Arena naming rights expands Rogers thirteen-year sponsorship of the Edmonton Oilers and strengthens company’s sports leadership in Canada
Part of Company’s $700 million multi-year investment in Alberta
(December 3, 2013) EDMONTON, AB – Rexall Sports Corporation, the Edmonton Oilers and Rogers Communications today announced the new home of the Edmonton Oilers will be named Rogers Place. A milestone for the new downtown Edmonton arena, Rogers Place is set to open its doors for the 2016 NHL season.
This announcement extends the unprecedented 13-year telecommunications sponsorship deal signed at the beginning of this season which includes extensive brand and advertising placements, arena signage, concourse, rink, in-ice, in-bowl and in-game applications. Rogers is also the presenting sponsor of Oilers television broadcasts, the Oilers Website and the Oilers Mobile App. As Canada’s largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services, Rogers will leverage its extensive network and multiplatform content investments to enhance fans’ experiences of the games.
“Earlier this year we were proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Rogers that was all about creating a superior fan experience utilizing Rogers products and services. Today’s announcement helps make the new arena a reality and underscores its potential to make downtown Edmonton a magnet for our community and for new investment by world-class companies like Rogers,” said Daryl Katz, Founder and Chairman of Rexall Sports Corporation. “I want to thank Rogers, our fans, the City of Edmonton and our many community partners for their support as we move ahead with what we believe will be a transformational development for our city.”
“Today’s announcement builds on our long-term commitment to the Edmonton Oilers, its hockey fans and our investment in Alberta,” said John Boynton, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Rogers Communications. “Rogers Place will be one of the most technologically enabled stadiums in North America; we look forward to bringing passionate fans a connected game experience powered by the country’s fastest LTE network.”
Rogers announced on October 1, 2013 a $700 million commitment over the next four years to further enhance and expand Rogers LTE – Canada’s fastest LTE network, open additional retail locations, fuel business growth and continue to build its presence in sports in Edmonton and across Alberta.
Congratulating the Edmonton Oilers and Rogers, Mayor Don Iveson said, “This is a great day for Edmonton’s downtown and our city. Rogers Place will become a beacon in our downtown, one that will foster a new sense of energy that will further attract development and investment in the heart of our city.”
“Based upon recent announcements, Rogers will be the leading brand in Canadian hockey for many years to come. Oil Country is very proud to have Rogers Place, sure to be Canada’s most iconic new arena, as our team’s future home in 2016. Rogers Place will serve as a catalyst for the next era of corporate investment in world class entertainment in downtown Edmonton,” said Patrick LaForge, President and Chief Operating Officer, Edmonton Oilers. “Our long-term partnership with Rogers is a natural fit. They share our commitment to be an industry leader and innovator of enhanced fan experiences and commitment to community development.”
Today’s announcement strengthens Rogers’ sports leadership in Canada. Rogers owns the naming rights to Rogers Centre stadium in Toronto, Rogers Arena in Vancouver and now adds Rogers Place to its roster. Rogers has a 37.5% equity stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, 100% ownership of the Toronto Blue Jays, and long-term media agreements with the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA, MLS, NCAA, Rogers Cup, UFC, international soccer, and more.
About Rogers Communications
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are Canada’s largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services and one of Canada’s leading providers of cable television, high speed internet and telephony services. Through Rogers Media we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and digital media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit rogers.com.