Edmonton, Alberta – In a bold move set to redefine the landscape of professional hockey and fan entertainment, the Edmonton Oilers have officially announced a monumental $6.3 billion renovation to their home arena in downtown Edmonton. The project, which promises to blend innovation, luxury, and capacity like never before in the NHL, is already being hailed as one of the most ambitious undertakings in North American sports infrastructure history.
The announcement, made at a media event attended by NHL executives, city leaders, Oilers players, and fans, unveiled sweeping plans for what the team is calling “The Ice District Reimagined” — a futuristic reinvention of Rogers Place and its surrounding area that will turn Edmonton into a world-class destination for hockey lovers and tourists alike.
Team CEO and Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) chairman Daryl Katz spoke passionately about the vision behind the renovation.
“This isn’t just about adding more seats or making the arena prettier,” Katz stated. “It’s about creating a next-generation experience for fans, athletes, and the city itself. We’re building a beacon for the sport of hockey — one that reflects the spirit of Edmonton while positioning the Oilers and this community at the forefront of global sports innovation.”
The $6.3 billion investment includes both arena enhancements and district-wide improvements to surrounding infrastructure, including public transportation upgrades, new hotels, entertainment venues, luxury housing, and public gathering spaces.
At the heart of the renovation is Rogers Place itself, which will undergo a comprehensive internal transformation. The current seating capacity of just over 18,000 will be expanded to 22,500, making it one of the largest arenas in the NHL. The additional seating will not compromise comfort — instead, designers have promised wider seats, more legroom, and improved sightlines.
One of the key architectural innovations is the new 360-degree panoramic skywalk, giving fans a suspended walking experience above the ice. The walkway will be enclosed in glass, providing unbroken views of gameplay from above while offering dining lounges and social zones.
The new arena will also house over 150 luxury suites, including private skyboxes and themed lounges featuring gourmet dining, private attendants, and exclusive viewing experiences. For corporate clients and high-end fans, this level of service and comfort raises the bar across professional sports.
The Oilers’ new arena isn’t just bigger and flashier — it’s smarter.
Partnering with tech giants like Amazon Web Services and Samsung, the stadium will integrate AI-driven fan services, augmented reality (AR) experiences, and real-time data feeds into nearly every aspect of game night. High-speed 5G networks and an integrated mobile app will allow fans to order concessions from their seats, access instant replays on their phones, and even customize their viewing experience through AR overlays on their devices.
“Imagine seeing Connor McDavid’s shift stats appear in real-time on your phone while watching him streak up the ice live,” said project technology consultant Laura Prentiss. “That’s not a gimmick — that’s the level of immersion we’re delivering.”
The team also emphasized its commitment to sustainability, with zero-waste initiatives, green energy systems, and climate-controlled environmental zones designed to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. This includes the largest solar panel array ever installed on a professional sports facility in Canada, according to OEG engineers.
Beyond the technology, expanded seating, and posh suites, the Oilers are focusing on building an experience that begins the moment fans arrive. The stadium’s exterior will now open up into an expansive plaza featuring interactive fan zones, large LED screens, food trucks, live bands, and hockey-themed games.
“We want every game to feel like a playoff game,” said Oilers President of Business Operations Stew MacDonald. “From the moment fans walk into the Ice District, they’ll be part of a hockey festival.”
The plaza, designed for year-round use, will also host outdoor skating rinks in the winter and concert series in the summer, making the arena a true community hub.
For a franchise steeped in hockey history — with five Stanley Cup banners hanging from the rafters and legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier gracing its legacy — this project signals a renewed hunger for greatness.
Oilers GM Ken Holland said the renovation reflects an internal transformation already underway on the ice.
“We’ve got a roster that can compete for the Cup every year, and now we’ll have a facility that matches that ambition. Players want to be here. Recruits will be blown away. This helps in every way — morale, development, recruiting, and winning.”
Connor McDavid, the face of the franchise and widely considered the best player in the NHL, echoed the sentiment.
“It’s incredible,” said McDavid. “To see this kind of investment in the team and the city — it just makes you even more proud to put on that jersey. It’s not just about us anymore. It’s about building a legacy here.”
City officials also praised the renovation as a generational opportunity for Edmonton’s economic and cultural growth. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi praised the partnership between public and private entities.
“This is more than an arena upgrade — this is a city-building project,” said Mayor Sohi. “It means jobs, tourism, revitalization, and pride. Edmonton is about to become the hockey capital of the world — not just in spirit, but in infrastructure.”
The renovation is projected to create over 25,000 jobs during construction and generate hundreds of millions in economic activity through tourism, local business partnerships, and increased international visibility. According to economic forecasts, the Ice District could become one of the most trafficked urban zones in all of Canada by 2030.
A major portion of the project’s mission also involves creating a welcoming space for all Edmontonians. The new Rogers Place will include increased accessibility, with more wheelchair-friendly seating, sensory-friendly zones, and family-oriented spaces.
Community programs are also being expanded. A new Oilers Youth Zone will give underserved children in Edmonton free or discounted access to games, equipment, and mentorship programs.
“Hockey is for everyone,” said OEG Foundation Director Sarah Collins. “This project doesn’t just elevate the elite experience — it opens doors to the next generation of fans and players.”
Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with a projected timeline of four years, culminating in a grand re-opening in time for the 2030 NHL season. The Oilers will remain at Rogers Place during the phased renovations, with adjustments made to scheduling and fan access as needed.
Oilers fans will begin to see visible changes to the arena as early as the 2026–2027 season, with the first major unveiling — the plaza and skywalk — targeted for mid-2027.
The Oilers’ $6.3 billion stadium renovation is more than an architectural marvel — it’s a statement of intent. It signals that Edmonton isn’t just participating in the global sports conversation — it’s leading it.
As the puck drops on this new era, fans across Canada and beyond will be watching closely. Whether you’re cheering from the glass seats, the panoramic skywalk, or an interactive app from halfway across the world, one thing is clear: Edmonton just changed the game.
