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Scotiabank Saddledome
Category: Arts & Entertainment Stadiums & Arenas Stadiums & Arenas [Edit]
555 Saddledome Rise SeCalgary, AB T2G 2W1
(403) 777-4646
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
21 reviews for Scotiabank Saddledome
21 reviews in English
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Review from Chris P.
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. -
Review from Kent V.
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
From a logistics point of view I think the Flames are due for a more modern stadium. Sure, the Saddledome is an iconic Calgary landmark, but as a season ticket holder here for the past 5-6 years the crowded concourse, long lines for washrooms, long lines for food, and other annoyances have taken its toll on me.
Unfortunately, the saddle roof is also a detriment to concert events because ownership cannot sell the upper seats.
Great memories were had at the Dome, but after visiting other cities stadiums, you realize that Calgary should have something so much better. Go Flames. -
Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
3/14/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Not that I have been in many major sports arenas, but the Saddledome is sufficient for entertainment purposes. I have been here for junior hockey, NHL, lacrosse, concerts, curling, and work (in 2007) and I've never really had any issues. Did there used to be a Tim Horton's in here? I feel like there was and now it's Good Earth for coffee, so that might be my only complaint.
Yes, sometimes the beer/beverage drink lines can be long. The food lines can be long. The washroom lines can be long depending on the event. But, it's pretty much like that in any arena. Sometimes there are logistics they could work out, but it's the Saddledome, so they won't. For example, early morning games should have both coffee stands open (seriously, 1 coffee stand open for 10:30 a.m. junior hockey or curling???). Oh yeah, and running out of white wine during World Juniors and not having any in stock a month later? Nuts. So are the woes of the gal who can't afford club seats - it is what it is. Of course, I'll be here again for sports and such no matter what - that's why they don't need to change. -
Review from Danelle W.
Calgary, AB
11/21/2011 4 Check-ins Here
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) -
Review from Brad G.
Calgary, AB
1/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Wendy P.
11/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
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.Listed in: Large venues
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Review from Scott S.
Calgary, AB
12/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
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! -
Review from Mike M.
Calgary, AB
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.... -
Review from Kev L.
12/15/2008
5 Stars casue the Flames run this joint.
And the Flames are my Hockey team.
Go Flames! -
Review from Chuck I.
Vancouver, BC
2/13/2011 13 Check-ins Here
I do the sound for Sportsnet games here, and my one big complaint is the volume of the PA. Way too loud, and the TV broadcasts suffer because of it. Turn it down..
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Review from Chad W.
Calgary, AB
10/31/2008
Okay. I think hockey sucks. So obviously, I can't comment on how cool the Saddledome is for sporting events. I've been to a few games, but the Pengrowth reminds me of every other arena I've ever been to. Really, there isn't anything special about the Saddledome when it comes to hockey. The beer here is ridiculously overpriced (just like everything else).
However, I have been here for multiple concerts. And let me tell you, I'd rather see a show almost anywhere in the city but here. Yeah, they have ridiculous sound (probably one of the best systems in the city). But the place is enormous and doesn't even get you close to performers. Not only that, for most shows you have to pay upwards of $80 to see a headlining act, when there are equally awesome headlining acts charging only $20 in the clubs and in other live music venues.
Getting here sucks, transit is your best bet. Parking sucks even more. But what sucks the most is trying to get the hell out of the place once a show is over. It turns into something reminiscent of a stampede of barnyard animals, only the animals are all hammered and reek of BO. -
Review from Daryl D.
Calgary, AB
3/14/2011
First of all, methinks it looks more like a pringle than a saddle so for most of my life I often refer to is as "the Pringledome".
However, the other night my husband took me to my first Flames game there, and it wasn't the exciting experience he told me it would be...I mean, it was okay, but ever-so-crowded!
I guess what confused me the most was the way the tickets were numbered for the seats. After walking around for what felt like 30 minutes, we finally found that our "section" was in the upper level and we had to climb several stairs (which honestly made me feel woozy, since I fear heights...no I fear the sudden stop at the end of the fall). I made a boo-boo when I thought we found our seats and we took them, but about 10 minutes later someone came along with what looked like matching tickets and said they were their seats, so we agreed to move, and after a lot of trial & error we finally found our seats. By that point I honestly wasn't even sure I'd enjoy the game anymore. Thankfully, it picked up & got more interesting and we were allowed to stay in the seats we finally got lol.
It's always nice to try new things, but with me being a girly-girl & all, I don't see myself going to another hockey game anytime soon.
Note: the last time I was even AT the Saddledome like that was when I was 8 years old and my mum took me to the circus. If I remember correctly, I ended up crying my eyes out that day for similar reasons. -
Review from Andrew Y.
8/8/2008
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. -
Review from Emma G.
2/4/2010 2 Check-ins Here
As a Canucks fan, I really, really want to say I hate the Dome and everything it stands for, but...I can't.
Yes, the beer is expensive and overpriced, but you're at a hockey arena in Canada, so it's time to get over that. Besides, as anyone knows, the beer here gets you drunk five times faster than normal beer. I don't know how, but I'll take it.
I've only been for hockey games, no concerts, but it's easy to navigate, has tons of food options, and there are good views from anywhere you sit. The fans, minus a few drunks and a handful of losers, are fun and know the line between friendly banter and just being obnoxious. For the most part, everyone interacts and has fun together...and there are always tons of Canucks fans, so that's good too! -
Review from Zoe L.
Calgary, AB
1/9/2010
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. -
Review from Moez T.
Calgary, AB
11/7/2009
I've been to the Pengrowth Saddledome several times for different events. Obviously, to cheer on the Calgary Flames (or against them, if they are playing Edmonton). I have also enjoyed several concerts here (the best so far was Nine Inch Nails).
I really enjoy going to the Saddledome. I'm ashamed to say I enjoy it more than Rexal Place in Edmonton. The highlight for me is the way it's laid out. The 'dome seems to be a lot better laid out than other entertainment centers. It's more accessible and easier to get to your seats. Of course, having sat in the nosebleeds, I understand that not everyone will agree.
Acoustically, the 'dome is slightly better than other arena's, but still only average. This is to be expected though, as very few arena's are designed to be acoustically accommodating. The staff does a great job of setting up for the various events they hold though, so I've never found myself to be disappointed in the venue. -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
11/3/2009 1 photo
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. -
Review from Noel M.
8/25/2010
I'm a little biased because my view was from one of the box seats thanks to my friend's company. Actually, I think I would prefer the floor just because of proximity to the stage but the drinks and food in the box made the distance worthwhile. The one thing that stood out about the Dome was the service from the employees. Even when bombarded at the bar they kept their cool and remained friendly.
Listed in: The Company's Dime, And the beat goes on...
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Review from Jon H.
Calgary, AB
1/2/2010
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. -
Review from Grace I.
Okotoks, AB
3/8/2011
If you ever watched a Flames game here you know how awesome they are, and so are the FANS. It is this Cities trademark an In addition to its style I like how easy it is to get around the place.
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Review from Christopher W.
Calgary, AB
10/24/2008
I've been to the Saddledome a few times and took it in from different angles and it reminds me of every other hockey arena in the NHL. Last week was the highest altitude I've been there (I could touch the ceiling) and worried I'd be scorched by the flames they shoot out when the Flames score. But, it was a Flames game after all, and I wasn't too afraid of them scoring.....
Anyway, I wasn't lit on fire and the night went well. Even in the highest seats you can still see the game because of the structure of the building and every other large arena. There really aren't any obstructed seats, just ones that force you to look straight down.
But more importantly, I've been running experiments on this so-called "heroin beer" they dispense at the games. Rumour has it the kegs are in the basement and the beer is shot up through rarely cleaned tubes to the top and into those plastic Pengrowth cups. The woman at the highest bar at the place only muttered incoherencies when we confronted her on it.
Does anyone know the truth about the beer situation there?????
