If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in Deerfoot Trail traffic at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, you know the vibe. The sun is setting behind the Rockies, your commute is crawling, and you just want to know if the Flames are actually going to make a move at the trade deadline or if we're in for another "retooling" year. That is where 960 AM radio Calgary comes in. It’s the heartbeat of the city’s sports scene. Honestly, it’s more than just a frequency on a dial; it’s basically the local pub where everyone is arguing about line combinations, except you don't have to buy a pint to listen in.
Most people know it as Sportsnet 960 The Fan. It’s been the dominant voice in Calgary sports broadcasting for years, specifically since it flipped from the old CFAC country format way back in the day. It’s funny how things change. One minute you’re listening to George Strait, the next you’re hearing Peter Loubardias break down a power play with more enthusiasm than a kid at a Stampede pancake breakfast.
The Evolution of 960 AM Radio Calgary
Let’s be real for a second. Radio is supposed to be dead, right? Every "expert" in a suit has been saying that for a decade. But try telling that to a Flames fan after a playoff loss. People flock to 960 AM radio Calgary because they want that immediate, raw connection. You can’t get that from a polished national TV broadcast.
The station carries a massive legacy. Originally, CFAC 960 was the place for country music. It was iconic. But in 2001, the shift happened. It became "The Fan," following the lead of legendary stations like WFAN in New York or the Fan 590 in Toronto. It was a gamble. Calgary is a sports town, sure, but a 24/7 sports cycle? People wondered if there was enough content.
Turns out, Calgarians like to talk. A lot. Especially about the Flames. And the Stampeders. And the Wranglers. And pretty much anything that involves a ball, a puck, or a horse.
The Power of Local Personalities
What actually makes the station work isn't the signal strength—which, by the way, is a solid 50,000 watts that reaches way out into the prairies—it’s the people behind the glass.
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Think about the morning show. You've had guys like Boomer (Dean Molberg) and Pinder (Ryan Pinder) who defined the morning routine for thousands of people. They aren't just reading stats. They’re mocking each other’s outfits and complaining about the weather just like you are. That’s the magic. When you tune into 960 AM radio Calgary, you're listening to people who actually live here. They know the frustration of the Crowchild Trail construction. They know why a win against Edmonton feels better than a win against anyone else.
It's that localized nuance. You don’t get that from a podcast recorded in a basement in Los Angeles. You get it from the guy who was standing at the Scotiabank Saddledome ten minutes ago.
Why the Flames Connection is Everything
Let’s not kid ourselves. The primary reason people keep 960 AM radio Calgary programmed into their car's presets is the Calgary Flames. As the official radio home of the Flames, the station provides something you literally cannot get anywhere else: every single game, start to finish, with the best play-by-play in the business.
Derek Wills and Peter Loubardias have a chemistry that’s hard to replicate. Wills has that classic, high-energy radio voice that makes a mid-season game against the Blue Jackets feel like Game 7. And Loubardias? The man is a walking hockey encyclopedia. He remembers the junior hockey stats of a fourth-line winger from 1994. It's insane.
- Pre-game shows: They start early. Really early. You get the lineup scratches, the goalie confirmations, and the "keys to the game" before you've even finished your dinner.
- The Post-Game Show: This is where the real entertainment happens. This is where the "C of Red" lets off steam. The phone lines open up, and suddenly you have "Dave from Okotoks" explaining why the coach needs to be fired after one bad period. It’s peak Calgary.
More Than Just Hockey
While the Flames are the big dog, the station covers a lot of ground. You’ve got the Calgary Stampeders coverage during the CFL season. There’s something special about listening to a Stamps game on the radio while you’re out camping or working in the garage. It feels nostalgic, but in a good way.
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And then there’s the NFL. Sportsnet 960 carries major NFL games, which is a lifesaver if you’re running errands on a Sunday afternoon. They also dive deep into the Blue Jays during the summer months when the ice has melted and everyone is dreaming of a playoff run in Toronto.
Honestly, the variety is what keeps it from getting stale. If it was just 24 hours of hockey, even the most die-hard Calgarian might tune out eventually. But they mix in betting segments, fantasy sports advice, and interviews with national insiders like Elliotte Friedman.
The Technical Side (Because It Matters)
If you're trying to find them, it’s 960 on the AM dial. Simple. But in 2026, nobody is just using a transistor radio.
Most people are streaming. You’ve got the Sportsnet app, the website, and smart speakers. "Alexa, play Sportsnet 960." Boom. You’re connected. The transition to digital has been huge for them. It means you can listen to 960 AM radio Calgary while you're sitting on a beach in Mexico, just to make sure you're keeping up with the trade rumors.
The station is owned by Rogers Sports & Media. This is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives them incredible access to national resources and big-name guests. On the other hand, some fans miss the days when it felt a bit more "independent." But look, if that's the price for having high-quality audio and a stable signal, most people are fine with it.
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Common Misconceptions About 960 AM
People think AM radio is just static and old people talking about the "good old days." That’s just not true here. The production value is high. They use modern soundboards, crisp bumpers, and the social media integration is constant. They’re on X (Twitter), they’re on Instagram, and they’re interacting with listeners in real-time.
Another myth is that it's only for "hardcore" fans. Honestly, a lot of people listen just for the banter. The hosts are funny. They talk about movies, food, and the general weirdness of life in Alberta. It’s "infotainment" in the best sense of the word.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Listening Experience
If you're new to the city or just finally deciding to see what the hype is about, don't just tune in for five minutes and leave. Radio is a slow burn.
- Check the schedule. The vibe changes throughout the day. The morning show is fast-paced and funny. The mid-day shows are more analytical. The afternoon drive is where the big debates happen.
- Download the podcasts. If you missed a specific interview with the Flames GM, they almost always post it as a podcast an hour later. It’s the best way to consume the content on your own time.
- Don't be afraid to call in. Seriously. The producers love new voices. If you have a take, share it. Just make sure it’s not a terrible one, or the text line (960-960) will let you know about it pretty quickly.
The Future of Sports Radio in Calgary
What’s next for 960 AM radio Calgary? The landscape is shifting. With the new event centre (the new arena) finally becoming a reality, the buzz around the Flames is going to hit a fever pitch in the coming years. You can bet 960 will be at the center of that.
They are leaning harder into the "betting" side of sports, which is a massive trend right now. Whether you love it or hate it, hearing the odds and the spreads is part of the modern sports experience. They’re also doing more video-integrated content—streaming their shows live so you can actually see the hosts' faces while they argue.
Actionable Steps for the Calgary Sports Fan
Stop scrolling through generic national sports sites that barely mention Calgary. If you want the real story, you have to go to the source.
- Program your presets: Set 960 AM as your #1 slot. It’s the only way to survive a commute on the Glenmore.
- Get the App: Download the Sportsnet app and favorite the 960 feed. This gives you access to the live stream and the on-demand library.
- Follow the hosts: Follow guys like Pat Steinberg or Wes Gilbertson on social media. They often post tidbits and "radio-only" insights that don't make it into the major articles.
- Engage with the text line: Save 960-960 in your contacts. It’s the fastest way to get your opinion heard or ask a question during a live broadcast.
At the end of the day, 960 AM radio Calgary is the community center for local sports. It’s where the city goes to celebrate a win or moan about a loss. It’s loud, it’s opinionated, and it’s unapologetically Calgary. If you aren't listening, you’re missing out on the conversation that everyone else is having at the office water cooler the next morning. Turn it on, turn it up, and get involved in the madness.