Scotiabank Saddledome is one of Canada's most recognizable arenas because of its distinctive saddle-shaped roof and its role in Calgary's NHL and Olympic history. Opened in 1983, it became home to the Calgary Flames and later hosted events connected to the 1988 Winter Olympics. With Scotia Place under construction, the Saddledome profile should also become a transition story about the end of one Calgary arena era and the start of another.

The Saddledome's hyperbolic-paraboloid roof — shaped like a Western saddle — is one of the most recognizable pieces of sports architecture in North America. Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, it remains the second-oldest active NHL arena.

Its replacement, Scotia Place, is under construction next door for a 2027 opening. Until then the Saddledome continues as one of the loudest, lowest-ceilinged barns in pro hockey.

19,289 hockey

• Hockey19,289

Known hockey capacity; other event capacities vary.

• Opened in 1983 and became one of the signature venues associated with Calgary’s 1988 Winter Olympics.
• Distinctive saddle-shaped roof makes it one of Canada’s most recognizable arena silhouettes.
• Will eventually be replaced as the Flames’ primary home by Scotia Place, planned for fall 2027.

1. 1983Opens October 15 as the Olympic Saddledome
2. 1988Hosts Olympic figure skating and ice hockey
3. 1989Calgary Flames win Stanley Cup, clinching at the Forum in Montréal
4. 2013Major Calgary flood damages event level; repaired in 4 months
5. 2027Scheduled to be replaced by Scotia Place (under construction)

Current

• Calgary Flames
• Calgary Hitmen
• Calgary Roughnecks

• 1988 Winter Olympics hockey & figure skating
• 1989 Stanley Cup Playoffs
• 2004 Stanley Cup Final
• Annual Calgary Stampede grandstand events

Press level and 200s are unusually close to the ice for a 19,000-seat building thanks to the curved roof pushing the upper deck inward. The 100-level Chrysler Club provides all-inclusive food and bar service. C-rings are obstructed in spots — check the seat map before buying.

Connected directly to Victoria Park–Stampede C-Train station. Stampede Park surface lots are plentiful; allow extra time during the July Stampede.

Alberta beef everywhere — Bow Valley BBQ, Smokehouse Bistro, Wild Rose taproom. Concourse Caesar bars are a Calgary tradition.

What to check before you go

• bag policy
• prohibited items
• camera/video rules
• mobile tickets
• cashless payments
• re-entry
• accessibility entrances
• transit and parking
• door times
• food and beverage
• family washrooms
• sensory/accessibility accommodations

Official policy sources

• Scotiabank Saddledome A to Z Guide

  Official guide includes entry inspections and prohibited items; event-specific updates may apply.

• Scotiabank Saddledome Game Day Guide

  Official game day guide includes current bag-size language for Flames games; do not generalize to all events without disclaimer.

No verified attendance entries in our archive yet for Scotiabank Saddledome. We only publish crowd figures we can tie to a named source, so this section stays empty rather than showing estimates.

Browse the full archive How we read these numbers

• Understanding the numbersStadium Capacity vs Attendance: Why Figures Can DifferListed capacity, announced attendance and the number of people actually inside a Canadian stadium are three different figures. Here is how to read each one.
• Before you buyHow to Choose Seats at a Canadian Stadium or ArenaA practical framework for picking seats at Canadian venues: sport versus concert sightlines, accessible and companion seating, weather, and where to find the official seating plan.

Last verified May 20, 2026

• scotiabanksaddledome.com
• en.wikipedia.org
• nhl.com