Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Sports Desk • Arena

Scotiabank Saddledome

The Scotiabank Saddledome is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

The Scotiabank Saddledome is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Calgary, Alberta. Opened in 1983, it is the home of the Calgary Flames and hosted events at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

What it is

The Scotiabank Saddledome is a landmark venue in Stampede Park, southeast downtown Calgary. It is owned by the City of Calgary and operated by the Saddledome Foundation, a non-profit. Its distinctive saddle-shaped roof makes it one of the most recognizable arenas in Canada.

History and design

Built in 1983 to replace the Stampede Corral, the arena was originally named the Olympic Saddledome for the 1988 Winter Olympics, where it hosted ice hockey and figure skating. Its hockey capacity is 19,289, and the name has changed through sponsorship deals, including Canadian Airlines Saddledome and Pengrowth Saddledome.

Key events and tenants

The Calgary Flames are the primary tenant. The arena also hosts concerts, conferences, and Calgary Stampede events. It remains a key venue for Canadian hockey and entertainment, reflecting its role as a civic facility.

In short

  • Located in Stampede Park, Calgary, Alberta.
  • Opened 1983, home of the Calgary Flames.
  • Hosted ice hockey and figure skating at 1988 Winter Olympics.
  • Hockey capacity: 19,289; owned by City of Calgary.
Canadian angle

The Scotiabank Saddledome is a notable Canadian sports venue and one of Calgary’s best-known public entertainment facilities. It is significant for Canadian hockey history and for its role in the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Quick questions

Where is the Scotiabank Saddledome located?
It is in Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, at 555 Saddledome Rise SE.
When did the Saddledome open?
It opened in 1983.
Why is it called the Saddledome?
The name comes from its distinctive saddle-shaped roof.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotiabank_Saddledome
    Supports: Location, opening year, primary purpose, Olympic use, ownership, and general description.
  2. Scotiabank Saddledome — https://www.scotiabanksaddledome.com/venue/
    Supports: Venue use, event types, home teams, and general arena information.
  3. Kiddle — https://kids.kiddle.co/Scotiabank_Saddledome
    Supports: Opening year, Olympic use, and hockey seating capacity.
  4. Stadium Journey — https://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/scotiabank-saddledome-s51
    Supports: Opening year, capacity, and historical overview.