CALGARY - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 460

SPECTATOR SPORTS
Hockey
There's no better way to spend a winter's night in Calgary than by attending a home
game of the Calgary Flames (403/777-2177, www.calgaryflames.com , from $58), the
city's NHL franchise. On these nights, the Saddledome in Stampede Park fills with 20,000
hockey fans who follow every game with a passion. No matter whether the team is winning
or losing, the atmosphere is electric. After a prolonged slump (they last won the Stanley
Cup in 1989), they are now one of the most competitive NHL franchises. The regular sea-
son runs October-April, and games are usually held in the early evening (7pm weeknights,
8pm Sat., 6pm Sun.).
Football
The Stampeders (403/289-0205, www.stampeders.com , $34-90) are Calgary's franchise
in the Canadian Football League (CFL), an organization similar to the U.S. NFL. Although
the team's popularity fluctuates with its performance, crowd levels remain high through
even the longest losing streaks. Near the end of the season, weather can be a deciding
factor in both the games' results and attendance. At kick-off in the Stampeders' final game
of 1993, the temperature was -20°C (-4°F) and -33°C (-27°F) with the windchill, but more
than 20,000 Calgarians braved the weather to attend. The season runs July-November.
Home games are played at the 35,500-seat McMahon Stadium (1817 Crowchild Trail
NW). From downtown, take the C-train to Banff Trail Station.
Entertainment and Events
Ffwd ( www.ffwdweekly.com ) is a free weekly magazine available throughout the city. It
lists theater events, cinema screenings, and art displays, and keeps everyone abreast of the
local music scene. Tickets to major concerts, performances, and sporting events are avail-
able in advance from Ticketmaster (403/777-0000, www.ticketmaster.ca ) .
THE ARTS
Art Galleries
It may put a dent in Calgary's cow town image, but the city does have a remarkable number
of galleries displaying and selling work by Albertan and Canadian artisans. Unfortunately,
they are not concentrated in any one area, and most require some effort to find. Renowned