Edmonton businesses gearing up for Game 7

While hundreds of thousands of Oilers fans are getting ready for Game 7 in the Stanley Cup final, CityNews spoke to businesses about how they’re preparing for the big game.

“Never dreamed we are in the final like we are today, but definitely we’re prepared for it,” said David Wilk, owner of On the Rocks.

On the Rocks first opened during the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2006. The owner says they’ve been waiting for this moment for almost two decades.

“It took us 18 years to get here. Our capacity is 406, I’d imagine we will be a full house of right around that 400 mark,” said Wilk.

Downtown Edmonton businesses like On the Rocks are expecting to reach full capacity with die-hard Oilers fans lining up hours before puck drop at 6 p.m. on Monday.

“I actually had a dream last night that there’s lineup out the bar at 9 o’clock, so I got up and packed up my computer and worked from my car for an hour-and-a-half before the doors were open just to make sure we have a good spot,” said Ali, an Oilers fan.

Just like Ali, Tom also decided to come in as early as he could just to secure his spot for the watch party.

“I procrastinate and I said I’d deal with it once they made it. I didn’t wanna jinx it anything either by reserving something prior to them making it,” said Tom.

“I brought the chair. The owner allowed me to bring the chair that I was using to wait in line, because they’re out of chairs here,” added Tom while talking about how many people he’s going to watch with.

Wilk adding: “Actually, we brought a bunch more tables today and we’re adding extra seating space. We rented another projector so that we could utilize our stage.”

The Gardens is another restaurant expecting a full house for Game 7 between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.

“It gets exciting to the point where you don’t know what to expect, you don’t know what to do. You can’t really prepare for it. It’s just hands on deck,” said Anderson, a co-owner of the Gardens.

“We’re all helping each other. We go to our neighbours for ice. The neighbour this way comes over here to ask for bacon. We take care of each other.”

Caine Smith, a co-owner of the Gardens added: “We’re pretty much full for bookings and we can’t take anymore. First come first served, and we expect to be full.”

While downtown Edmonton businesses are getting a big boost during the Stanley Cup final, some restaurants and pubs that are not downtown say they’re not seeing the same boost in business.

“I think because we’re far away from the Ice District,” explained George Miller, the owner of Christopher’s Pub.

“Probably won’t be packed until after the game. The majority of our people go to the Ice District.”

But the cheer and love for the Oilers remains the same.

“I was at the first Stanley Cup when they won their first game. And it was pretty wild,” said Miller.

It’s not just small business owners cheering for the Oilers. Major pizza franchise Boston Pizza is also pledging to provide 30,000 free pizzas in Edmonton and across Canada if the Oilers win the Stanley Cup.