The Cavalry FC Game Day Guide
Discover everything you need to know about attending a Cavalry FC home game.
ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows (Credit: Alison O'Keefe)
Match day for Cavalry FC is a one-of-a-kind sports experience with home matches taking place at the world renowned Spruce Meadows . Calgary's Canadian Premier League team kicked off in 2019 and has created a truly unique match day experience whether you are cheering for the home team or the visiting club.
Here's everything you need to know about match day with Cavalry FC.
What is Cavalry FC?
Well, they’re Calgary’s professional soccer team established in 2018. Cavalry FC plays in the Canadian Premier League , a pro league established in 2017 and launched in the spring of 2019 with eight teams coast-to-coast. The team is heavy on local talent and plays on ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows, one of the most unique venues in the entire country.
Where does Cavalry FC play their matches?
Spruce Meadows is one of the premier destinations for show jumping in the world for over 45 years, but they’ve opened up their grounds to the soccer-loving public. ATCO Field seats 6,000 fans and is surrounded by 160 hectares of land that has traditionally been used to host some of the best show jumping horse-rider combinations on the international scene.
Make no mistake, when ATCO Field is focused on soccer and is packed with fans singing and chanting, it feels like there’s no other sport that could possibly be played there. It’s purpose-built for soccer with all the modern amenities fans have come to expect. Don’t be surprised to see a few horses walking around once you get to the stadium.
ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows (Credit: Calin Charles)
Is it worth checking out even if I’m new to soccer?
Short answer: Yes!
The longer answer is still yes, but it’s worth noting that there’s a lot more going on at the matches than just a soccer ball getting kicked around. Gates to the facility open up 90 minutes before matches, and the time leading up to kickoff are sort of like a big tailgate party, but basically in a park and not a parking lot.
For families, the facility has a ton of soccer balls and nets set up so that kids can emulate their heroes on the pitch and get a little practice in themselves. For adults, you can find some of the best deals on beer in the city as well as live music and entertainment at every single match. This is a family-friendly party, and the club’s official supporters come armed with songs and chants to get everyone in the stadium in the mood for a good time.
How can I get to Spruce Meadows without a car?
Spruce Meadows is on the southern end of the city, but there are a couple of ways to get out to watch a match even without a car. Kildares Ale House offers a bus to and from the game together with drink specials and live music pre-match. The first bus leaves an hour prior to kick-off and is free with a $10 minimum purchase ($10 per rider without purchase). Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Ship and Anchor and Elephant & Castle pubs also offer a bus service to and from games.
Taxis or rideshare from the Somerset-Bridlewood LRT Station are an inexpensive option, too.
ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows (Credit: Calin Charles)
Who are the athletes you can see?
For a long time, there have been whispers that Western Canada is one of the last untapped markets for soccer talent, and Cavalry FC is out to prove it. The Cavalry FC roster is heavy on local talent, with a number of Calgarians on the roster. There are also players that have played professionally in Germany, England, France and Major League Soccer (MLS), and a number of young prospects who could find themselves competing at the highest levels of European soccer soon, too. These guys are for real and Cavalry FC are tapped to be a contender for the Canadian Premier League title from day one.
Where do I get tickets?
Visit the Cavalry FC website for the latest available tickets and season ticket info. The team schedule has a minimum of 28 matches throughout their CPL season, with a minimum of 14 at home matches.
ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows (Credit: Alison O'Keefe)
About the author
Danny Austin is a sports reporter who knows everything there is to know about having a great time at a sports game.
