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Rogers Place Hit By Storm Damage Weeks Before Hosting NHL Games
A large thunderstorm that hit Edmonton on Thursday night caused damage to the Rogers Place Arena just weeks before it is due to host NHL playoff games.
Heavy rain and wind caused damage at one of the arena’s entrances but it is not expected to disrupt the staging of the games next month.
“Rogers Place has suffered some water damage to the terminus of Ford Hall, along with some smaller leaks in other parts of the building,” the Oilers Entertainment Group said in a statement.
“We are assessing the damage and at this time are confident that it will not hamper our planning and preparation and we will be ready to host the return of NHL hockey as hub city. We will share more information as it becomes available.”
A video circulated on Reddit and Twitter, showing water flooding the floor of the 104th Avenue entrance, garnered hundreds of thousands of views.
The first scheduled game at the arena sees Edmonton face traditional Alberta rivals Calgary in an exhibition game on July 28.
Edmonton and Toronto will host 24 NHL teams as part of a hub city approach that will close out the NHL season.
Edmonton is also scheduled to host the Stanley Cup later this year.
/Stewart Sports news editor
