Calgary Flames

Scotiabank Saddledome holds about 19,289 for hockey and the red-uniformed crowd creates a visual that photographs well and sounds even better. The arena takes its name from the saddle-shaped roof that was an architectural statement when it opened in 1983 for the Winter Olympics. The building is showing its age compared to newer NHL venues but the atmosphere on a big game night remains genuine.

The Red Mile along 17th Avenue SW transforms into a street party during deep playoff runs and becomes one of the better spontaneous celebrations in Canadian hockey culture. On a regular season night, the bars and restaurants along 17th are the natural pregame territory - the area within walking distance of the arena covers most of what you'd want before puck drop. Calcutta Cricket Club and the surrounding spots on 17th handle the pregame crowd well.

The Battle of Alberta against the Edmonton Oilers is the defining rivalry in the building. When Edmonton comes to the Saddledome the energy shifts in a way that regular-season games against Western Conference opponents don't match. Calgary and Edmonton are two hours apart by highway and the provincial pride runs deep. If there's a specific game worth planning a trip around, that's the one.

Grab your Flames tickets through Evil Tickets and see which home games fit your calendar this season.