Continuing road construction for the Green Line, BMO Center expansion and Stampede Trail development will make getting to the Saddledome in time for the Calgary Flames’ home opener a little more complicated this year.
CMLC and the Calgary Flames want to provide travel tips for fans and visitors to Victoria Park, as well as help Calgarians avoid delays with interactive maps and apps.
“More than $600 million in city construction projects are currently underway in the Cultural and Entertainment District…These infrastructure investments and anchor projects like the BMO Center expansion are all aimed at developing a great, vibrant mixed-use district. But the resulting traffic impacts can certainly be devastating,” said Emma Stevens, CMLC’s director of communications and external relations.
“We know these impacts are devastating and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this work.”
CMLC and the Calgary Flames’ top advice for anyone wanting to access the Saddledome for games or other events continues to be to travel from the south.
“If you’re in the area and normally use the 4th Street underpass, we recommend detouring and using the MacLeod Trail to head north rather than entering from 9th Avenue,” Stevens said. says.
“Right next to the Saddledome, there are several other closed facilities. We are rebuilding the Stampede Trail right next to the Saddledome and at the BMO Center, so the north-south connection will also be closed. Vehicles will be diverted to the back of the Saddledome.”
Stevens said CMLC’s interactive road closure map is the best way to stay informed of changing road closures and detours regarding general access to the cultural and entertainment district.
“The C+E Access Map is the best way to stay up to date on construction impacts and traffic conditions in real time. You can see which roads are closed and which are open, so you can plan ahead. You can plan your trip.”
The Calgary Flames have also begun providing Saddledome-specific directions and updated road conditions on their website www.scotiabanksaddledome.com/getting-here and on the Calgary Flames app.
Elizabeth Whittaker, director of building operations for the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), said the app also includes directions and all the entertainment information fans want, making it easier for people to visit in advance. He said that he would be able to plan for the future.
“We want our fans to have the best experience possible, and while we appreciate that this is happening inside the park, we do everything we need to have a successful and enjoyable night. We want to make sure that we provide the information,” she said.
Important travel advice to avoid delays
Mr Stevens said Calgarians will have to wait until 2024 for most projects to be completed, but with public facility renovations and other construction projects taking place along roads in the cultural and entertainment district, Calgarians will He said people need to plan ahead.
“Please allow plenty of time to attend the event. There are many great restaurants in the area, so be sure to stop by, grab a bite to eat, and leave plenty of time before taking a seat.” said Mr. Stevens.
“To avoid traffic and parking delays, we also recommend using Calgary Transit. The Victoria Park/Stampede LRT station is a short distance from Saddledome, BMO Center, and other venues at Stampede Park. ”
Whitaker said the doors will open two hours before puck drop to give fans enough time to arrive at Saddledome and take their seats.
“We have some really exciting pre-game activities so we have a really great show and we want people to be a part of it,” she said.
Fans who wish to park at the Saddledome will be accessed by a road that runs from the south end of Stampede Park to the rear of the Saddledome.
For fans who want to park and stroll, a platform park on 9 Avenue was also suggested as an option.
“If you are coming to the park from the north, we recommend using the Platform Innovation Center and Parkard parking lots. If you are coming to the park and want to park, we recommend parking in the 11th Street parking lot. To do.”