Watching games with the Edmonton Oilers can be an exciting experience for hockey fans. As one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, the Oilers have a rich history and passionate fan base. However, there are a few key things to know if you’re considering attending an Oilers game or watching on TV.
Attending Home Games in Edmonton
The Oilers play their home games at Rogers Place in downtown Edmonton. With a capacity of 18,641 for hockey games, Rogers Place provides an electric atmosphere when filled with boisterous Oilers fans. Here are some tips for attending Oilers home games:
- Get tickets early – Oilers tickets sell out quick, so get them well in advance of the game you want to attend.
- Bundle up – Rogers Place can get chilly, so dress warmly in layers and don’t forget your winter coat and hat.
- Arrive early – Make sure to get to Rogers Place with extra time so you can soak in the atmosphere, find your seats, and grab food and drinks before puck drop.
- Be loud – Whether you’re starting “Let’s go Oilers!” chants or cheering after goals, bring your loudest, proudest Oilers fan voice.
- Stay late – Stick around after the final buzzer to see the 3 Stars of the game and continue cheering on your Oilers.
Attending an Oilers home game in person is an unbeatable hockey experience. The energy and excitement inside Rogers Place is electric, so be prepared to cheer yourself hoarse!
Watching Road Games on TV
When the Oilers are on the road, you can still watch all the action by tuning into television broadcasts. Here are some tips for catching Oilers away games on TV:
- Know your broadcast options – Oilers road games air locally on Sportsnet channels. They’re also available on NHL TV packages or streaming services.
- Check the schedule – Make sure to note game dates and start times, as well as which channel or platform you’ll need to watch.
- Invite fellow fans over – Having some friends and fellow Oilers fans over makes for a fun atmosphere when watching on TV.
- Deck out your space – Wear your Oilers jersey, put out some snacks, and make your living room or basement into the ultimate game-watching zone.
- Cheer from home – Yell at penalties, pump your fist at goals, and leap up at big saves, even if you’re not in the arena.
While you don’t get the in-person experience, watching on TV allows you to follow the Oilers closely from the comfort of home. Get a group together and create your own excitement!
Following Along Online
Can’t watch the game live? You can still track the Oilers by following along online:
- Check Twitter – The Oilers and hockey journalists provide live updates on Twitter throughout each game.
- Monitor the box score – NHL.com refreshes the live box score continuously so you can follow along in real time.
- Read game recaps – Sites like ESPN and The Athletic post detailed game stories recapping all the key moments.
- Watch highlights – The NHL YouTube channel and Oilers social accounts post highlights packages shortly after games end.
- Listen to podcasts – Hockey podcasts like The Athletic’s Oilers podcast provide in-depth analysis after each game.
While you don’t see the action unfold, following along online lets you monitor the key plays and stay on top of how the Oilers perform.
Where to Watch Around Edmonton
In addition to Rogers Place, there are plenty of spots around Edmonton to catch the Oilers in action:
- Bars & pubs – Hockey-centric bars like Billiards Club Downtown and The Pint show all the Oilers games with sound on and drink specials.
- Sports lounges – Venues like Cool Betties and The Rec Room have lots of TVs and a lively atmosphere for watching games.
- Restaurants – Local restaurants like Hudsons Canada’s Pub and Boston Pizza broadcast Oilers games regularly.
- Movie theatres – Some Cineplex and Landmark locations show select Oilers games, including playoffs.
- Outdoor viewing parties – Ford Hall at ICE District holds outdoor viewing parties for key Oilers games throughout the year.
Edmonton has no shortage of spots to catch the Oilers games with fellow fans. Hit up your local sports bar or pub if you want to soak in the exciting atmosphere.
Key Players to Watch
The Oilers boast some of hockey’s biggest superstars. Here are key players to watch when you tune into an Oilers game:
Player | Position | Why They’re Important |
---|---|---|
Connor McDavid | Center | Generational talent, leads the team in scoring, and makes jaw-dropping plays every game. |
Leon Draisaitl | Center | Reigning Hart Trophy winner as league MVP and an offensive force. |
Zach Hyman | Winger | Strong two-way player who creates havoc on the forecheck and chips in offensively. |
Darnell Nurse | Defense | #1 D-man who logs big minutes and adds physicality and offense from the back end. |
Stuart Skinner | Goaltender | Young netminder who has been a revelation in goal for Edmonton this season. |
With game-breaking talent like McDavid and Draisaitl up front and emerging players like Skinner in net, the Oilers have the star power to deliver exciting hockey every night.
Best Games to Get Hyped For
Certain marquee games stand out each season as must-watch events for Oilers fans. Some highlights to look forward to include:
- Battle of Alberta games vs. Calgary – The rivalry matchups against the Flames always bring playoff-like intensity.
- Visits from former Oilers stars – See the fan reaction when players like Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle return to Edmonton.
- Playoff series – If the Oilers make the playoffs, the games take on a whole new level of excitement.
- New Year’s Eve – The Oilers traditionally host a game on NYE which ends with a midnight fireworks show.
- Season opener – The first game kicks off months of Oilers action, so it’s an event in Edmonton.
Whenever the Oilers are playing a rival, a big-name opponent, or a game with playoff implications, the action rises to another level. Those are the games you don’t want to miss if you’re an Oilers fan.
How to Get the Most Out of the Experience
To fully enjoy watching the Oilers, here are some tips:
- Learn about the team – Brush up on Oilers history, player bios, and the Xs and Os to appreciate the game’s complexities.
- Sample the concessions – Try an oil rig potato skin or poutine while you’re catching a game at Rogers Place.
- Join in chants & cheers – Sing along to the anthem, bellow “Let’s go Oilers,” and pay tribute to Oiler greats.
- Meet other fans – Chat with the passionate diehards around you to tap into their passion and knowledge.
- Keep up on social media – Follow the hilarious Oilers fan accounts on Twitter for memes, jokes, analysis, and more.
Immersing yourself in the experience makes watching the Oilers even more entertaining. Surround yourself with knowledge, food, and other fans to have the best time.
Conclusion
Watching the Edmonton Oilers offers no shortage of excitement and memorable moments for hockey fans. While attending home games in person provides an unparalleled experience, you can still follow along closely by watching on television, tracking online, or heading to sports bars around Edmonton. With superstar players like McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers are always a thrill to watch. By learning about the team, keeping an eye on key games, and fully immersing yourself, you’ll have an amazing time watching the orange and blue light the lamp.