Persons using wheelchairs may find it awkward to reach the Saddledome by C-Train, but once at the door of the 'Dome, the building is generally accessible.

Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome is the home of the National Hockey League Calgary Flames, the Western Hockey League Calgary Hitmen, and the Calgary Roughnecks of the National Lacrosse League. Concerts and other special events are held here year-round. The venue is wheelchair-accessible.

Saddledome Looks Like a Saddle

When the Calgary Saddledome was built in the early 1980's, the saddle shape was chosen to represent the western spirit. The Saddledome is on the grounds of the Calgary Stampede, "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", home of Canada's most famous western fair and rodeo. The roofline of the Saddledome is unmistakable.

Host to Major Sports Teams

When Calgary was bidding to host the 1988 Winter Olympics, it was important to have a top-quality venue for ice sports. The Saddledome has seen some fine competitions, including the famous "Battle of the Brians" when Canadian Brian Orser won silver against gold medallist Brian Boitano of the USA in the men's figure skating event.

The NHL Calgary Flames moved into the Saddledome from their old home in the Corral (also on the Stampede grounds) and have been the star tenants of the arena ever since. At Flames games, there is a huge gas-fired flame ignited above centre ice every time the Flames score a goal. It's so big the audience can feel its heat from the stands.

The Calgary Hitmen of junior hockey's WHL, and the Calgary Roughnecks lacrosse team play in the Saddledome when their schedules do not conflict with the Flames games.

Concerts and Special Events

With seating for over 20,000 people, the Saddledome is Calgary's largest indoor venue. This is where the big stars play their concerts when they come to town. For tickets and show listings, Ticketmaster is the usual source.

Occasionally there are special civic and private events held at the Saddledome.

There are dining and conference facilities for groups of all sizes.

Accessible Seating and Logistics

Many persons using wheelchairs are regulars at Saddledome events. There is designated handicap parking at the 5th Street entrance, and a combination of ramps and elevators for changes in grade. The washrooms are built to handle hockey game intermission crowds, and are fairly spacious with oversized stalls for wheelchair access.

Seating with an attendant behind or beside the wheelchair is available (in two different sections).

At concerts, there is often seating on the floor (the ice surface area), but wheelchairs are not allowed there due to fire regulations.

C-Train Access

Calgary's light rail transit, the C-Train, stops at the Stampede station for the Saddledome but there is no elevator - the only way to leave the platform is by escalator or by a ramp at the south end of the platform.

This ramp lets out at ground level. The visitor can travel across the Stampede grounds to the door of the Saddledome or can go back up a longer ramp (approximately 25 feet change in elevation) to a series of walkways that linke the Saddledome with the C-Train indoors.

In bad weather the C-Train may be a difficult choice using a wheelchair. Better options would be a taxi, or a private car to the Saddledome door.