Electric Avenue was the colloquial name for 11 Avenue SW — particularly the area immediately west of 4 Street SW — notorious through the late 1980s and early 1990s for its chaotic late-night partying culture, and propensity for violent crime. The presence of bars and clubs in the area slowly declined following a Council decision that prevented new drinking establishments from opening within the region.
The success of Electric Avenue is often associated with the 1988 Calgary Olympics, and the Calgary Flames’ Stanley Cup victory in 1989. Electric Avenue is sometimes compared to “Red Mile” culture on 17th Ave today — due to their shared connection with sporting events, especially as gathering places following hockey games at the Saddledome. Though the prevalence of violent crime, and the concentration of late-night drinking establishments is significantly lower on today’s 17th Ave.