Rogers Place

Development and Funding

The vision for a new downtown arena was set in motion following Daryl Katz's purchase of the Edmonton Oilers in 2008. Initial cost estimates for the arena building were set at $450 million, with a complex funding framework involving multiple public and private entities. A renewed agreement was finalized in January 2013, with a final funding package secured by February 2014, allowing construction to begin that March. The total project cost for the arena and related infrastructure was $613.7 million, equivalent to approximately $785 million in 2025 dollars.

The financing model was a landmark arrangement for the city, drawing from several distinct revenue streams. A substantial portion, $231 million, came from the Community Revitalization Levy and other incremental revenues like increased parking fees and new business taxes generated by the development. Ticket surcharges on all arena events contributed $125 million, while lease revenue accounted for $137.81 million. The Edmonton Arena Corporation, representing the Katz Group, provided $27.68 million in cash, and other government sources added $92.2 million. This funding structure was designed to leverage private investment to spur downtown renewal, with the city retaining ownership of the building.

The announcement and development of Rogers Place triggered immediate private investment in the surrounding area, even before construction commenced. Developers competed for properties, leading to a hospitality and residential boom. By December 2016, an estimated $2.5 billion in downtown development was directly linked to the arena project. The district was officially branded as the Ice District in July 2015, spanning from 103 Avenue to 106 Avenue. This development has been cited as the fastest-growing arena district of its kind in North American history.

Key Funding Sources

• $231 million from Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) and incremental revenues.
• $125 million from a ticket surcharge on all arena events.
• $137.81 million from lease revenue for the arena.
• $27.68 million in cash from Edmonton Arena Corporation.
• $92.2 million from other government sources.

The development of the arena prompted concerns about the displacement of the homeless population in the downtown area. Edmonton officials consulted cities that had similar construction projects that displaced homeless populations like Los Angeles and Columbus, Ohio. City officials were criticized by the local social agency, Boyle Street Community Services, for an inaccurate homelessness count in Edmonton. Accounts of police harassment and the busy environment have led the homeless population to stay away from downtown despite the number of services available to them in the area.

Design and Features

Rogers Place was designed as a world-class venue focused on enhancing the fan experience through modern amenities and technology. The arena's lower bowl contains over 9,000 seats, providing a large base for creating an intense atmosphere during hockey games. Architects prioritized clear sightlines from every seat and designed wide, spacious concourses to improve crowd flow and comfort. The venue incorporates leading food and beverage offerings and is equipped with state-of-the-art broadcast technology, allowing it to host major televised events. These features collectively create a dynamic environment for both sporting events and concerts.

The building has received significant recognition for its architectural and environmental design. It was awarded a Gold certification in the Major Venues category by the International Olympic Committee and the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities. Rogers Place also achieved LEED Silver certification, acknowledging its sustainable design and construction practices. The arena is fully integrated with the adjacent Ford Hall and the Ice District Plaza, enabling it to function as part of a larger complex for festivals and major multi-venue events. This integration was a key factor in its selection as an NHL hub city during the 2020 playoffs.

Beyond the arena itself, the project has funded broader downtown improvements through the Community Revitalization Levy. The City of Edmonton is directing CRL revenues, generated from increased property taxes due to new construction, toward an estimated $800 million in public infrastructure projects. These initiatives include making streets greener and more walkable, creating a new downtown park, upgrading utility and sewer systems, and revitalizing Jasper Avenue. This reinvestment model aims to ensure the arena's economic benefits extend throughout the city's core.

Opening and Early Events

Rogers Place officially opened to the public on September 8, 2016. Its inaugural live event was a concert by country music star Keith Urban, with guests Dallas Smith and Maren Morris, on September 16, which attracted 12,032 fans. The first hockey game held in the arena featured the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL against the Red Deer Rebels on September 24, 2016. Oil Kings forward Trey Fix-Wolansky scored the building's first goal just 22 seconds into the second period, and the home team secured a victory in a shootout. This game marked a successful debut for the junior hockey franchise in its new home.

The Edmonton Oilers played their first NHL game at Rogers Place on October 12, 2016, against their provincial rivals, the Calgary Flames. The event was preceded by a ceremony featuring franchise legends Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, which included the unveiling of a statue of Gretzky outside the arena. Oilers forward Patrick Maroon scored the first NHL goal in the new building, helping lead the team to a 7-4 victory. The Oilers' inaugural season at Rogers Place was historically successful, as they qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 11 years, ending a drought that dated back to 2006.

The arena hosted its first NHL playoff game on April 12, 2017, a 3-2 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks. The Oilers earned their first playoff win in the building just two days later, shutting out the Sharks 2-0. In its first year, Rogers Place also demonstrated its capacity as a major concert venue. In 2017, Garth Brooks performed a record-setting nine sold-out shows over six days as part of his world tour, selling more than 143,000 tickets and solidifying the arena's reputation in the live music industry.

Major Sporting Events

Beyond hosting its primary tenants, Rogers Place has been selected for several high-profile national and international hockey tournaments. Its most significant role came during the unprecedented 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, which were conducted in hub cities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rogers Place was chosen as one of the two NHL hubs in North America, hosting all Western Conference playoff games, the Eastern Conference Final, the Western Conference Final, and the Stanley Cup Final. This event demonstrated the arena's operational capabilities and advanced facilities on a global stage, confirming its status as a world-class venue.

The arena's status as a premier hockey venue was further confirmed by hosting games in consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. It was the site for the third, fourth, and sixth games of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. The trend continued as Rogers Place hosted the first, second, and fifth games of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. The venue has also expanded its repertoire to include women's professional hockey, hosting the first Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) game in Edmonton on February 16, 2025. In that match, the Toronto Sceptres defeated the Ottawa Charge 3-2 in front of 17,518 fans, marking a significant moment for the sport in the city.

Looking ahead, Rogers Place is scheduled to host the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, a premier international under-18 tournament, from August 3 to 8, 2026. Games will be split between Rogers Place and the nearby Downtown Community Arena. The arena will also be the site for the Edmonton Oilers' 2026-27 NHL season opener against the Vancouver Canucks on home ice. These events highlight the arena's ongoing role as a central hub for elite hockey in Canada and its importance to the national and international sporting calendar.

Concert and Entertainment Calendar

Rogers Place has established itself as the venue of choice for live entertainment in Western Canada, attracting top-tier musical acts and productions. Its calendar is consistently filled with a diverse array of events, from rock and country concerts to family shows and special appearances. The arena's flexibility and large capacity make it an ideal stop for major touring artists. Notable past performers include Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Drake, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Elton John, and Cirque du Soleil, in addition to the record-breaking run by Garth Brooks.

The venue's booking schedule for the coming years highlights its continued prominence. In 2026, the arena is set to host major concerts from bands like Nickelback on April 3 and Def Leppard with the Goo Goo Dolls on May 16. Other scheduled performances include Staind on April 1, 2027, and Simple Plan on October 6, 2026. The arena also hosts regular WHL games for the Edmonton Oil Kings, with matchups such as against the Saskatoon Blades on October 23, 2026, and the Penticton Vees on October 25, 2026. This blend of sports and entertainment ensures the building remains active throughout the year.

Rogers Place provides an event guide for Edmonton Oilers home games. Fans can purchase tickets by calling the arena directly or by calling Ticketmaster. The City of Edmonton came together to celebrate and proclaim September 10, 2026, as Rogers Place Day. The day recognized the way a facility like this can bring together a community for major sports and entertainment events.

Notable Upcoming Events (2026 to 2027)

• Nickelback concert, April 3, 2026.
• Def Leppard & Goo Goo Dolls concert, May 16, 2026.
• Simple Plan concert, October 6, 2026.
• Staind concert, April 1, 2027.
• Hlinka Gretzky Cup, August 3-8, 2026.
• Oilers vs. Maple Leafs, October 24, 2026.

Impact on Edmonton

The construction of Rogers Place has been the catalyst for the most significant transformation of downtown Edmonton in generations. The development spurred an estimated $2.5 billion in private investment in the surrounding Ice District before the arena even opened. This district is now recognized as the largest mixed-use sports and entertainment development in Canada, featuring condominium towers, hotels, offices, and retail spaces. The project fulfilled the vision of Oilers owner Daryl Katz to not only provide a new home for the team but to revitalize the city centre of his hometown.

Through Daryl Katz's investment and development in Ice District, the City of Edmonton has greatly benefitted from the property taxes generated. An estimated $800 million in downtown public infrastructure projects will be funded through the Community Revitalization Levy based upon the uplift in municipal taxes due to new construction around the arena. The City is using CRL revenues for projects that enhance downtown. These projects include programs to make streets greener and more walkable, a new downtown park, and an upgrade to the utility and sewer backbone. While the economic and urban development benefits are clear, the project also prompted discussions about social equity and urban planning. The rapid redevelopment of the downtown core raised concerns about the displacement of vulnerable populations and the need for inclusive city growth. The arena's success as a venue, however, is undeniable, having brought Edmonton back to the forefront for hosting national sporting events like the Stanley Cup Final and international tournaments, while providing a world-class stage for global entertainment acts.

Questions about Rogers Place

When did Rogers Place open and what was its first event?

Rogers Place officially opened on September 8, 2016. The first live event held in the arena was a concert by country musician Keith Urban, with special guests Dallas Smith and Maren Morris, on September 16, 2016. The first hockey game took place on September 24, 2016, when the Edmonton Oil Kings defeated the Red Deer Rebels in a WHL matchup. The Edmonton Oilers played their first NHL game there on October 12, 2016, beating the Calgary Flames 7-4.

How was Rogers Place funded?

The arena was funded through a combination of public and private sources. Key contributions included $231 million from a Community Revitalization Levy and other incremental revenues, $125 million from a ticket surcharge on all events, and $137.81 million from lease revenue. The Edmonton Arena Corporation, representing the Katz Group, provided $27.68 million in cash, and other government sources added $92.2 million. The total project cost for the arena and related infrastructure was $613.7 million.

What is the seating capacity of Rogers Place?

Rogers Place has a flexible seating capacity that changes based on the event. For hockey games, including those of the Edmonton Oilers and Oil Kings, the arena can accommodate 18,347 spectators. When configured for concerts and other large live entertainment events, the maximum capacity increases to 20,734 attendees. The lower bowl alone contains over 9,000 seats, designed to create an intimate and energetic atmosphere.

What major events has Rogers Place hosted?

Rogers Place has hosted numerous major events since opening. It served as an NHL hub city for the entire 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. It has also hosted games from the 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup Finals. In concert, Garth Brooks set a record with nine sold-out shows in 2017. The arena hosted its first Professional Women's Hockey League game in 2025 and is scheduled to host the Hlinka Gretzky Cup international tournament in August 2026.

How do I get to Rogers Place using public transit?

Rogers Place is well-served by Edmonton's public transit system. The arena is directly accessible via the Edmonton Light Rail Transit (LRT) network at the MacEwan Station on the Metro Line. Numerous Edmonton Transit Service bus routes provide service to the downtown area surrounding the arena. The venue is located in the block between 102 and 104 Streets and 104 and 105 Avenues, making it centrally located and easily reachable.

What is the Ice District and how is it related to Rogers Place?

The Ice District is the largest mixed use sports and entertainment district in Canada, officially branded on July 13, 2015, and it spans from 103 Avenue to 106 Avenue in downtown Edmonton. Rogers Place is the central arena and anchor of this district. The development of the arena triggered a hospitality explosion and significant private investment in the surrounding area, with an estimated 2.5 billion dollars in downtown development connected to it by December 2015. The district's growth generates property taxes that fund public infrastructure projects through the Community Revitalization Levy.

Sources and further reading

• Rogers Place (Wikipedia)
• About (rogersplace.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-25.