Happy Canada Day!
In celebration, here is a list of some of the things that make Rogers Place Canadian:
1: The Food
The food and beverage options at Rogers Place will showcase fresh, local ingredients and flavours. From Alberta beef to poutine, you will surely find cuisine unique to Canada.
2: The Staff
Not only is Susan Darrington — Vice President and General Manager of Rogers Place — Canadian, but the Edmonton-native got her start in the industry as an usherette for Northlands Coliseum as a teen. With experience in venue management at CenturyLink Field and Allianz Parque (in São Paulo, Brazil), Darrington returned to Edmonton as Vice President and General Manager of Rogers Place in August 2015.
3: The First NHL Game
The very first NHL Game to be played inside Rogers Place will not only be between two Canadian cities, but the inaugural season will kick-off with a historic Battle of Alberta on Wednesday, October 12, as the Edmonton Oilers faceoff against the Calgary Flames.
4: The First WHL Game
The Oil Kings will play the first hockey game in Rogers Place against their provincial rival, the Red Deer Rebels, on September 24.
5: The CHL Canada-Russia Series
Come cheer on your Edmonton Oil Kings (and Canada!) at Rogers Place on November 8, as they faceoff against the Russian National Junior Team in Game 2 of the 2016 CHL Canada-Russia Series.
6: First Canadian NHL facility to be LEED-Silver
Rogers Place will be the first NHL facility in Canada to be LEED-silver certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). This certification is based on environmental initiatives such as locally sourced materials and resources used in the construction of Rogers Place.
7: Dolly Parton Show Sold-Out
Dolly Parton will be performing at Rogers Place on September 17. What makes this Canadian? Rogers Place was the first Canadian venue to sell-out this show! In addition to Dolly Parton, Rogers Place has an extensive line-up of artists to help open the building.
8: The Artwork
Three of the major art installations at Rogers Place were designed by Canadian Artists.
Figures in Motion, a painting and sculpture which will be showcased by the Downtown Community Arena entrance, was created by St. Albert based artist Al Henderson. Henderson’s piece will be visible to both pedway and rink users.
Skater’s Arch, the beautifully coloured sculpture to be featured on the North East Plaza, was designed by Saskatoon artist Douglas Bentham. Many of Bentham’s sculptures can be found across Canada.
Tsa Tsa Ke K’e (Iron Foot Place), a large circular mosaic which will be installed in the floor of the Winter Garden, was designed by local artist Alex Janvier. Janvier spoke with RogersPlace.com recently, outside his personal gallery located near Cold Lake, Alberta.
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