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Scotiabank Saddledome

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Scotiabank Saddledome is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Opened in 1983, it is best known as the home venue of the Calgary Flames and as a venue for the 1988 Winter Olympics. The arena is owned by the City of Calgary and is used for sports, concerts, conventions, and other large events.

History

The Scotiabank Saddledome opened in 1983, replacing the Stampede Corral as the home of the Calgary Flames. It was built in preparation for the 1988 Winter Olympics, during which it hosted ice hockey and figure skating events. Over the years, the arena has undergone several name changes through sponsorship agreements, including Olympic Saddledome, Canadian Airlines Saddledome, and Pengrowth Saddledome.

Design and capacity

The arena features a distinctive saddle-shaped roof, which gives it its name. It is a multi-purpose indoor facility with a hockey seating capacity of 19,289. For concerts and other events, the configuration can be adjusted to accommodate different crowd sizes.

Tenants and events

The primary tenant of the Scotiabank Saddledome is the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League. The arena also hosts a variety of other events, including concerts, conferences, and programming for the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.

Ownership and management

The City of Calgary owns the Scotiabank Saddledome and leases it to the Saddledome Foundation, a non-profit organization, for day-to-day operation. The arena is situated in Stampede Park in southeast downtown Calgary, and its public ownership underscores its role as a civic venue.

Key facts

  • The arena is located in Stampede Park in southeast downtown Calgary.
  • It was built in 1983 to replace the Stampede Corral as the home of the Calgary Flames.
  • It hosted ice hockey and figure skating at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
  • The building has been known by several names, including Olympic Saddledome and Pengrowth Saddledome.
  • The arena’s hockey seating capacity is 19,289.
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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked 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.
What team plays at the Saddledome?
The Calgary Flames of the NHL use it as their home arena.
Why is it called the Saddledome?
The name comes from its distinctive saddle-shaped roof.
Did it host Olympic events?
Yes. It hosted ice hockey and figure skating during the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Who owns the arena?
The City of Calgary owns the arena.

References

  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.