Eight things to know about the Crowchild Classic

One of Mount Royal’s favourite January traditions is back! Mark your calendar for Thursday, Jan. 29, as the annual Crowchild Classic hockey doubleheader takes over the Scotiabank Saddledome once again.

For those new to the Classic, there’s a bit of friendly rivalry between Calgary’s two universities along Crowchild Trail that takes place throughout the collegiate sports season. All year long, Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary’s basketball, soccer, volleyball and hockey teams meet up during the regular season, and the university that wins the most of those matchups wins "The Trophy," a 68-kilogram cast-iron City of Calgary manhole cover plus, of course, bragging rights.

A City of Calgary manhole cover, referred to as "The Trophy."

"The Trophy" is on display at the Cougars Athletics office window (U231). It has proudly called MRU home since it was won last year.

For more than a decade now, one of the premiere events of the Crowchild Classic rivalry is the annual hockey doubleheader in January. Both the men’s and women’s Cougars hockey teams will take on the Dinos, with the women playing first. Here’s a list of everything you need to know before you go:

1. The details

The Saddledome doors open at 3:30 p.m., with puck drop at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, Tickets are $10 and are on sale now sold out. Take note: there is no entry without a ticket and no re-entering the Saddledome. Once you are in, you’re in for the night. Backpacks are not allowed, so make sure to leave those at home.

The ‘Dome’ is cashless, so bring your credit and debit cards for snacks and drinks. Popcorn, pizza and hot dogs will be on sale for $5.

Plan a safe ride to and from the game with Calgary Transit. Limited parking is available for $18 per vehicle.

2. Tickets and seating

Tickets are being mentioned twice as they are kind of important! They will sell out fast and are needed to get in. Tickets are only available online, and funds received are split between the two schools and go towards wellness initiatives on each campus.

Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early for the best views. Saddledome ushers will be on hand to direct you to the MRU fan zones, which will be sections 101-108, 121, 122, 201-211, 228 and 227.

The neutral zones are sections 109 and 212. And for anyone looking for a substance-free zone, that will be section 120.

3. Fashion

School spirit is the theme, so break out your best Cougars gear and shades of blue. There are deals on Cougars gear right now at the Cougars Campus Store. If you don’t make it there before the game, the campus store will be set up on the concourse at the Saddledome. Look for them in front of FanAttic near section 212.

In addition, Cougars Athletics and Recreation will have a limited number of free noise makers, stadium horns and foam claw hands for fans on a first-come, first-served basis. Find the table by section 225/226.

4. Tuition contest

After a brief but intense contest, one lucky student from each school will walk away with tuition money for the 2025/2026 school year worth $5,000. You have to be there to win!

5. Record-breaking crowds

Last year, a U SPORTS crowd attendance record was set at the Crowchild Classic, with more than 13,000 people packing into the ‘Dome. The challenge will be to make the crowd even bigger this year.

6. Fan conduct

The rivalry is passionate and there will definitely be some friendly back-and-forth heckling, but ultimately the goal is for everyone to have a safe and fun time. Students are expected to follow Mount Royal’s Student Code of Conduct.

7. Future Cougs, this one’s for you

Do you have a young fan in your life who would want to join the Cougars in their pre-game skate on the Saddledome ice? Sign up here to enter. Winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email.

8. Support your student athletes, thank the sponsors, and share the experience

There will be plenty of fan games and prizes throughout the night, provided by the Calgary Sport and Entertainment Corporation, and a huge special thanks goes to the support of the Calgary Flames and Flames Foundation, without whom this night wouldn’t be possible.

Be sure to tag MRU on your posts on Instagram and TikTok! We will be re-sharing as much content as we possibly can.