Rogers Place and the ICE District

Rogers Place and the surrounding ICE District transform an underused area north of downtown Edmonton into a vibrant destination for sports, entertainment and community gathering. The project strengthens the city’s downtown core while giving residents and visitors opportunities to connect year-round.

Design Solutions

HOK, in association with ATB and DIALOG, designed the arena and led the master plan for the adjacent mixed-use district and public plaza for the City of Edmonton and the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.

Inside the arena, expansive concourses provide clear circulation for up to 20,147 concert-goers or 18,347 hockey fans. Premium seating, a full-service restaurant open beyond game days and a high-definition center-hung scoreboard enhance the fan experience while extending the venue’s use beyond events.

The arena reduces environmental impact through systems that use 37% less water and 14% less energy than comparable facilities, achieving LEED Silver certification. Its pliable, unpainted stainless-steel cladding provides a polished, dynamic backdrop to Edmonton’s skyline while requiring minimal maintenance in harsh winter conditions.

Working with Shugarman Architecture + Design, WAM Development Group and Hariri Pontarini Architects, HOK’s team shaped the 25-acre ICE District into a mixed-use destination. The district includes a community rink for public skating, offices, residential towers, parking and light-rail connections, ensuring residents can access amenities easily throughout the year.

To link the arena and district across one of Edmonton’s busiest streets, the design introduces Ford Hall—a raised pedestrian bridge that doubles as a lobby and event space. The fluid, sculptural structure offers weather-protected access to the arena during Edmonton’s cold winters, connects directly to public transit and adds street-level retail to activate the streetscape.

Impact

Rogers Place has become a cornerstone of Edmonton’s cultural life and catalyst for downtown renewal. The arena and ICE District attract millions of visitors annually and have generated $3.2 billion in economic impact for the city, fostering community pride and supporting commercial growth. The project earned international recognition including the IOC and IAKS Gold Award for Exemplary Architecture, IIDA Mid-America Silver Award in and ENR Global Best Projects Award of Merit for Sports/Entertainment.