Pengrowth Saddledome
The Pengrowth Saddledome is Calgary's leader for entertainment excitement. Seating over 17,000, it has something for everyone. It's home to the NHL's Calgary Flames, the WHL's Calgary Hitmen. and the NLL's Calgary Roughnecks. It has also played host to big ticket concerts, rodeos, ice shows, circuses, conventions, and more.
In 1980, two major events made it apparent Calgary needed a multi-purpose facility; the bid for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games and the arrival of a NHL hockey franchise, the Calgary Flames.
The Saddledome Foundation was established to oversee construction and future management of the new facility. Quick progress was made, and on October 15, 1983, the doors to the Saddledome officially opened. During the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, the Saddledome was a star attraction, successfully hosting the figure skating and hockey competitions. In 1994, management of the Saddledome was transferred to the newly formed Calgary Flames Limited Partnership. In the fall of that year, renovations totalling more than $37 million were undertaken. One year later, the new Pengrowth Saddledome was unveiled.
Country music superstar Reba McEntire opened the new Saddledome with an electrifying, sold-out performance. Official re-opening ceremonies were celebrated eleven days later, at the Calgary Flames '95-'96 season home opener.
Today, great seating, fabulous food, superior service and state-of-the-art technology make Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome the perfect choice for an unforgettable entertainment experience.
The Saddledome's unique "saddle" design, representative of Calgary's strong western heritage, is only one aspect of the building's architectural excellence. The flowing, concave roof sets an intimate mood in the seating bowl. By reducing the interior volume by more than one-third of more conventionally constructed coliseums, the Saddledome makes even those in the upper bowl feel close to the action.
At the Saddledome, everyone has a great seat. Pillar-free, the seating bowl is highlighted by an overlapping three-tier design. The longest sight line from any seat in the house is only 60.9 metres (200 feet).
Flexibility is achieved through retractable seating. Depending on the performer's wishes and/or event requirements, the first 13 rows at the south and east ends can be removed to create a floor area of 3,716 m² (24,000 square feet).
During a Calgary Hitmen 2008 Playoff game
