Superfan turns basement into ultimate Flames party room with mini JumboTron - Action News
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Superfan turns basement into ultimate Flames party room with mini JumboTron

A Calgary Flames superfan has turned his basement into shrine, and The Homestretch wants you to send in photos of your Flames display for a chance to win a jersey signed by Matthew Tkachuk.

Do you have a Flames room? Enter The Homestretch's Flames Superfan contest

Chris Payne has turned a room in the basement of his Calgary home into a shrine to the Flames, including walls lined with memorabilia. A horn sounds and lights flash when his favourite team scores. (Ellis Choe/CBC)

Calgary Flames superfanChris Payne has created ashrine that he calls the "House of Red"in hisbasement.

It'salso a gathering place for family and friends to watch hockey.

"I wanted to create a place where I could have all my friends and watch the game with them," Payne told The Homestretchon Thursday. "Who could say no to come watch a game when you're surrounded by Flames gear and a massive TV with a JumboTron?"

For Payne, it's also the continuation of a childhood tradition that startedwhen he was 10,with the Flames' 2004 run at the Stanley Cup.

"All of my parents' friends would bring all the kids together," he said. "There'd be 20 of us watching the game. And it was so much fun just seeing everyone, all of us in one room watching the games."

The collection includes a large number of jerseys and caps. (Ellis Choe/CBC)

The basement walls are lined with jerseys, including a signed one from JaromeIginlathat was an anniversary gift from his wife.

"That one I have only worn to one game, and it was when Iginla scored his 1,000th point," he said. "I've been collecting them since the Flames Cup run in '04. That's when I got my very first jersey, when I was 10 years old."

The rec room has space for large groups, and is furnished with a leather sectional and a Flames pub-height table andchairs. There are two TV screens.

Payne has been collecting Flames memorabilia since he was 10. (Chris Payne)

"One TV is for the game, and one TV is our mini JumboTron," Payne said. "The mini JumboTron has a goal horn synced to it with surround sound around the room, so we can actually play a goal horn. And it's connected to some smart lights so we have red and white lights that flash when they score."

Payne even has a closet full of extra Flames attireto help guests get into the spirit.

Payne'sroom has a fully stocked beer fridge, a popcorn machine and multiple Flames-themed glasses in every shape and size.

"So we have different sized glasses depending on what you're gonna be drinking during the game," he said. "Friends say when you look around, you don't expect it. But when you look at the smallest detail, there will always be a Flames logo."

The basement party room is called the House of Red. (Chris Payne)

He opens a large drawer full of supplies.

"There's Flames towels just in case we've got to clean up a mess," he said. "Flames cards if you're playing some games, Flames coasters, Flames bottle openers."

The room represents both a lifelong passion for his teamand 15 years worth of collecting.

As for this year's playoffs Game 1 is tonight against the Colorado Avalanche Payne says he hopes to do some serious hosting in the room he calls "party central."

Listen to Chris Payne'sfull interview with on The Homestretchhere:


  • Do youhave a Flames room,collection of jerseys or memorabilia?Send your photosin for a chance to win, and to have it shared with CBC Calgary readers. You can enterThe Homestretch Calgary Flames Superfan Contest by tweeting a photo to CBCHomestretch or emailinghomestretch@cbc.ca for a chance to win a jersey signed by Flames wingerMatthew Tkachuk.Keep sending your photos until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12. The winner will be announced at the end ofThe Homestretchon Friday.

With files from Ellis Choe