As the Calgary Flames get set for Round 2 of the playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers, the city released its plans to ensure celebrations are safe at the grounds and along 17 Avenue S.W., better known as the Red Mile..The city, along with its partners — including the Calgary Flames, the Calgary Police Service, Alberta Health Services and others — said it is committed to working to "support a safe Red Mile experience" as well as "support local businesses, and showcase community spirit in our city.".“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 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.".Some of the festivities planned include:.The iconic Calgary Stampede Showband will perform Wednesday on The Red Mile starting at 5 Street at 6:10 p.m. for a pre-game performance. After the performance, the Showband will move to the Palace Theatre on 8 Avenue S.W. for a performance at 6:45 p.m. Additional street entertainment will be planned in the communities around the Scotiabank Saddledome before each home game. The RED Lot Community Viewing Parties will continue for each game, whether home or away, down at Lot 3 of Stampede Park. Free tickets will be made public before each game and the viewing parties will be restricted to ticket-holders with no exceptions. More details can be found on the Calgary Flames website. .“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.”.Fans and residents may experience temporary road closures at the end of each home game as fans exit the park. .Temporary road closures and parking bans will be in place along The Red Mile from 4 Street to 5 Street S.W. Wednesday evening for approximately 30 minutes for the Calgary Stampede Showband performance. .The city will be enforcing parking bans along the Red Mile between Macleod Trail and 9 Street S.W. beginning at 6 p.m. during both home and away playoff games. Parking bans will also be in effect along 11 Avenue S.E. from 1 Street to 5 Street S.E. .Calgary Transit will add extra transit service to help support rider demand on home game nights. Riders are reminded face coverings are still required while on all public transit. .The city is also reminding revellers alcohol is only permitted in licensed establishments and public consumption of cannabis is not allowed. Additional police and community peace officers will be out on game nights to ensure celebrations remain safe. .“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,” said Brackett.
