Larger crowds expected for Battle of Alberta; officials not worried about riots

The City of Edmonton and the Oilers organization are preparing for large crowds during the Battle of Alberta – and longer if the playoff run continues for the team.

In 2006, a riot broke out on Whyte Avenue when the Oilers made their way to the Stanley Cup Final.

“When celebrations are taking place, we are lucky Edmontonians know how to do it right,” said Stew MacDonald, the president of Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG).

“There’s always going to be precautions taken care of, but certainly we aren’t in here expecting that there’s going to be anything seen in other cities here.”

In 2011, chaos broke out in Vancouver when the Canucks lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. And a similar scene, albeit toned down, took place in Montreal last summer during the Canadiens’ deep Stanley Cup playoff run.

But officials are certain Edmonton won’t see a repeat.

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“I think there’s a very low tolerance, particularly in the downtown, realm for people getting out of hand,” city councillor Tim Cartmell said. “Cheer, have fun, enjoy, high five and slap backs, that’s great. Then go home and come back tomorrow.”

Edmonton police say there will be heavy police presence throughout downtown and the Whyte Avenue area to ensure public safety and order for all citizens.

Large crowds filled the Ice District Saturday, with long lines waiting to get in only to be turned away.

As we head into the Battle of Alberta, the crowds are only expected to worsen. OEG says it wants to enhance fans’ experience downtown.

The Oilers Entertainment Group is wanting to engage fans beyond the Ice District, by partnering with the city. Churchill square will be transformed into another viewing party for Oilers’ home games, allowing fans to spread out throughout downtown.

“We’re just taking the time over the next couple of days to make sure we can maximize the opportunities to come to downtown Edmonton to celebrate the Ice District, but to ensure it’s a safe environment with lots of room and easy to access amenities,” said Macdonald.

The mayor agrees.

“We have a square here right in city hall, people can come here and enjoy themselves and spread out into other public places so we look forward to the celebration,” Mayor Amarjeet Sohi told CityNews. “And how exciting the next couple of weeks will be, having this Battle of Alberta.”