City of Calgary plans road closures, performances for Battle of Alberta

The City of Calgary has released the details of its plans for the second round of the playoffs, and it includes performances, road closures and parking bans.

Performances

The Calgary Stampede Showband will perform Wednesday on 17 Avenue SW starting at 5 Street SW ahead of puck drop for Game 1 of the series. The City describes it as a “short, energizing pre-game performance” that starts at 6:10 p.m. After that, the Showband will move to the Palace Theatre on 8 Avenue SW to perform again at 6:45 p.m.

“We are very pleased with round one, as not only did the Flames win, but the majority of citizens and hockey fans were respectful of local businesses, residents, laws and bylaws while celebrating,” said Ben Brackett, Team Lead for Festivals and Events with The City of Calgary. “Calgarians have a long history of celebrating in a safe and respectful manner, and we expect that to continue in the second round.”

The City says other street performances will happen before each home game in communities near the Saddledome.

“We’ve consulted with the Calgary Flames, AHS, AGLC, 17th Avenue BIA and the Community Associations of Beltline and Mount Royal to make sure any planned pre-game outdoor entertainment is successful in supporting an environment of fun and safe celebrations while contributing to Calgary’s great community spirit,” adds Brackett.

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Road Closures/Parking Bans

17 Avenue SW will be closed from 4 Street SW to 5 Street SW Wednesday night for around 30 minutes starting at 6 p.m. for the Showband performance.

Roads may also close temporarily after each home game, so that fans can exit the Saddledome and Red Lot safely. The City is encouraging people to stay off the roads.

“Calgarians are excited about our home team being in the playoffs and we’re ready for another round of exciting hockey in the Battle of Alberta,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Hockey fans, businesses and Flames players have waited a long time for this kind of electric feeling to be in the air again. I’m really pleased with the way The City of Calgary has collaborated to create great experiences for everyone to enjoy during this series.”

Parking bans will be in effect along 17 Avenue SW between Macleod Trail SW and 9 Street SW, and along 11 Avenue S.E. from 1 Street S.E. to 5 Street S.E. starting at 6 p.m. during both home and away playoff games.The City says scooter riders should use the bike lanes on 5 Street SW and 12 Street SW and only one person per scooter is allowed.

The City adds a reminder that drinking alcohol is only allowed at licensed bars and restaurants, and smoking cannabis in public is against the rules as well.

Alcohol is also not allowed in Tomkins Park at 17 Avenue SW and 8 Street SW as part of The City’s alcohol in parks program for the duration of the Flames’ playoff run.

Calgary Transit is also increasing service on home game nights to keep up with demand.