Farewell to the Saddledome
As the Calgary Flames prepare to bid farewell to their beloved Saddledome, a venue that has witnessed countless memorable moments since its opening in 1983, the team is gearing up for an exciting final season in the NHL. Dubbed ‘The ‘Dome Farewell Season’, the 2026-27 campaign will serve as a tribute to both the arena and its rich legacy, with the Flames unveiling a striking new emblem designed for this special occasion on Friday night.
The New Emblem
The logo, characterized by a vibrant red shield, is a visual homage to the Flames and their iconic home, incorporating eight unique design elements inspired by the Saddledome’s architectural features and the franchise’s impressive history. The curved top of the emblem mirrors the distinct saddle-like roof of the arena—an architectural feature that will not transition to the team’s future arena. Additionally, vertical pillars on either side of the logo symbolize the arena’s structural integrity, while a central horizontal line represents the timeline between ‘1983’—the year the Saddledome opened—and ‘2027’, marking its final NHL season.
At the core of this emblem, the word “DOME” is prominently displayed in shimmering gold. The apostrophe before “DOME” cleverly derives from an ember found in the Flames’ hallmark flaming ‘C’ logo, reminiscent of the team’s fiery spirit. Above “DOME,” the word “THE” sits, while “FAREWELL SEASON” is elegantly inscribed underneath in sharp white lettering. The Flames’ official logo, also accented in gold, anchors the bottom of the design, linking it back to the team’s storied visual identity. Furthermore, a chevron design element at the shield’s base draws inspiration from the championship banners that have proudly adorned the Saddledome’s rafters for decades, emphasizing the building’s remarkable achievements in sports history.
Celebrations and Future Plans
While specific details of the planned Farewell Season celebrations are expected to be rolled out in advance of the ’26-’27 season—possibly at a center ice event—it remains unknown if the logo will feature on new jerseys or be transformed into specialty uniforms for the occasion. What is clear is the Flames’ aim to center the discourse on celebrating the arena’s accomplishments rather than focusing solely on its impending closure.
The Legacy of the Saddledome
The Saddledome has been the heartbeat of hockey in Calgary, constructed to replace the aging Stampede Corral following the Flames’ relocation to the city in 1980. Designed as a dual-use facility, it also played host to events for the 1988 Winter Olympics. With its horse saddle-shaped roof, the arena quickly became an iconic landmark. Over the past 44 years, it has hosted a myriad of unforgettable events, including three Stanley Cup Finals, with the Montreal Canadiens alone claiming the sole championship trophy awarded there in 1986.
Throughout its history, the Saddledome has seen multiple name changes, evolving from the Olympic Saddledome to the Canadian Airlines Saddledome, then the Pengrowth Saddledome, and presently, the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Looking towards the future, the Flames will transition to Scotia Place starting with the 2027-28 season, closing this chapter of their history but with intentions to celebrate the Saddledome’s legacy in grand fashion during its final moments as a hub of NHL action.
