picture taking. Like most arena, I have been to its close to downtown. read more

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Built for the Olympics, and thus sporting an odd structure that sees several restricted-view seating areas in the upper bowl originally designed for media seating, Calgary's Saddledome was #26 on my tour of NHL Arena cities and aside from, perhaps, the now-defunct Igloo in Pittsburgh also the most unappealing. Accessed via tunnels from the Stampede Fairgrounds, thus eliminating the awe of approaching a big building from the street, everything about this place feels old and shopworn, the upstairs access routes cutting through the lower bowl, the floors dingy and the giftshops uncomfortably tight. read more

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The Saddledome hosts a variety of events including the Calgary Stampede and professional sports teams including the Calgary Flames (NHL Hockey), the Calgary Hitmen (Western Hockey League) and the Calgary Roughnecks (Indoor Lacrosse). I came here recently to enjoy a Roughnecks game. My hosts (Jim and Kathy) also took me to dinner in one of the "member" dining areas within the bowels of this facilities. That would be the more casual one featuring sandwiches and such, along with a cold one. The food was tasty, my friends were engaging, and there was a lot of happy energy in the room. I came in here wondering when the Saddledome might be replaced. It's a very functional arena that is clean and well maintained. On the other hand, it's on the older side and I don't think up to modern owner money maximization standards. The conversations are probably out there and I'm sure the Community is struggling with what kind of owner subsidy they're comfortable. In any event, I enjoyed my night out and the hospitality of my friends and the good folks who run the Saddledome. read more

When planning my trip, I made sure a visit to the Saddledome was included in the itinerary. I went to the season opener for the Calgary Flames and had a great time. Security wasn't bad as I entered and met some great people too. The food selection isn't bad and the beer selection was better. Even if you aren't a Flames fan, you need to go for the atmosphere. So much fun!! read more

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Yes, the acoustics are shit. Garth Brooks is never gonna come here. But, Goddamn, they're good at nachos. Your girl Jane at concessions is all 'I know you don't wanna pay $2 more just to have some cheese all over the chips part' and does that for you anyways. George Canyon up here singing the national anthem like a patriot with the voice of a country angel. Seating is weird af, but I'm kinda into it- I didn't know that half the people in the press/top level were even there until my third game. The ushers are nice, the concessions staff are nice, Hell, even security is nice- regardless what cupcake bearing opposing team family members have to say. read more

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We had a wonderful time at the Flames game. Been a fan from Texas for 22 years and finally made a trip to see the team at home. Wasn't disappointed at all (besides the shut out), and was thrilled I got to see the classic Saddledome before the erection of a new stadium. Wish I could go back right now! Had such a fun night out there! read more

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Probably one of the most recognizable arenas in the world because of it's shape. I've experienced Flames games, concerts, had seasons tickets to the Roughnecks, performed on the floor during Stampede for the marching band competition, and seen all the behind the scenes workings when I worked here for Wendy's. Though the beer lines can be a little excessive at times I've always had a great experience no matter what the event. read more

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As a teeny bopper at heart, I tend to only go to concerts from artists featured on Top 40 R&B radio. Gimme lights. Gimme smokes. You got pyrotechnics? I need them. Upwards of 15 costume changes? The more the better, I say. The way the Saddledome is built doesn't allow these for over-the-top pop stars to shine. It is built for sports. And because of that, Calgarians miss out on a lot of acts coming to town. I'm still in mourning about Justin Timberlake's 20/20 World Tour not stopping in YYC. I had seats in 116, in the Chrysler Club sections. If you're dropping the coin on tickets you should buy club seats. I paid $110 for my ticket and I have no complaints. The view was good. Section 115 was empty because the view of the stage was blocked by camera equipment. That was great because with that section being empty, the lines for concessions and bathrooms wasn't long at all. The prices for Caesars was $6.50! I thought they were good enough to drink four. I didn't eat anything but I noticed a lot of Cineplex popcorn bags. I don't know if that's a new merger but it would make sense because Scotia Bank owns both enterprises... Which I just realized now. Overall, Calgary needs a new concert venue! A place where superstars can do their thing. The club seats are definitely worth it, especially if you hate waiting in lines. read more

Scotiabank Saddledome - Hottttttttttt - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Been a long time since coming to Scotiabank Saddledome. This arena was state of the art in 1980's and is showing signs of its age. Seats are ok and not very comfortable and roomy. Concourse is cramp. Concessions is still good with decent selection. There is three levels of seating but the nose bleeds are unwatchable for sports and not worth it. Concerts acoustics are not great due to shape of facility. Overall new arena needed but won't hold my breathe. read more

What is there to say about the Saddledome? Sure its famous for its shape, its hockey team and its concerts. But why we all go there is for the beer. No one knows what they put in the draft but it is always ridiculously strong, that you are always going to want to pace yourself. No matter how much you think you can handle, you've never had a strong draft until you've had one at the Saddledome. Some people say the beer is so strong because they don't clean the lines, which is 1) gross and 2) probably not true. Not that I'm complaining, I just hate feeling like I'm stuck in my seat after one beer, mostly because I'm too scared to walk down the stares. My major complaint about the Saddledome is that its shape is really not conducive to concerts in the round. Which means a lot of today's biggest shows skip us. Britney, Justin, Spice Girls and Lady Gaga made the drive three hours north to Edmonton because they couldn't fit in our Stadium. Hopefully this will chance in the next few years when the rumoured new stadium is built. Maybe.... read more

Scotiabank Saddledome - Backstreet Boys (don't judge) - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is known around the country for our 'saddle-like arena'...yes, you guessed it, the Saddledome. Unlike any other arena in the country, ours is actually characteristic of our city and is easily distinguished from any other. I love that in any cityscape or skyline portrait of Calgary, you can always distinguish our city with the Saddledome. Having been to a slew of concerts here as well, I can honestly attest that this arena is as good as any other in the country. It's big, it's grand and it's the perfect place to draw crowds of people together with sporting events and performers. I'm most definitely fan. read more

Scotiabank Saddledome - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

The Scotiabank Saddledome is one of the most recognizable in the world and I love the Saddledome. It is an icon of Calgary. When you see a photo of Calgary it is generally of the Saddledome taken from a popular hill in the city with the downtown skyline including the Calgary Tower in the background. I love going to the Saddledome as it is easily accessible by train, driving or walking (if you are near by). I have attended Calgary Flames games, hitmen hockey games and roughnecks lacrosse games here as well as many music concerts. The only bad experience I had was in 2016 when I went to the Eric Church concert during winter and the concert had to be changed to be acoustic because there was so much snow on the roof that if Eric would have hung any speakers or lights or anything from the roof, there would have been so much weight with the snow it had the potential to cave in. It is because the saddle dome was built in the shape of an obvious saddle so when snow melts or lands it goes to the middle. I still love the shake and design of the dome but this was the only upsetting thing about it. read more

I came here on the Oil Kings fan bus to see a Oil Kings vs Hitman game. Parking seemed pretty steep, but it wasn't something I had to worry about. What I did like about The Saddledome were the seats. They were rather comfortable for stadium seats, and being someone who has long legs I was very happy the seats in front of me weren't bashing again my knees. It actually felt like there was some leg room. Another nice thing about the Saddledome were the food options. There's actually more here than I expected and at a not bad price. I mean it wasn't amazing, but for stadium prices (and compared to Rexall in Edmonton) it was a good deal. read more

We made it to 2 Flames games this season FINALLY so I am updating my review based on that. I still give it 3 stars. Drinks, souvenirs expensive and long lines for concession and ESP for the men's washroom! I saw a few guys doing the pee dance in the line praying to get inside! Loved being a woman in this case where we could just breeze in and out of the washrooms with no wait! For once!!! Seats not at all comfortable and you are really close to your neighbor in the seat beside you but the good time is what you make it! Tickets we paid $150 for 2 seats for the 2 games. Not cheap and those were just for the 200 level seats. I do not like that walk from the BMO Centre parking area to the Dome in freezing cold weather but that is a necessary evil. I found the staff working the Dome to be friendly and helpful for the most part. The building itself I find really cool not having been a Calgarian until 3 years ago... I still love looking at it when I fly in and out of this great city. A landmark for sure, there is nothing else like it and suits Calgary to a T! read more

Rather dated and in need of a retrofit, if your tickets arent great this isnt a good place to see a hockey game. Concessions are rather overpriced and the selection of beer, food and such a bit wanting. Other than that, we had great seats behind the visitors box and really enjoyed the game. read more

Scotiabank Saddledome - View behind the visiting bench. Buffalo Sabres at Calgary Flames, 2014. - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

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3.5 Stars. Unique building. Opened October 15, 1983. Yep, that's Old. Grand. Lots of history. She's seen it all - the 1988 Winter Olympics, the best of the best international recording artists from the Moody Blues and Stevie Ray Vaughan to Bob Dylan, Supertramp, Robert Plant, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, Ed Sheeran and the list goes on, the greatest professional hockey players and teams, the NHL playoffs, awards events, conventions, private functions. Lots of parking within a few blocks of the Dome or you can take light rail transit within an easy walking distance of the front doors. If you get to your event early enough the main concourse is easy to navigate. After that it is tight and washrooms will see lots of congestion. The seating is comfortable enough. Technology and lighting is mid-range and well below modern day standards. The sound system is average at best with lots of distortion during concerts. The Jumbo Tron is large, well positioned with a functional design. It is also showing it's age. Flames gift shop is good and could use a make over. The free wifi requires adding personal information for marketing purposes and can be sketchy at times. Doors open 90 minutes before the Flames puck drop. Food and drinks are expen$ive and lack variety. However, the happy hour/early bird specials are AWESOME: $5.oo full size beers and well made full sized burgers for those that get there early. There's a Tim Hortons stand for those that don't drink. They do not take cash in the building. No cup holders in seats. As always, for real. You be the judge. read more

I like the stadium and agree with some of the previous posts that's it's a little dated but I kind of like it. It reminds me of the days of watching the Canadians and Leafs in Montreal in the old style arenas. I've been fortunate enough to watch a few games from a box and the they are actually well positioned and the staff is excellent and friendly. Probably my biggest complaint would be getting out of the parking lot after a game... So I decided to stop complaining and start parking across the street and take the walking bridge over Macleod. Always enjoy a good convo on the way and then a walk back through the casino at the end of the night. Seats aren't the greatest, food is good portions though and flames fans.... They're priceless! read more

Scotiabank Saddledome - Second row... Flames vs Coyotes! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

First off--you'll only ever be just the Saddledome to me; much like Toronto's Skydome. Shaped like a saddle? Saddledome. Opens up to the sky? Skydome. Corporate naming rights be damned--you don't get to enter my vernacular because you paid the big bucks. My dear Saddledome, you cater quite specifically to those who can afford the luxury of the 100's. Once you get up in the 200's, the experience begins to wan as the steepness of the stairs increases; God help those in the 300's or the somewhat ironically named "Fan Zone" (if this is how the Saddledome treats its "fans" I'd rather be an enemy). You're showing your early 80's roots, my friend. Your roof is weak, so we can't have the big shows we want (which means, like your early 80's roots, we can only count on Bon Jovi once a year). You are famous for "heroine beer", which likely results from poor draught line maintenance; and the cowboys and cowgirls who guard you are, at best, as wild and random as Lee Marvin's "Dirty Dozen". While I love your quirky shape--and I truly do think its a fantastic element of the Calgary skyline--I don't think you're much longer for this world. In the meantime, please bring back curling--I love you dearly when you show me curling. read more

I don't go here for a couple years and then BAM! 3 times in a month. I'm giving this a general review, as I've been here for a Flames game, Roughnecks game and the Rihanna concert, so very different events. First complaint is the cost of parking, $15 is a little steep. Like really steep. Fortunately I was driven all 3 times so it wasn't that big of deal. Flames games are generally a sh!t show, not in a bad way, but tons of people, tons of lines and so forth. That being said, they keep the bathrooms pretty clean for as much traffic as there is. And most lines don't take too long, they are quite efficient. I did like how for 50/50 they have stations now instead of trying to track someone down. Still didn't win at either game! And for the concert we had club seats so we were in the bottom of the dome most of it, which has way less people an no lines to get booze. All in all it's the dome, it's the only sport complex we have, so make it the best it is. read more

5 Stars casue the Flames run this joint. And the Flames are my Hockey team. Go Flames! read more

Caught a Flames game this passed Sunday. I parked in the garage for 15 bucks and easily found a spot that was a less than 30 seconds from an entrance. Affordable parking can be found in the area surrounding the SaddleDome for $10 if you don't mind a bit of a walk. The dome offers a number of great treats to eat; I recommend trying a pocket dawg (hotdog stuffed into a french baguette), and a choclolate malt. Another 'must have' is the dome's strangely addicting beer. Regardless of how many you plan on having, you will end up downing at least 5. My only qualm with the saddledome is the extra long line ups for the bathroom. All in all great location with decent food and drink. read more

At some time or another, we all end up at the Saddledome for one event or another. My visits are typically for concerts, although NHL and WHL, as well as a lacrosse game or two have made it into the mix. On a sporting event front, I've sat in everything from the nosebleeds all the way to a box and several spots in between. The boxes are fun, but expensive if you're not there as someone's guest. The nosebleeds are cheap, but a long climb. At the very least, there are some big screen TVs up there to help you see what's going on. From a music venue perspective, it's the same as any big stadium. The acoustics aren't the greatest, but you can pack a lot of people in, and some of the spectacles that come along with shows just aren't possible in anything smaller. At the very least, the Dome's easy to get to for most people thanks to its convenient stop on the LRT line and location at the eastern end of the Red Mile. read more

Dave wade does NOT APPRECIATE wine from a dirty wine glass...my friends white wine looks like Rose....at least use a dirty WHITE WINE glass please! I'm all about recycling but this is ridiculous!! Not impressed... read more

Being lucky enough to both hold Seasons Tickets in the Avison Young Club as well as have access to several different corporate boxes whenever the need may arise, this review may not cover the entire experience of the Saddledome as I've never sat anywhere else. Being a part of the Avison Young club is great, the members-only dining room is a fantastic place to network with some of Calgary's higher end business players and just enjoy *lots* of drinks with some passionate hockey fans. The buffet is pretty good too, haven't had any bad food as of yet. I mostly use my tickets and access to boxes to take out clients and every single time I've gone, whether it be a box or my seats in the Club section, the service has never failed to impress. The bartenders in the boxes are quick, personable and often funny. You can always expect a good time if you're not a Flames fan as well, being from Vancouver, and a diehard Canucks fan, wearing a non-flames jersey will always guarantee some heckling from the fans. Of course, it's quite easy to turn the tables, especially when we wipe the floor with the Flames 7-2. If you want superior service, good food and a good time hanging out with some passionate hockey fans, and don't mind the price, I highly recommend getting seats in the Club section! read more

So roughnecks are fun to watch but the Montreal smoked beef sandwich is to die for!! And a little lemon Hart rum to go with it never hurts. Save the salad and chips, and ask for more corn beef!! LOL read more

Scotiabank Saddledome - And don't forget extra pickles too - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

This place was on fire when I saw Oilers vs. Flames. There was a beer garden outside. There was a huge projection of the Toronto vs. Montreal game outside before the Flames game. People everywhere. The transit goes right to the area so you can drink to your desire and not have to drive home. Also, if you're really early, you can go play slots about a 5 min walk again. Anyhoo, there's also a massive bar below with hockey on all over the place. Inside, the place is still really nice. The atmosphere is electric and you'll want to go back again. I know I do. read more

My most recent visit to the Pengrowth Saddledome was for a Flames game. usually for games I am all the way up in the 300's, but for this game I was in the lower bowl. Sitting down low for a game gives you a new appreciation of this unique arena. Its history is deep rooted in the hearts of any Calgary Flames fan. I myself have been taken away by the experiences that I have had here. I have attended hockey games, concerts and assemblies here. The parking is $12 and you can end up quite far away sometimes. I have eaten way too many hot dogs and nachos while attending those many events. The cost of concession has come up in the years, its $7 for nachos now. The cost of beer has come up a lot, it used to be $5.25, now it is $7.50, but that hasn't stopped anyone from enjoying the "heroin" beer here. They now have all varieties of food, ice cream, boston pizza, coffee, burgers. So you won't starve, unless you are cheap. Even though the saddle shape of the area is a vital part to the Calgary landscape, it has a downside. The area is not good for concerts that want to have the stage in the middle of the rink. The ceiling is too low. So I have been disappointed over the most recent years when I learn that so many great performers have passed over Calgary because of this issue. The Saddledome is a place where anyone who hasn't enjoyed a game or concert here, needs to go. I am not a native Calgarian but even I know that Calgary wouldn't be Calgary without the Saddledome. read more

Overpriced, concourse is terrible. Can't wait for the new building. read more

Two words: heroin beer. Not quite sure where they get the beers at the Dome, but they seem to do the job well. Flat most nights, but man, there is something about them that makes me coming back for more. read more

Granted, I don't spend a WHOLE lot of time here (a few times a year) and I don't have many other venues to compare it to, but all in all the Saddledome seems to work for what it's for. Food and drink are good, albeit a little pricey. The nosebleeds are still nosebleeds, despite current branding efforts, and are still a huge hike from the concourse, although having kiosks on either end of the section is helpful. Recently came with a group of 33 or so people and we sat in the nosebleeds. It was really hard to find a beer vendor to serve our section. And bringing up food was a huge issue. If there could be a better way to host big groups (not in the boxes) it would be much appreciated. Although they did have a staff member specifically scan all our tickets at once to expedite the process, so we appreciated that. (21/30) read more