Olympic Plaza to host Flames screenings for road games

Olympic Plaza will be transformed into a family-friendly viewing area for Calgary Flames road games during their playoff run.

Family-friendly gathering place will feature activities, food trucks for playoff run

Stephen Hunt · CBC News · Posted: Apr 10, 2019 12:59 PM EDT | Last Updated: April 10, 2019

Mayor Naheed Nenshi announced the city will host screenings of Flames road games in Olympic Plaza beginning Monday night. (CBC)

Olympic Plaza is about to turn pro.

That's the word from Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who announced that Olympic Plaza is being turned into a family fun zone to watch Calgary Flames road games during the 2019 NHL playoffs.

It will include a big screen for optimal game viewing, draws, surprises, family activities and food trucks, all of which will kick off an hour before puck drop for every Flames road playoff game this spring.

(The Flames will also host viewing parties at Stampede Park for home games. For more info, go to calgaryflames.com/bringthered)

What there won't be: alcohol, cannabis or cigarette smoking.

"We are supporting community spirit and creating a family fun zone to watch the games in Olympic Plaza," Nenshi said Tuesday.

"[That means] no alcohol and no smoking on-site," he said, "but a ton of fun. I hope that people will come out and enjoy that."

"Bring a chair or bring a blanket if you don't want to sit on the grass and join the community doing that," he said.

And mind your manners.

"Celebrate safely. Scream 'yahoo' — but don't be one. Be cognizant, be aware of the fact that there are kids and families around," the mayor said.

A Flaming "C" outside Calgary City Hall signals the start of the 2019 NHL playoffs. (CBC)

"Watch your language. Be respectful of the fact that people live in these neighbourhoods and they do have to go to work in the morning. Make sure that everybody can have a fun time all around you. And let's make sure that everyone, women and men, feel safe, and can have fun together."

Nenshi added that Calgary Transit will have extra C-Trains available before and after games, even if they go into overtime.

It's all part of a broader city effort to get behind the Flames, who finished with the second-most points in the NHL this season and enter the post-season as the No. 1 team in the Western Conference.

Besides the Olympic Plaza initiative, the city has paused construction on 17th Avenue S.W. in order to allow fans to celebrate after games on the Red Mile.

Nenshi noted there will be some parking bans along 17th Avenue and some road closures to make the area more pedestrian-friendly, so he advises fans to use public transit.

Nenshi also had a gentle reminder for the men who love to pair beer with playoffs.

"Gentlemen, there will be plenty of porta-potties," he said. "Use them."