By Shane Flug
They were on fire, and now they're in! Thanks, mainly, to a remarkable 10-game winning streak – their first since their Atlanta years in 1978 – in the late winter of the 2016-2017 NHL season, our Calgary Flames have clinched a postseason spot. Whether it’s at the Dome, on the Red Mile, your neighbourhood watering hole or in your living room, here are five sizzlin’ ways to make the most of this playoff season. [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/jewhyte]
Flames FanAttic is the official club fan store, with three locations at North Hill Centre, the Calgary International Airport and – of course – the Scotiabank Saddledome. Pick up a modern or vintage jersey in-store or online, with styles available for all ages and genders. As well, check out their novelty swag including figurines, flags and hockey tape that will make you, too, feel like a Flame busting out your sticks and nets for some springtime ball hockey. Also see Sport Chek’s selections online or at a shopping mall location near you.
If you’re a season ticket holder, first dibs are yours to purchase playoff tickets to join the C of Red among fellow fans at the Dome! If not, it may take some luck – and a hefty chunk of change – to get ahold of some home game postseason tickets.
Stay tuned for the coming ticket lottery at CalgaryFlames.com on Ticketmaster and verified secondary market sellers NHL Ticket Exchange on TicketsNow.com. Just remember when on the hunt: if it’s not an official seller, you could get burned. Good luck!
No tickets? No worries! 17th Avenue is the heart of the Red Mile where fans catch the game at the entertainment district’s many bars and restaurants and celebrate on the streets. Among just a few highlights: Check out Home and Away’s $4 pre-game happy hour 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day Sunday, share a $34 Full Pint Platter with friends at The Pint or enjoy $5 pints of Budweiser and wear your jersey to receive 10 per cent off at Roosevelt, or taste Village Brewery’s new seasonal Neighbour Canadian Pale Ale at World Bier Haus 1410.
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More things to do this spring in Calgary:
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For those who not only wear red but also drink it, Co-op Wine Spirits & Beer offers exclusive wine deals on their YYC Wine Deals website, where you can reserve online for in-store pickup. For the local craft beer lover, Red Rage from Tool Shed Brewery is a fine choice for a well balanced and roasty red ale. Tool Shed is offering free brewery tours for fans who share selfies on Twitter or Instagram drinking a Red Rage during a game while using the hashtag #CofRedRage.
Also, save on snacks at your local grocery store by checking out weekly flyers on the YPGrocery app. For a bit more fun in addition to just watching the playoff action, grab your device and play along with some ProProfs quizzes with your friends or listen in to local fan podcast Fireside Chat.
Chicken wings and the game are an appie match made in heaven, but for those who dare feel some fire, try Jamesons Irish Pub’s suicide wings (half price during games) or the suicide wings at Watchman’s Pub on the Red Mile.
Elsewhere, try the infamous Bull vs. the Volcano wings at the Bull & Finch or take on the Blazin’ Challenge at Buffalo Wild Wings. If you’re making some at home, Some Like It Hot is, well, one hot-ticket vendor for super-spicy sauces. Just know your spice tolerance, or too many sirens will go off in your mouth!
From catching the playoffs at home to cheering Mark Giordano and team on in person at the Dome, there are many ways to see the Flames (slap) shoot their way into another chance of bringing Lord Stanley home. Party safe and Go Flames Go!
