The Edmonton Oilers are once again gearing up for a playoff run, and the city is buzzing with excitement. After a heartbreaking end to last season, where they fell just short in the Stanley Cup Final, the team is hungry for another chance at the ultimate prize. The atmosphere in Edmonton’s Ice District, the area surrounding Rogers Place, is electric, with fans ready to create what many believe is the “craziest atmosphere in the NHL.”

A City United by Hockey

Edmonton is a city that lives and breathes hockey. The Oilers are more than just a team; they are a source of civic pride, uniting people from all walks of life. During the regular season, the city’s energy is palpable, but during the playoffs, it reaches a fever pitch. The streets are filled with fans donning orange and blue jerseys, and the roar of the crowd can be heard blocks away from the arena.

“It’s a hopeful time for everybody. Everybody has high hopes for a deep run,” said Connor McDavid. “It takes a lot of work just to get to this point. All 16 teams believe that they have a chance. All of them believe that they’re a good team and they have all the pieces to do it, and we would be no different. We believe that, too.”

Ice District: The Epicenter of Excitement

The Ice District has become the epicenter of this playoff fervor. What was once a collection of parking lots and underutilized spaces has been transformed into a vibrant hub of entertainment, dining, and, most importantly, hockey celebration. Rogers Place, the Oilers’ home arena, is the crown jewel of the district, but the surrounding areas have become just as vital to the playoff experience.

• Rogers Place: The state-of-the-art arena is, of course, the primary venue for the games themselves. Inside, the energy is unmatched, with fans creating a deafening roar that can intimidate even the most seasoned opponents. For the first game of this series against the Kings, rapper Nelly will be performing at Rogers Place, adding another layer of excitement to the event. For games played in Los Angeles, Rogers Place will host official watch parties. The atrium in front of the security gates of Rogers Place — Ford Hall — will once again welcome adult fans who want to gather to watch their hockey heroes play in the post-season as well.
• Ice District Plaza (aka The Moss Pit): This outdoor space has become legendary for its massive watch parties. During playoff games, thousands of fans gather here to watch the action on giant screens, creating a sea of orange and blue. The atmosphere is electric, with fans cheering, chanting, and celebrating every goal as if they were inside the arena.
• Fan Park: Another outdoor viewing area within the Ice District, the Fan Park offers a similar experience to the Plaza, with large screens, food and beverage vendors, and a palpable sense of community. This space allows even more fans to be part of the playoff excitement. OEG is expanding the fan park for the Edmonton Oilers playoffs parties.
• Ford Tailgate Party: This is another location where fans can gather. It is a free event with limited space.

The Ice District’s transformation into a playoff hub has been a game-changer for Edmonton. It has provided a central location for fans to come together, celebrate their team, and share in the excitement of the playoffs. The district’s growth has mirrored the resurgence of the Oilers, creating a symbiotic relationship where the team’s success fuels the district’s vibrancy, and the district’s energy amplifies the team’s performance.

The 2025 Playoff Run

This year, the Oilers face a familiar foe in the first round: the Los Angeles Kings. This marks the fourth consecutive year these two teams have met in the playoffs, creating a heated rivalry. The Kings secured home-ice advantage this year, having gone 31-6-4 at Crypto.com Arena, the NHL’s best home record.

The Oilers are coming off a season where they demonstrated their offensive firepower, led by superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid is considered the best hockey player in the world, and Draisaitl is one of the league’s most dominant forces. Their skill and leadership will be crucial to the Oilers’ success in the playoffs. Draisaitl notably won the Rocket Richard trophy this year.

However, the playoffs are a different beast than the regular season. The intensity is higher, the games are tighter, and every mistake is magnified. The Oilers will need to bring their best game every night if they hope to advance.

Oil Country is Ready

The fans, known as “Oil Country,” are ready to support their team through thick and thin. Their passion and unwavering support create an atmosphere that is truly unique in the NHL. Whether inside Rogers Place or in the heart of the Ice District, the energy of the fans is a force to be reckoned with.

As Kelly Hodgson, the general manager of United Sports and Cycle, describes it, “It’s really cool how it brings the city together… We’re a pretty close-knit city to begin with… The playoffs are a different time of year. It brings out the best in all of us… people high-fiving, hugging. A lot of the world’s troubles seem to go away while we’re all just fans hoping for a big win.”

The Oilers’ playoff journey is always a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. But one thing is certain: the city of Edmonton and its fans will be there every step of the way, creating an unforgettable atmosphere in the Ice District as they cheer their team on to victory. The quest for the Stanley Cup is underway, and Oil Country is ready to make some noise.