Want to be an NHL broadcaster in Calgary? You'll need to get over your fear of heights. Check out the walk to the broadcast booth at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
I wish broadcasts would take time to show us things like this. NHL Rinks are so incredible, and they each have unique features. Would love to see them spotlighted.
This is what I missed about being a janitor. Security and janitorial always go in every part of a building. As long as you can pass the security screening process. In every building there's cool things to check out and see.
Custodians are so important to me in my job as firefighter. They know what's where in every building, where valves are, electrical panels. There work is invaluable. Personally I'd do that job, put on headphones and just zone out.
@@FleukYT It's possible that visiting media aren't allowed to record video during the times that they would be up there. Perhaps to protect the privacy and conversations that are happening. It's weird, but not impossible. But also yeah it's not like it's some huge secret.
I overcame a fear of heights walking that catwalk when I covered the Calgary Hitmen when I was in college. I last used that catwalk in 2011 for a Roughnecks lacrosse game.
Similar to me! I worked overnight conversion at the Amalie Arena and I was one of the few who didn't say "Hell no!" when asked if I wanted to help clean up confetti up on the catwalks during summer cleaning (it was far better than using the wire brushes and sprayers to clean the retracting seat decks..). Mind you, I did have a minor aversion to heights, but once I was up there, though, it was no biggie, because the railings are adequately high. Only minorly scary thing is when you're walking on the metal floor and you step on a part that is slightly bowed upwards, and it makes a nice sound as it drops like a quarter of an inch and gives you a heart attack.. :D
I used to work in P.R. for the Ducks and being up in the press box is truly unique. When Calgary scores and the flames are ignited, it feels like you are in an oven up there.
@@deggis4 Indeed. I was going to talk about it in my original comment and I forgot. They could still make it happen since they face every team. Only thing is, from the Blues Administrative standpoint, it's not so appealing to showcase other teams arenas.
@@gregbyrne6909 That’s exactly how it works here in Minnesota. Take the elevator (assuming you have credentials), get off, enjoy the view. East access to the catwalks at the Xcel is right by the control room at the far end.
That's the Ed Whalen broadcast booth. It's named after the late great Ed Whalen. A Calgary legend and play by play expert. He also did the show, "Stampede Wrestling " owned by Stu Hart the father of Bret the hitman Hart and Own Hart.......... Great Memories.
@@JackMuren Having toured the Blackhawks and Canadiens press boxes... I think I would rather watch ants instead. LOL. You just see dots. Not even jersey numbers.
I attended a few games when I was stationed at Malmstrom AFB. Calgary was only a couple of hours away so I did weekend trips etc. Great barn. Fans are awesome as well.
Very cool. Surprising that this is posted by St. Louis Blues account and not the flames. I was always curious being from Calgary and seeing it up there all the time.
years ago i got to spend some time with legendary WHL announcer Mike Boyle and he told me this was the craziest booth he'd ever been in.... now i know what he was talkin about😨
Did you see how nice those cables were ran along the catwalks..definately union installed..the non union just throws crap up in a knot and searches for issues later.
I worked at one of the NHL arenas for quite a few years. The one I worked at the cat walk is quite a bit higher by the looks of it do to the design of the building compared to the saddledome. Took me quite sometime to be "comfortable" being up 200+ft. It's a hell of a lot scarier in person. Especially when you pulling or lowering cable over the ends. It was worth it though as I got to control the concert curtain motor box most of the time up there as not to many people learned how to. I'd spend half my shift up there why'll everyone else down below would be doing labour. So 💩 my pants half the time was worth it if it meant for as easy shift. 😅
@@HavingFun-nj5oc crazy how some stranger over the internet is going to tell me what I did or didn't do. I'm pretty sure I know how high up the cat walk is at the NHL arena I use to work at was.
0:38 Amazing the amount of networking switches and servers in racks above the scoreboard that everyone has to pass by. Almost all stadiums would have dedicated server room/closets that are locked and secured.
When I was still in school my teacher took us kids to Calgary. First stop was Calaway Park. Later the Saddledome. Saw center ice with the rest of the students. Great time
You can access it from the other side as well. At 1:36 you can she the much shorter access at the end of the walkway going to the left. Attending home games, that's where I'd wait to meet the media as they enter/exit therr as opposed to going to long way the video showed (which is for access to the scoreboard brains, etc).
It is more about convenience. IIRC the media rooms are all at ice level behind the team benches, for them to get to the press box, they take an elevator up from the side closest to the media areas and walk across the catwalk. They COULD climb all the stairs to the 300 level and use the access gantry from the concourse but that is tough when the house is packed.
Unfortunately in Canada I only have access to the SN feed so I don't even get to hear my favorite broadcasters call the game, but at least I'll know John Kelly will have a great view!
What’s funny is they didn’t have to go across all that to get there. Could have easily accessed the broadcast booth from the side it is on. You can literally see the ramp closer to the end of the video. Although it is a lot more fun the route they took 😂
The only NHL game I've ever been to so far, I sat in those seats that were behind the broadcast booth. Players looked like ants. Nabokov made some nice saves as an ant, though, I remember.
I think San Jose is the same way right? I mean, when they built SAP Center/HP Pavilion, they didn’t build it with pressboxes so they had to design it high above the building itself.
Fire hazard 101 right here and those thicker white rope/hose looking things, are they pre connected fire hose lines or are the for the scoreboard or something?
I worked in an arena where the catwalk floor was mesh . My balls ached the entire time I had to walk up there and when I got done they hurt for about a half hour after.
I wish broadcasts would take time to show us things like this. NHL Rinks are so incredible, and they each have unique features. Would love to see them spotlighted.
Love your Star Wars content dude
I agree, this looks dope. Much love for your content too brother.
There’s a channel called rinks around the league that does a great job of it
All sports stadiums have unique features. Not just NHL.
@@juliebraden6911 not true at all
NHL stadiums are the only ones
This is what I missed about being a janitor. Security and janitorial always go in every part of a building. As long as you can pass the security screening process.
In every building there's cool things to check out and see.
This is why I’m always friendly and courteous to maintenance staffers.
Custodians are so important to me in my job as firefighter. They know what's where in every building, where valves are, electrical panels. There work is invaluable. Personally I'd do that job, put on headphones and just zone out.
That’s my favourite part about being in IT, getting to explore/understand so many unique buildings!
The Saddledome may have one of the most unique press boxes in the NHL.
Very similar to the Bell Center. Saw a game there and sitting up high was surprised to look straight ahead into the booth. Very cool though
Little Caesars Arena would like to have a word.
@@bapostol6097 IIRC, the Forum had a similar hanging setup. I'm sure it saves many seats for fans.
Also the oldest 😅
@@justin2956 what's that one like?
Thank you!
Everybody talks about it and they say they aren't allowed to record it... so I'm glad you showed us.
trust me ive seen plenty of videos on it
@@FleukYT It's possible that visiting media aren't allowed to record video during the times that they would be up there. Perhaps to protect the privacy and conversations that are happening.
It's weird, but not impossible. But also yeah it's not like it's some huge secret.
@@gregbyrne6909 well idk those rules might not be that enforced since I’ve always seen people sneak a little video of the catwals
I overcame a fear of heights walking that catwalk when I covered the Calgary Hitmen when I was in college. I last used that catwalk in 2011 for a Roughnecks lacrosse game.
Similar to me! I worked overnight conversion at the Amalie Arena and I was one of the few who didn't say "Hell no!" when asked if I wanted to help clean up confetti up on the catwalks during summer cleaning (it was far better than using the wire brushes and sprayers to clean the retracting seat decks..). Mind you, I did have a minor aversion to heights, but once I was up there, though, it was no biggie, because the railings are adequately high.
Only minorly scary thing is when you're walking on the metal floor and you step on a part that is slightly bowed upwards, and it makes a nice sound as it drops like a quarter of an inch and gives you a heart attack.. :D
I used to work in P.R. for the Ducks and being up in the press box is truly unique. When Calgary scores and the flames are ignited, it feels like you are in an oven up there.
The fact that you have to walk across the stadium to go to your broadcast booth is.. wow
This is just the long way. There's actually a short catwalk leading to the gondolas from the press level seating on each side of the arena.
wow, this is crazy, my hands are soaked just watching this.
amazing view
I think these videos are fascinating! You should consider making a series with this exact video concept for arenas across the NHL!
The "you" is the official Blues channel...
@@deggis4 Indeed. I was going to talk about it in my original comment and I forgot. They could still make it happen since they face every team. Only thing is, from the Blues Administrative standpoint, it's not so appealing to showcase other teams arenas.
IT is cool, but i do think it's likely that almost every other one would just be "take elevator"
@@gregbyrne6909 That’s exactly how it works here in Minnesota. Take the elevator (assuming you have credentials), get off, enjoy the view.
East access to the catwalks at the Xcel is right by the control room at the far end.
I took the public tour of the Montreal arena and they let you walk up on their broadcast catwalk. Seemed pretty similar to this.
There is no way I could walk it! I had anxiety just watching from the viewers prospective 😱😱😱
Same here, I hate heights don't think I would ever do this
🫣
That's the Ed Whalen broadcast booth. It's named after the late great Ed Whalen. A Calgary legend and play by play expert. He also did the show, "Stampede Wrestling " owned by Stu Hart the father of Bret the hitman Hart and Own Hart.......... Great Memories.
*bret
@@That90sShow yes got it thanks.
Super fortunate to have been up there a few times! Such a unique experience.
That is amazing! Great view of the ice from the booth
Never really figured out how you could see anything from that far up though. I guess they all use monitors with the camera feed.
@@fleatactical7390 I'm sure they get to see all the angles by monitors, but watching the game from that view must be a sight to see
@@JackMuren Having toured the Blackhawks and Canadiens press boxes... I think I would rather watch ants instead. LOL. You just see dots. Not even jersey numbers.
Thank you for this inside scoop from Calgary's Saddledome, St. Louis
Look at all the work that was done by man through that walk. Blue collar workers build some amazing structures. I am one!
It is impressive
@@Freddy_Confetti impressive, very nice.
Epic video. You are a saint for resisting the urge to include audio/narration in post. Many more like this please.
This is the coolest shit, man. I’d be like a kid in a candy store with that kind of view and walkway vantage point so high above.
I attended a few games when I was stationed at Malmstrom AFB. Calgary was only a couple of hours away so I did weekend trips etc. Great barn. Fans are awesome as well.
Being an avalanche fan and living in Edmonton at the same time. This is simultaneously the only blues/flames video I’ll ever like.
Holy jumpin', as Panger would say. That is scary yet awesome at the same time.
That is awesome. Familiarity with heights breaks fears and builds comfort.
Very cool. Surprising that this is posted by St. Louis Blues account and not the flames. I was always curious being from Calgary and seeing it up there all the time.
years ago i got to spend some time with legendary WHL announcer Mike Boyle and he told me this was the craziest booth he'd ever been in.... now i know what he was talkin about😨
...and just like that, my broadcasting ambitions are crushed.
Did you see how nice those cables were ran along the catwalks..definately union installed..the non union just throws crap up in a knot and searches for issues later.
Thanks for this. I haven't thought about Ed Whalen in years.
i would have to call in sick anytime the boys went to calgary lol
I think this is the coolest thing i saw about nhl rinks so far
Wow. That gives new meaning to sitting in the rafters.
I worked at one of the NHL arenas for quite a few years. The one I worked at the cat walk is quite a bit higher by the looks of it do to the design of the building compared to the saddledome. Took me quite sometime to be "comfortable" being up 200+ft. It's a hell of a lot scarier in person. Especially when you pulling or lowering cable over the ends. It was worth it though as I got to control the concert curtain motor box most of the time up there as not to many people learned how to. I'd spend half my shift up there why'll everyone else down below would be doing labour. So 💩 my pants half the time was worth it if it meant for as easy shift. 😅
May I ask where you worked?
I wouldn’t be able to take a single step out there
You weren’t up 200+ feet
@@HavingFun-nj5oc crazy how some stranger over the internet is going to tell me what I did or didn't do. I'm pretty sure I know how high up the cat walk is at the NHL arena I use to work at was.
@@wt8213 you’ve already been asked and didn’t answer so I’ll ask again, what arena was it?
0:38 Amazing the amount of networking switches and servers in racks above the scoreboard that everyone has to pass by. Almost all stadiums would have dedicated server room/closets that are locked and secured.
Well Calgary arena is how old now
I'm guessing that some of that might have been moved up there after the 2013 flood.
Ha! Glad I wasn’t the only network geek to notice that. I thought “Hey, wait, stop, lemme see what those servers are…”
@@zlinedavid lol same!
Looks more like amplifiers and other audio or video equipment
in love with bts stuff like this!! please please please keep it up!!
Impressive how much weight that roof is holding up.
Dude definitely took the scenic route
Someone would have to lead me to my chair, blindfolded, if I were on-air analyst.
Tiger Stadium in Detroit used to have these same walkways to the upper deck. Love this old style. Miss the old days
Super whoa. Thank you!
Is it mandatory or at least encouraged to sing or hum the hockey night in Canada theme song when walking out?
This made me want to watch Sudden Death lol
That's so cool I didn't know Calgary's broadcast booth was suspended like this.
When I was still in school my teacher took us kids to Calgary. First stop was Calaway Park. Later the Saddledome. Saw center ice with the rest of the students. Great time
You can access it from the other side as well. At 1:36 you can she the much shorter access at the end of the walkway going to the left. Attending home games, that's where I'd wait to meet the media as they enter/exit therr as opposed to going to long way the video showed (which is for access to the scoreboard brains, etc).
Thank you for sharing this. I was watching this thinking how absurd it was that the path via a catwalk was the only option to get there.
It is more about convenience. IIRC the media rooms are all at ice level behind the team benches, for them to get to the press box, they take an elevator up from the side closest to the media areas and walk across the catwalk. They COULD climb all the stairs to the 300 level and use the access gantry from the concourse but that is tough when the house is packed.
I've done that walk a few times it's scary as all hell
I love this video.
Unfortunately in Canada I only have access to the SN feed so I don't even get to hear my favorite broadcasters call the game, but at least I'll know John Kelly will have a great view!
I just got done broadcasting my high school's basketball game!!!
John Kelly is the best!!
His dad was even better!
That made my back tingle.
Such a fascinating area. Being able to work in those kinds of places makes going to work magical.
That's where the phrase DON'T LOOK DOWN comes from!
I was hoping for a minute that it was going to be inside the ring of TVs at the middle.
I guess this is why announcers always say "high above the action" when they describe where they are
I've been up on the catwalks of Amway and Amalie Arena setting up for various shows/concerts, a bit nerve racking at first but definitely worth it!
That is Crazy!! I does give a good view of the ice, though...
I was at that game! always wondered what it was like up there
This shit looks like when they finished building the arena someone said “looks good, but where’s the press box?”
What’s funny is they didn’t have to go across all that to get there. Could have easily accessed the broadcast booth from the side it is on. You can literally see the ramp closer to the end of the video. Although it is a lot more fun the route they took 😂
Isnt that the old arena where roof/ceiling is caving in and they're using netting to catch debris ?
I use to work for a security job compagny and sometimes during big concert they would put us up there for a look out spot.
This is crazy I wouldn’t be able to take 2 steps , I would never have been a sports broadcaster that’s for sure!!!
Amazing views. Do any of the spectator seats right at the back have restricted views?
Awesome!
seems like that would be the long way. Is there not access from the other side of the arena?
The architect of the Saddledome must have been inspired by the difficult-to-get-to Foster Hewitt gondola at the old Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.
The only NHL game I've ever been to so far, I sat in those seats that were behind the broadcast booth. Players looked like ants. Nabokov made some nice saves as an ant, though, I remember.
Lmfao as an ant hahaha 😆
Cam I come down and tour that? And possibly sit in during the game seeing all the action?
you should do this with every nhl arena y'all visit
Can you imagine being afraid of heights and having to walk that .
I did just that. Kept a tight grip on the railings and my camera.
@Canman99 OMG, Did look down while you we're walking?
@@marie2274 Yes, carefully. It was a fascinating vantage point of an arena I love, but I was nervous up there.
Now do one where the guy playing the organ sits
Really neat...I gotta ask - bathrooms and fire escape?
What a trek. Similar vibe to Copps Colliseum in Hamilton.
Thank you for the 1 second view from the broadcast booth.
hit pause?
@@jockejocke1 right? People complain about everything haha and hitting pause literally solves the problem
So the broadcast team has to go up there to go to the booth?
Is there a faster escape route in the event of a fire?
This is like spy footage. The blues uploading footage of the Flames arenas secret tunnels
I went on the catwalk once at my old uni. Never again! It wasn’t nearly as high as this, but it was still terrifying.
There are seats behind the broadcast booth…those must be the worst seats in the house
I think San Jose is the same way right? I mean, when they built SAP Center/HP Pavilion, they didn’t build it with pressboxes so they had to design it high above the building itself.
Awesome.
Hope they aren't afraid of heights!!
Fire hazard 101 right here and those thicker white rope/hose looking things, are they pre connected fire hose lines or are the for the scoreboard or something?
safety slings for if they lower the clock
Rexall Place had a similar catwalk high above, for the press
Love the saddle dome. Sad to hear she’s coming down soon
WHAT
@@Azraelson yea
@@Azraelson they've wanted a new arena for a while. Even threatened to relocate at one point if the city didn't build it
@@Azraelson apparently a little bit of the roof has been collapsing, and falling apart
They've been saying that for more than a decade and trying to plan it. EVEN before the huge flood. If it aint broke...........
wtf? why didn't they just make the entrance from the same side of the rink that the booths are actually on?
You can enter from either side. He's just showing the whole catwalk.
I’ve been looking for videos like this and the other team shows it not the flames
I work in video production and have a great fear of heights. Definitely don't think I could do this job; my hat off to whomever can.
Why is there a St Louis Blues logo at the end?
Are most rinks like this?
That’s so cool
Ed Whalen now that’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time…..He of course called wrestling matches for the Hart Family in Calgary
This is one of the things I’m terrified of for when I become a pa announcer for a nhl team one day lol
As a photographer, I just see so many good places there to put some remotes. 😁
I will go learn everything needed just to have a chance to work there lol
Am I watching a gif or a video on UA-cam? Without sound, I can only enjoy this to a point, what are we doing here?
Awesome
I was so confused on why the Blues posted this video until I remembered that away broadcasts exist lol
That is waaaay up there
I worked in an arena where the catwalk floor was mesh . My balls ached the entire time I had to walk up there and when I got done they hurt for about a half hour after.
Cool!!
Now we need one when the torch lights up when they score please 🙏🏼
What a view