What if the Flames cannot play in Calgary for 2013-14?

[Jets4Life]

I know the community and the Flames organization sounds pretty optimistic they can get the job done, and repair any damage to the Saddledome (structural or otherwise).

However, if it is determined that it will take until 2014 to have the Saddledome fully operational, where would the Flames play? There are no NHL ready venues in Calgary. It would never work in Red Deer. Seattle is a possibility, but I doubt it would be a big draw.

What about Saskatoon? Surely the city could pack at least 12,000+ for most NHL games, possibly more. This is only meant to me a "what if" question, since it is geared towards a worst case scenario. What do you think?

[Caged Great]

They might have to go on a roving tour around the west playing dates at anywhere with a decent building. Maybe they might have to play "Home" games against division rivals in their building.

[drPepper1]

They will play..flood or no flood

[Jets4Life]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

They might have to go on a roving tour around the west playing dates at anywhere with a decent building. Maybe they might have to play "Home" games against division rivals in their building.

That would suck. I was thinking of what went down in New Orleans, with the Saints and Hornets. Oklahoma City did a good job in adopting the NBA team, for a year or two. I have no doubts Saskatoon would make the best location, if it came down to it.

[getbak]

Open up the old barn.

[Acey]

We welcome them with open arms for a game or two in our newly renovated Enmax Centre here in Lethbridge, only 5,500 seats but it's quite a nice facility now.

[t0rrent98]

Like I said in the other thread..Out door winter classic games all year round at McMahon stadium..haha.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Abbotsford!! I'd buy season tix.

[Reggie28]

Originally Posted by t0rrent98

Like I said in the other thread..Out door winter classic games all year round at McMahon stadium..haha.

That would be some home ice advantage

[korzym12]

Originally Posted by getbak

Open up the old barn.

That's flooded as well.

[WCW Nitro]

Bring back the Atlanta Flames.

[trackercowe]

Take the year off and give us the first overall pick next season... Don't really know if I'd oppose that, but the end would justify the means.

Although we'll probably be picking top five next season anyway, so maybe give us first overall for the next three seasons instead? The hockey Gods owe us!

[dammage79]

Saskatoon would be the best surrogate home in the event the Dome does not get into operational condition by the beginning of next season. Even if its only for the period of time until the dome gets up and running. Biggest rink between Red Deer, Lethbridge and Regina and Saskatoon. It's only temporary so I would not see what the fuss is all about if they had to.

[CMPunk]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Saskatoon would be the best surrogate home in the event the Dome does not get into operational condition by the beginning of next season. Even if its only for the period of time until the dome gets up and running. Biggest rink between Red Deer, Lethbridge and Regina and Saskatoon. It's only temporary so I would not see what the fuss is all about if they had to.

The problem would be the season ticket holders here would be pissed and want their money back for next season. Then you're on the hook for finding season ticket holders in Saskatoon. I doubt a team like the Flames wants to rely just on walk ups every game.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by korzym12

That's flooded as well.

Looks dry here...

[Alberta_Beef]

I agree with dammage79. It seems like the most logical place based on the size of the arena and somewhat close proximity to Calgary.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

If the Dome isn't ready come September/October, the training camp and everything can be held in Lethbridge or Red Deer. Once the regular season starts, they could just go on an extended road trip until the Dome is ready.

[saskflames69]

Don't worry Calgary. If the Flames end up coming to Saskatoon, we'll take good care of them.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Edit - double post

[speeds]

Could well be that EDM makes more sense than Saskatoon, especially if it turned out that the Saddledome would be ready for November or December. It wouldn't be that hard to organize bus trips up to Edmonton for CAL fans, half the driving time for Flames fans in CAL that want to see the games.