Oilers prepare to host Ice District playoff parties for first time
The Edmonton Oilers start their 2022 Stanley Cup run next week and fans will have a number of options to gather and support their home team together in the city's core.
For the first time, fans will be able to gather at the Ice District Plaza just outside Rogers Place for the Ford Tailgate Party. The Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) said in a Thursday release the Ice District will be the “epicentre of excitement” this playoff run.
“We know back in 2017, the last time we had fans in for playoff games, Ford Hall was maxed out for us and the plaza construction wasn't completed at that point,” said Stew Macdonald, OEG president and chief revenue officer.
“So to have that as another piece where fans can gather and celebrate hopefully Oilers playoff victories ... we think that's just going to add to the whole atmosphere around downtown Edmonton.”
Fans can gather for the tailgate party to watch all Oilers home playoff games on a big screen. The OEG said the tailgate parties will include a fully-licensed 18-and-older section, as well as a family-friendly area — both with live entertainment, food, drinks, Oilers alumni and Hunter the Lynx pumping up the crowd.
Ford Hall and the expanded Molson Hockey House will also be open for fans this playoff run. The tailgate and Ford Hall are free of charge and both open two hours before puck drop. However, space is limited so fans are encouraged to head down early.
“It's been a long time since we've been able to get together in person and we are honoured to welcome the best fans in hockey down to Ice District to cheer on Edmonton's team and bring the energy, excitement and love for our city back downtown,” said Tim Shipton, OEG executive vice-president, in a news release.
Oilers fans can also pay $5 to watch road games on the Rogers Place jumbotron with all ticket proceeds going to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation in support of local charities.
The Oilers will have home-ice advantage against the Los Angeles Kings in round one of the playoffs.
Fans wanting to take in the action at Rogers Place have a couple of options, said Macdonald.
“There's an opportunity at any time for anyone to purchase season seats for next season and that will give them the right to Oilers playoff seats this year,” said Macdonald.
Fans are also able to enter a draw on the team's website to be selected for a chance to purchase tickets by the round, meaning buying tickets to each home game for that round.
The first round draw has already taken place, but Macdonald said Oilers fans can still sign up for round two and beyond.
The Oilers posted on Twitter that a “limited number” of tickets for all possible home games in round one will go on sale Friday at noon.
“Expect it to be limited volumes as it is each year we're in the playoffs,” he said.
Macdonald said there will also be an opportunity for tickets to be bought through fan-to-fan resale.
He encourages fans to wear orange to the playoff games this year and he said fans are almost already in playoff form.
“With the wins we've been seeing at home, having us go out onto the sidewalks and around downtown and throughout the Ice District after the game, I think just starts setting up what we're going to see hopefully for a long playoff run this spring,” said Macdonald.