Monday, July 22, 2024, began a new era in Calgary as the City, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, and the Government of Alberta announced the building plan for Scotia Place. The new home of the Calgary Flames, Roughnecks, Wranglers and Hitmen will also contain an additional community rink/practice facility.
Although the announcement was met with much anticipation and excitement from Flames fans, it also made official the demolition plans for the iconic Scotiabank Saddledome. Built in 1982 in anticipation of the 1988 Winter Olympics, the Saddledome has been a staple of Calgary’s skyline for over 40 years. Although it’s sad to lose such a landmark of Calgary and its history, the new venue and revitalization of the Stampede grounds is long overdue.
With things finally official, we wanted to know what part of the fan experience would be the most valued in Scotia Place. We asked, you answered.
Want to take part in Sunday Census polls? We send them out every week on our Twitter at @wincolumnCGY. Follow along or send in ideas for the next poll!
The biggest part of the Flames fan experience
We presented the below poll to see which part of the experience was deemed the most important factor.
Sightlines
What’s more important than being able to see at a live sporting event? Sight lines finished tied for second collecting 23% of votes.
The Saddledome has some of the most interesting sightlines of any arena in the NHL. Its bowled shape was specifically designed to cater to the view of the ice surface, not to look like a saddle.
Renderings on the City of Calgary’s website give a sneak peek into the new venue’s viewing experience.
It looks like a decent view from the rendering’s perspective, time will tell how reality differs from renderings.
Amenities/Concourse
Tied for second, amenities/concourse collected 23% of fan votes as well. Amenities are one thing the Saddledome lacked, significantly. Scotia Place looks to address that need in its planned design. The concourse is drastic in comparison to the Saddledome.
Extending inside and out, the fan experience at Scotia Place will be elevated with multiple plazas, restaurants and viewing opportunities.
With screens on almost every side of the stadium, fans can take enjoy the game in their seats, on the second-story patio, or from the outdoor plazas.
Concession/Beer pricing
Out with the Dome Foams, in with the Place Pints. Taking the lowest priority in the poll, only 13% of Flames fans put reasonably priced food and beverages number one on their Scotia Place wish list.
Currently, the Flames rank sixth out of seven Canadian NHL teams in beer pricing, charging $13.45 for a 20oz draught. In seventh, the Jets somehow only charge $9.06 for 20oz draught and still struggle to fill seats even when the team’s winning. Ottawa sits atop the list charging $17.50 for a 20oz draught.
Although $13 and change isn’t an amazing deal, the Flames are actually one of the most affordable food and drink venues among the big four professional sports leagues in Canada. Hopefully, Murray Edwards can stick to that and fans will only have to finance his team’s new venue with their tax dollars… Too soon?
Ticket pricing
Taking first place with 41% of the vote, ticket pricing is what the majority of fans value most about their fan experience at Scotia Place. Along the same lines as the concession conversation, people can only afford so much. The economy isn’t amazing, and things just seem to keep getting more and more expensive.
Student pricing, kids pricing, flash sales, whatever it is, all fans would appreciate the opportunity to go to a game live.
When Edmonton opened Rogers Place, the average season ticket price went down by $482 with a second upper bowl package costing $2,432 at Rexall Place compared to only $1,950 at Rogers Place.
Most people in this city wouldn’t want to replicate anything Edmonton does but with that price model, I think Calgarians would make an exception.
The waiting game
With a target to open for the 2027–28 season, Scotia Place will be the newest arena in the NHL and will mark the start of a new chapter in the city and franchise’s history.
Fans ultimately want to be able to afford to experience this state-of-the-art venue and watch a competitive team play in it.
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