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
@@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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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 😂
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?
Why wouldn't they access it from the side that it's on? This seems like a safety hazard, unless there is another way to get out. This also seems to make it harder doing a simple task.
I wouldn't be afraid when it's empty and well lit. However, it might be a bit disorientating if there was a bunch of commotion going on under you with the fans, lighting, pyro and whatnot.
I'd piss myself if I had to go up there because of my fear of heights. Really though its strange they don't have the broadcast booth on one side of the stadium down below where the announcers can actually see the game with their own eyes.
Some of the best seats in the house and the folks up there get paid to be there. Amazing! Lucky them! (Also, was I the only one who thought of the Bob's Burgers "Broadcast Wagstaff School News" episode?)
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 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.
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.
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
🫣
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.
wow, this is crazy, my hands are soaked just watching this.
amazing view
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.
Super fortunate to have been up there a few times! Such a unique experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is there a faster escape route in the event of a fire?
Is it mandatory or at least encouraged to sing or hum the hockey night in Canada theme song when walking out?
Holy jumpin', as Panger would say. That is scary yet awesome at the same time.
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
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.
Tiger Stadium in Detroit used to have these same walkways to the upper deck. Love this old style. Miss the old days
Thanks for this. I haven't thought about Ed Whalen in years.
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?
Wow. That gives new meaning to sitting in the rafters.
That is awesome. Familiarity with heights breaks fears and builds comfort.
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.
Epic video. You are a saint for resisting the urge to include audio/narration in post. Many more like this please.
I think this is the coolest thing i saw about nhl rinks so far
That's so cool I didn't know Calgary's broadcast booth was suspended like this.
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😨
Being an avalanche fan and living in Edmonton at the same time. This is simultaneously the only blues/flames video I’ll ever like.
Impressive how much weight that roof is holding up.
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.
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
Cam I come down and tour that? And possibly sit in during the game seeing all the action?
So the broadcast team has to go up there to go to the booth?
...and just like that, my broadcasting ambitions are crushed.
I've done that walk a few times it's scary as all hell
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!
Really neat...I gotta ask - bathrooms and fire escape?
I was at that game! always wondered what it was like up there
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 😆
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 😂
Amazing views. Do any of the spectator seats right at the back have restricted views?
Thank you for the 1 second view from the broadcast booth.
hit pause?
@@RIUUI007 right? People complain about everything haha and hitting pause literally solves the problem
Isnt that the old arena where roof/ceiling is caving in and they're using netting to catch debris ?
I’ve been looking for videos like this and the other team shows it not the flames
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.
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...........
Dude definitely took the scenic route
in love with bts stuff like this!! please please please keep it up!!
I just got done broadcasting my high school's basketball game!!!
John Kelly is the best!!
His dad was even better!
That is Crazy!! I does give a good view of the ice, though...
That made my back tingle.
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.
What a trek. Similar vibe to Copps Colliseum in Hamilton.
This shit looks like when they finished building the arena someone said “looks good, but where’s the press box?”
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.
i would have to call in sick anytime the boys went to calgary lol
you should do this with every nhl arena y'all visit
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
Super whoa. Thank you!
Rexall Place had a similar catwalk high above, for the press
Such a fascinating area. Being able to work in those kinds of places makes going to work magical.
Hopefully that's not the only way to get there. What if there's a medical emergency in the broadcast booth?
Am I watching a gif or a video on RUclips? Without sound, I can only enjoy this to a point, what are we doing here?
This is crazy I wouldn’t be able to take 2 steps , I would never have been a sports broadcaster that’s for sure!!!
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!
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.
seems like that would be the long way. Is there not access from the other side of the arena?
There is. Like you said this is the long way for dramatic effect lol.
Someone would have to lead me to my chair, blindfolded, if I were on-air analyst.
That is waaaay up there
Now we need one when the torch lights up when they score please 🙏🏼
This made me want to watch Sudden Death lol
Interesting, but as a spectator, I would prefer a view somewhere where they sit.
Why is there a St Louis Blues logo at the end?
So… there’s no other way up there, like from the other side? 😮
As a photographer, I just see so many good places there to put some remotes. 😁
This is like spy footage. The blues uploading footage of the Flames arenas secret tunnels
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.
Why wouldn't they access it from the side that it's on? This seems like a safety hazard, unless there is another way to get out. This also seems to make it harder doing a simple task.
I guess this is why announcers always say "high above the action" when they describe where they are
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.
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
Now do one where the guy playing the organ sits
That's where the phrase DON'T LOOK DOWN comes from!
Wait. You mean they forgot to just put stairs or an elevator on this side of the building?
How on Earth do you see who's playing at far up? I would need binoculars.
Are most rinks like this?
This could NOT be the only way in / out. Tech consoles, switchers, camera equip, crew food would need easier access.
I wouldn't be afraid when it's empty and well lit. However, it might be a bit disorientating if there was a bunch of commotion going on under you with the fans, lighting, pyro and whatnot.
Hope they aren't afraid of heights!!
There are seats behind the broadcast booth…those must be the worst seats in the house
I'd piss myself if I had to go up there because of my fear of heights. Really though its strange they don't have the broadcast booth on one side of the stadium down below where the announcers can actually see the game with their own eyes.
I was so confused on why the Blues posted this video until I remembered that away broadcasts exist lol
Some of the best seats in the house and the folks up there get paid to be there. Amazing! Lucky them!
(Also, was I the only one who thought of the Bob's Burgers "Broadcast Wagstaff School News" episode?)
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 love this video.