Rogers Place is the downtown arena that opened in 2016 as the home of the Edmonton Oilers, and it anchors the Ice District, a cluster of towers, restaurants, hotels and public plazas that has reshaped the centre of the city. Hockey is close to a civic religion here, and the arena is the best place to feel it. If your trip does not line up with a home game, guided tours offer another way in: the venue sells a Classic Tour that takes visitors behind the scenes, a VIP Group Tour for up to twenty guests with a private reception in the Oilers Hall of Fame room, and an Alumni-Hosted Tour led with former players that ends with drinks and a view of the ice from a premium suite. The format you choose changes the experience, so read the descriptions carefully. Even without a ticket, the surrounding district is worth a walk, with a lively plaza, restaurants and bars that fill up on event nights. The mix of architecture, sport and food makes this one of the liveliest corners of downtown.
Booking and what to expect
The venue's tours page describes the three tour types and invites you to reserve your place, and it provides an events email address for questions. Details such as the tour length, the days offered and the price are not stated on the main tours page, so confirm them when you enquire or book rather than assuming.
Tours depend on the arena's event schedule, so there may be no tours on game days, concert days or while the ice is being prepared. If you are planning around a particular date, contact the venue early.
If you would rather see a game: the Oilers play from autumn to spring, and tickets for home games are in high demand, so plan ahead. Concerts and other events fill the calendar in the off-season. On event nights the Ice District is busy, with fans arriving on the LRT and filling restaurants beforehand, and hotel rates in the area rise, so book accommodation early. Getting to the arena is simple from the downtown core, with the LRT and a short walk, and driving is possible but parking is limited and expensive on event nights.
Making a day of it
Combine a tour with a meal in the Ice District, a walk through the downtown core and a stop at the Alberta Legislature Building or the Art Gallery of Alberta. Hockey fans will enjoy the team shop and the sports-bar atmosphere, while others will appreciate the architecture and the public plaza.
In winter the area is lit up in the early dark, which makes an evening stroll more appealing than it sounds. The Matrix Hotel and the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District are both close, which suits visitors who want to stay near the action.
Practical extras
If you are staying nearby, the walk from a downtown hotel is short even in winter, as part of the route can be covered by indoor pedways. Check what is happening in the arena during your stay, since a concert or game changes the feel of the whole district. Team merchandise is easy to find, and the restaurants around the plaza take reservations on busy nights. Accessibility information is available from the venue, so ask in advance if you need step-free routes.
What to expect
The experience
Guided behind-the-scenes tours of the Edmonton Oilers' arena, plus a lively surrounding district of restaurants and plazas.
Best time
Daytime on a non-event day for tours; evenings on game nights for the atmosphere in the Ice District.
How long
Allow one to two hours for a tour; confirm the length when you book.
Tips
Contact the venue early, confirm the date and price before you book and avoid game days for tours.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Hockey fans and sports-minded travellers who cannot get a game ticket.
- Families
- Suitable for school-age children who like sport and big buildings.
- Couples
- The alumni-hosted option is a memorable treat for hockey-loving couples.
- Pair with
- A meal in the Ice District, the Alberta Legislature Building or the Art Gallery of Alberta.
- Time needed
- Half a day with a meal in the district.
Good questions
What tours are available?+
The venue describes a Classic Tour, a VIP Group Tour for up to twenty guests and an Alumni-Hosted Tour led with former players.
How long is the tour and how much does it cost?+
The main tours page does not state the duration or price, so confirm both when you enquire or book.
Can I tour on a game day?+
Tours depend on the arena's event schedule, so expect limited or no tours on game or concert days.
When do the Oilers play?+
The hockey season runs from autumn to spring, and home games sell quickly, so book ahead.
How do I get there?+
The arena is in downtown Edmonton and is a short walk from the LRT. Parking near the arena is limited on event nights.
