Scotiabank Saddledome Pregame Guide
Calgary Flames · Calgary, AB
Getting to the Saddledome is currently harder than usual: Stampede Park construction plus separate work north of the arena is causing traffic delays and limiting parking, and CSEC strongly encourages fans without a Saddledome parking permit to take transit or park off-site in the downtown core. The Flames partner with SpotHero for discounted parking nearby. Doors open 90 minutes before a Flames or Roughnecks game. Bags under 14 by 14 by 6 inches are permitted but discouraged, and the crucial detail is that the Saddledome provides no facility to check bags, coats or belongings at all — an oversized bag has nowhere to go.
Tips & Fan Reports
Doors open 90 minutes before a Flames game, longer than for most other events here.
There is no bag check of any kind here, so an oversized bag means a trip back to the car — plan the 14 by 14 by 6 limit before you leave.
Construction on and north of Stampede Park is live: follow the signs rather than the route you remember.
Without a Saddledome permit, the arena's own advice is transit or downtown parking.
Where to Go Before the Game
Stampede Park, under construction
The grounds the arena sits on. Construction here, and separately north of the Saddledome, is causing traffic delays and limiting parking availability — follow the detour and wayfinding signs rather than an old route.
Known for Construction ongoing · Delays and reduced parking · Follow wayfinding
Downtown core off-site parking
What CSEC recommends for anyone without a Saddledome parking permit: park in the downtown core and travel in, or use transit instead.
Known for Arena's own recommendation · No permit needed · Transit connections
SpotHero parking around the arena
The Flames partner with SpotHero for discounted parking around the Saddledome, which is the practical way to secure a space while the construction persists.
Known for Discounted · Book ahead · Around the arena
Rules to Know
What Scotiabank Saddledome allows, and what it does not.
- Stampede Park construction, and separate construction north of the arena, is causing traffic delays and limiting parking availability. Fans should follow detour and wayfinding signs.
- CSEC strongly encourages all fans without a Scotiabank Saddledome parking permit to use public transit, or off-site parking in the downtown core.
- The Calgary Flames are partnered with SpotHero to offer discounted parking around the arena.
- Fans are strongly encouraged not to bring bags. Bags smaller than 14" x 14" x 6" are permitted.
- The Saddledome does not provide an area to check bags, coats or other personal belongings.
- For Flames and Roughnecks games, doors open 90 minutes before puck drop. For other events doors generally open one hour before the start time.
- The arena publishes no tailgating policy.
What to Bring
- A bag the gate will accept
Small bags and purses up to 14 x 14 x 6 inches may enter through a yellow small-bag entry.
- Only the outside food and drink the rule allows
Outside food and beverages are prohibited unless an approved food-allergy or medical exception applies.
- A card or a phone wallet
Scotiabank Saddledome is cashless at concessions, retail locations, and 50/50 ticket sellers.
- Your tickets on a charged phone
Use the official Flames app to access and scan mobile tickets at the arena gates.
- A coat for the walk in
January lows average 11°F between the lot and the door at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Calgary Flames Tailgate Gear
Canopies, grills, coolers, and official Calgary Flames gear for the ultimate tailgate.
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How We Checked This Page
Every section below names the source it was read from and the day it was read. Where we could not reach a published figure, the page says so rather than presenting an estimate as a checked fact.
- Pregame
Scotiabank Saddledome official site: Getting Here, Game Day Guide, and the A to Z Guide
- Venue policies
Current Scotiabank Saddledome A-to-Z and accessibility guides plus Calgary Flames express-entry, app, cashless, and game-day pages reviewed for Flames game-day policies.
- Weather
NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals