Oilers playoff run sparks business boom and community spirit in Edmonton

With the Edmonton Oilers back in the playoffs, fans aren’t the only ones feeling the excitement—restaurants and bars are buzzing with energy and business.

“Obviously it makes us busier,” said Franco Camminatore, manager at 1st RND downtown. “It just brings a lot of energy and passion. You know this city bleeds the Oilers.”

“Sports fans altogether,” added Marko Slaney, manager at On the Rocks. “It brings everyone together. There’s that sense of community you don’t feel normally. When you get deep into the playoffs like we have been, it feels substantial for us.”

Slaney told CityNews that while playoff games are a boost to business, they also bring a strong sense of unity to the community.

“As a city as a whole—let alone the industry—it’s just amazing to see what the Oilers bring us again this year,” he said. “We’re looking forward to going to the finals and changing that Game 7 outcome this year.”

“When the playoffs are happening, it’s a whole different environment,” said Michael, an Oilers fan. “You feel the energy. You feel the highs and the lows.”

The Oilers will face the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday in L.A. Business owners in Edmonton say they’re ready, taking reservations and adding more tables to handle the demand.

“We take reservations for every game,” said Camminatore. “If there’s walk-in space available, obviously people can come in.”

“We’re getting set up already,” said Slaney. “We’re adding extra tables. Reservations are incredible already for Game 1. We’re ready to rock it.”

Ahead of Game 1, hopes are high among both fans and businesses.

“I hope they continue to bring in a lot of revenue for our city,” said Michael. “We want our watch parties. We want our bars to be full. And we want to have a great time.”