Calgary’s Red Mile potentially returning, bars and restaurants excited

Over the weekend the Calgary Flames officially clinched a playoff spot and there’s already talk of the Red Mile making a return.

It’s something bars and restaurants are excited about given the last two years of the pandemic and the accompanying restrictions.

“We’re going to reignite the Red Mile right here at the casino and move forward and cheer like crazy,” said Wayne Potoroka, GM at Cowboys Casino.

Potoroka says the Flames clinching a playoff berth is not just exciting for them, but for the city as a whole.

Ernie Tsu, president of the Alberta Hospitality Association echoed the same sentiment.

He points out that it’s actually been a four-year struggle for many 17 Avenue businesses.

“Everyone seems to forget about the two years of devastating construction that went curb to curb for multiple blocks,” Tsu said.

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• Flames not taking foot off gas after officially clinching playoff spot

• Calgary restaurants to possibly open up extended patios again this summer

• Crews pressing pause on 17 Ave construction for the summer

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Tsu also says it’ll be a big boost for restaurants to be able to have customers at full capacity during the Flames playoff run.

“This is so crucial for all of the restaurants on 17 Avenue, and quite frankly in the Beltline,” Tsu said. “To try and get back and scratch back any of the revenues that have been lost for the last two years and try get back up on their feet.”

Are we getting too ahead of ourselves talking about the Red Mile before the regular season has even come to an end? Our afternoon Sports Anchor Sandra Prusina is predicting the team could make it all the way to the final.

“First you start with the tutelage of Daryl Sutter. Then you have career years for a slew of players, a true starting goaltender in Jacob Markstrom, and likely the best number one line in the NHL: Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm, and Matthew Tkachuk.” she said when asked about the likelihood of a long playoff run. “The stars are aligning for a deep playoff run for the Flames.”

She adds the team has been solid both at home and on the road which will bode well for them in the playoffs.

“I believe this team is motivated, you just listen to them speak and you can tell the expectations are high because the personnel, both on and off the ice, is the best it’s been in years, actually I’d say in decades.”