Sports Talk
Attending Flames Practice Games
By Peter Hanlon
Nov 7, 2006, 18:41

Welcome to the Pengrowth Saddledome, home of the Calgary Flames! We are pleased you are interested in attending a Flames practice. We are also proud that we can provide our fans with the opportunity to see our team at work in a more intimate setting at the Saddledome. And of course, we love seeing you at the games with 19,000 plus fans, cheering the Flames on to victory!

For the 2006-2007, I would like to outline a few guidelines around our practice sessions that will assist you in planning your practice attendance.

o All our practice sessions at the Pengrowth Saddledome are open to our fans to attend.

o On non-game days, fans are welcome to sit in the lower bowl behind our bench and feel free to say hello or request an autograph from the players as they depart the ice following practice.

o On game days, the players are more focused and their routine becomes more regimented. Game days are important for preparation, “Getting the game face on!” We still welcome you to attend practice on game day by watching from the second tier. In addition, as the players depart in their vehicles following the morning practice, they will not be stopping on the Saddledome grounds to sign autographs.

o Our practice schedule is determined by Head Coach Jim Playfair. From day to day Jim and his coaching staff know what is best for the team as they prepare for the next opponent. As a result, practice times, practice length and recovery days are usually not announced until the day before. Please contact one of our customer service representatives the afternoon before or the morning of the day you would like to attend in order to ensure an accurate time. Our customer service number is 777-4646 (press option # 1).

o As we move into March and the drive for the 2007 Playoffs, things heat up even more around our locker room. As we begin the hunt for playoff positioning, our practices will still remain open. During this stretch, fans in attendance are requested to view from the second tier for all practice sessions.

o Finally, we regret that we have no authority regarding access to any of the visiting teams’ practice sessions while in Calgary. Interest and requests for any of our opponents is best made directly through their respective public relations departments.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend a Flames practice. I hope you enjoy the experience of watching as they prepare to make you proud to be a Calgary Flames fan. We are very appreciative of the outstanding support you provide.

Sincerely,

Peter Hanlon
Vice-President, Communications