It doesn’t get any better than the Battle of Alberta. There is a strong rivalry between the two cities and it extends to the ice as well. The Oilers and Flames bitter rivalry dates back to 1980 when the Flames relocated to Calgary from Atlanta and has been going strong ever since. The rivalry was at its peak in the 1980s when the two teams were regular contenders for the Cup. Even though both teams have struggled recently, you’ll still find an incredible atmosphere at a Oilers-Flames game.
The Oilers-Kings rivalry has been going strong since the Oilers entered the league in 1979. In the Oilers’ first season the young Wayne Gretzky challenged the Kings’ Marcel Dionne for the Art Ross Trophy. The two teams met in the playoffs several times throughout the 1980s, and in 1988 the unthinkable happened when Gretzky was traded to the Kings. The rivalry may not be as fierce as it once was due to the Oilers recent struggles but once they turn the corner, you should find excellent matchups between the Oilers and Kings.
The Oilers and Jets rivalry goes back to the WHA and 1972. The Jets dominated the Oilers in the early going winning three AVCO Cups, but once the teams joined the NHL the tables turned with the Oilers becoming a dynasty. The two teams haven’t met in the playoffs in a long time, but that doesn’t mean these two Canadian fan bases don’t have a strong dislike for each other.
Oilers Stadium Guide
In Game
The Oilers made a lot of history at Rexall Place winning five Stanley Cups during their time there. However, they have recently moved into a state of the art hockey palace that has made it easier for fans to leave their beloved former home. Rogers Place offers fans everything they could want in a hockey game experience and then some.
Right off the bat, you’ll experience something special when you attend a game at Rogers Place. All around the arena you’ll see tributes to great Oilers players and teams of the past. Rogers Place is even home to the Oilers Hall of Fame, which features to several artifacts on loan from the Hockey Hall of Fame. Right outside the Hall of Fame, you can take a picture of the statue of The Great One as well making these two areas a must see for hockey fans. To put it simply this place oozes Oilers and Oilers history.
Once you take your seat, you’ll be surrounded by die-hard fans dressed head to toe in Oilers gear. These fans cheer on their team hard but don’t worry if you’re a fan of the visiting team Oilers fans are among the friendliest in the league. You’ll have no trouble making conversation with fellow fans who are friendly and knowledgeable.
The area around Rogers Place also has a lot to offer. Rogers Place is located in the Edmonton’s downtown area, so there is plenty to do before the game whether it’s drinking, eating, or just hanging out. Rostizado has been ranked one of the top 100 restaurants in Canada, and Underground Tap and Grill offers an incredible 72 beers on tap. If you don’t feel like venturing out into the cold, you can stop by the Molson’s Canadian Hockey House located in Ford Hall.
A visit to Rogers Place offers something for everyone and is one of the newest and best arenas in the NHL making it a must see.
The Wayne Gretzky statue from Rexall Place has been brought to the new arena and is a must see for hockey fans everywhere. If you’re making the trip to Rogers Place snap a pic with the statue of The Great One.
Oilers fans and hockey fans alike will want to make the Oilers Hall of Fame one of their stops during their visit to Rogers Place. The Oilers Hall of Fame features replicas of the Oilers five Stanley Cups, a stall from the Rexall Place dressing room, and much more.
The 25,000 sq ft atrium is the perfect place to gather before or during the game. The atrium is planned to host standalone events, so there will be lots of stuff worth checking out here.
Around the arena, you’ll encounter life-sized Oilers bobbleheads that you can take a picture with. Take a minute to check these out and get a pic with each one of them.
If you’re looking to grab a drink before the game then there is no better place to do so then Molson Canadian Hockey House. The Hockey House is located right in Ford Hall and opens three hours before puck drop, so stop by with your friends.
Throughout the arena and surrounding area there are several pieces of artwork for art lovers to see. Ford Hall is home to Alex Janvier’s Tsa Tsa Ke K'e, and there are a few more pieces of art located near the arena, so check them all out.
Those of you looking for a gourmet burger will want to stop by Bobby Nick’s Grill across from section 115. These burgers have everything you could want on a burger including Bobby Nick’s signature sauce, so make sure to grab one during your visit.
If you want to eat inside Rogers Place then make a reservation at Curve. Curve is located across from sections 129 and 130 and offers an excellent menu for ticket guests, so make your reservation today.
You won’t have to brave the cold when attending an Oilers game thanks to the pedway that connects Light Rail Transit to Rogers Place. Stay on the pedway to avoid the harsh Edmonton winters.
Hunter the Lynx is the Oilers new mascot and will keep fans of all ages entertained throughout the game. No matter how old you are, Hunter will bring a smile to your face.
Girl, don’t you understand I want to be your man Let’s run, let’s run
to the sun to the moon and back again I’ll take you to another place Close your eyes give into joy Use me as your toy Lada dee lada da lada da lada da da da dee dada da lada da dada da da da Girl you say I’m off the wall now let’s just have a ball So come on, come on and feed me with your time I’ll catch you if you run Sweat, sweat, sweat, sweat soakin’ up my shirt my mind is filled with dirt Lada dee lada da lada da lada da da da dee dada da lada da dada da da da I see that you want me yes, I feel that you want me Oh, the trembling body Love was on your mind Lust was in your eyes Yes, I see that you want me Oh, I feel that you want me Oh, the trembling body LOVE ON YOUR MIND LUST IN YOUR EYES Lada dee lada da lada da lada da da da dee dada da lada da dada da da da
Let’s Go Oilers!
Let’s go Oilers,
(Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap),
Let’s go Oilers,
(Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap),
Let’s go Oilers,
(Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)…