Oilers fans booking flights to Vegas as team prepares for series vs. Golden Knights

The Edmonton Oilers will head to Las Vegas, Nevada, next week after beating the Los Angeles Kings to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

It’s a matchup Oilers captain Connor McDavid expects to be another fierce fight after losing to them in six games back in 2023.

“We owe Vegas a good series. We don’t forget what happened two years ago, so looking forward to it,” said McDavid.

As the team prepares to take flight, so are those diehard fans loyal to the oil.

While many Edmontonians love being a part of the Moss Pit crowd or watching at a bar on Whyte Avenue, fans here tell CityNews the idea of a few nights in Vegas is tempting.

“I think it increases my interest by a lot, especially because it’s so affordable to have a good time and celebrate the Oilers,” said one Oilers fan.

Another saying, “Vegas sounds fun, it’s a great city, but can’t really beat an Oilers game at home either.”

But some others say the game day experience in Edmonton can’t be beat, taking the political climate into consideration.

“If I was going with my family, I’d definitely go, I do think it’s good that we’re boycotting the states a little right now, but I would just stay in the city to watch a game. It’s summer, I want to stay with my friends in Edmonton,” said one Edmontonian.

Another saying, “Definitely something on your mind more these days, but depending on what you’re willing to give up for the Oilers or not.”

One travel agent says fewer people are booking trips to the U.S., but Oilers fans are still purchasing playoff packages.

“People are already waiting to get to Vegas, and can’t wait to get to Vegas, so it’s really exciting,” said Melissa Tolmie, a travel agent with Travel Gurus.

She says airfare and accommodation packages to Las Vegas vary from $350 to $600 per person, in Canadian dollars.

Adding this is in large part because Edmonton has nonstop flights to the city year-round, with about 12 flights next week.

“Vegas is actually very affordable for us here in Edmonton, so it’s very exciting for us that’s where the first couple of games are going to be. Travellers are ready to get down there, and it really is more of an affordable destination, and easier to get to than our last round,” Tolmie explained.

The sales team here lights up when they see the Oilers win games and extend the season, opening up opportunities for more sales.

While the diehards are eager to catch a flight, easiergoing fans agree, what happens in Edmonton, stays in Edmonton.

“Actually, that is my favourite part about the Oilers, is when we do win and the whole city is like in a riot because we’re all excited and everyone’s honking their horns, and screaming… the camaraderie… I love that,” said one Edmontonian.

Another adding, “It’s amazing, you can feel it in the morning when you wake up, when you’re in your meetings at work, walking down the street at lunch, and all the way into the evening, no matter where you go.”