"The building occupied by the Flames since 1983 is unlike any other in the NHL. Even from a distance at night, the curved red line that lights up the Saddledome's profile makes it unmistakable. The world's largest cowboy could straddle that roof and feel right at home."
"If you consider the $1 billion renovation of Madison Square Garden the de facto creation of a brand new building (and I will), the Flames have played in the Saddledome for a decade longer than any other NHL team has called their respective rink home."
"Certain people (N. Murray Edwards) have been trying to bump off the Saddledome for over 10 years, and when the Flames drop the puck on the 2027-28 season, it'll be in a new arena-at the cost of hundreds of millions of dollars contributed by the city, the province, and their taxpayers."
The Saddledome is Calgary's distinctive NHL arena, home to the Flames since 1983, and remains the longest-tenured home for any NHL team when excluding major renovations like Madison Square Garden's $1 billion overhaul. The building's unique saddle-shaped roof design makes it instantly recognizable, particularly when illuminated at night. After more than a decade of efforts by ownership to replace it, the Saddledome will close following the 2026-27 season. A new arena called Scotia Place is under construction adjacent to the current building, funded by the city, province, and taxpayers. Unlike the Saddledome's distinctive architectural character, the new venue will be a generic corporate-sponsored facility, marking the end of an iconic era in hockey.
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