Oilers watch parties at Ice District now 18+ after series of incidents

Edmonton Oilers watch parties at the Ice District outside Rogers Place are now for adults only after a series of incidents during the first round of the playoffs.

Meanwhile families are being welcomed to a free, family-friendly, alcohol-free viewing party at Sir Winston Churchill Square – with food trucks and ping pong tables.

The Edmonton Oilers are taking on the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the NHL playoffs. Puck drop for Game 1 is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Those attending the adults-only tailgate party in Fan Park or watching the game at the Ice District will need ID to enter. They will be given a wrist band, and no re-entry will be allowed.

WATCH: Edmonton Police chief warns fans ahead of Oilers’ Round 2

Dangerous beahviour at fan events in the first round prompted the city and the Oilers Entertainment Group to make the changes.

Social media videos showed fans throwing beer cups into the air in celebration during the first round of the playoffs against the L.A. Kings. Later in the series, fans could be seen rushing a barricade to enter the viewing party once it was at capacity.

Police responded to a weapons complaint near the arena on Saturday where it was reported that multiple people had been stabbed. A man brandishing a knife was shot by police, sustaining serious injuries and being taken to hospital. Two people were also taken to hospital with critical and serious injuries but remain stable.

A video circulating on social media shows someone wielding a knife and wearing an Oilers jersey before getting shot. ASIRT is investigating.

The suspect was charged Wednesday with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.

Officers are also investigating social media reports of finger biting.

The president of Rogers Place and the Ice District told CityNews last week there would be “zero tolerance for any disruptive and dangerous behaviour.”