Red Mile facts for kids
The Red Mile is a special nickname for a part of 17 Avenue SW in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It became famous during the Calgary Flames hockey team's amazing playoff run in 2004. Thousands of fans gathered there to celebrate their team's success. The name "Red Mile" comes from the Flames' team color, red. Fans often wear red to games, creating a "Sea of Red" or "C of Red" in the arena.
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Before the Red Mile: Electric Avenue
Before the Red Mile, there was a similar place called Electric Avenue on 11th Avenue SW. This was where Flames fans celebrated during the 1986 and 1989 playoffs. Many bars were close together there. The city eventually closed Electric Avenue in the early 1990s. This was due to concerns about safety with so many people gathering in one spot.
The 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs Journey
The year 2004 was exciting for the Flames. It was the first time they made it to the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs since 1996. The Red Mile started out quite small. People would drive down 17th Avenue, honking their horns and waving flags. Others walked the streets, cheering and clapping.
Thousands of fans went to bars on 17th Avenue SW to watch the Flames play. They watched road games against the Vancouver Canucks in the first round. They also watched home games at the nearby Pengrowth Saddledome. When the Flames beat the Canucks in Game 7, fans rushed into the streets. They celebrated their team's first playoff series win since 1989. This party happened without any planning or advertising.
As the Flames kept winning, the Red Mile grew bigger. They beat the Detroit Red Wings, then the San Jose Sharks. By the time they reached the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the party was huge. The city expected over 100,000 people if the Flames won the Cup. However, the Lightning won Game 7, 2-1.
Keeping Order: Police Presence
To keep everyone safe, the city started closing 17th Avenue SW to cars. This happened on game days from 3:30 PM to midnight. Police officers were everywhere. They patrolled the street and stood in lines. They also formed circles at intersections. Some officers were on bicycles. Police cars and even a police helicopter helped keep watch.
Even with so many people, there were very few problems. Police helped keep things calm. For example, if someone was causing trouble, officers would calmly handle the situation. This helpful attitude from the police encouraged people to celebrate peacefully.
The Red Mile Returns in 2015
The Red Mile came alive again during the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Calgary Flames won their first-round series. They eliminated the Vancouver Canucks in Game 6 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Between 10,000 and 12,000 fans gathered on 17th Avenue.
The police reported very few issues. There was some minor property damage, but overall, it was a peaceful celebration. Staff Sgt. Steve Ellefson of the Calgary Police Service praised the fans. He said it showed "the class of the Flames fans enjoying a win."
