This two-part documentary series explores in-depth the eight-year effort to construct and operate the brand new home of the Edmonton Oilers: Rogers Place.
Part One, airing Sunday, November 6, reminds viewers of the Oilers illustrious history in Northlands Coliseum (most recently known as Rexall Place), a proud rink that grew too small and limited to serve the franchise's growing needs in the 21st Century. It describes Oilers owner Daryl Katz's bold vision for a new facility that could help drive the economic and cultural revitalization of Edmonton's downtown core. It recalls the tough, at times fractious business negotiations between the Katz Group and the City of Edmonton that finally, with the help of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, culminated in a win-win deal to build Rogers Place, a half-billion dollar sports and entertainment venue.
The documentary looks at the arena's innovative and iconic design elements, and the challenges of its construction over a tight 30-month schedule. Other highlights of the first hour include a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the largest and most sophisticated scoreboard in the NHL (four times the size of the one in the Oilers old home rink, Rexall Place), the team's state-of-the-art dressing room and the stunning, multi-coloured mosaic designed by one of Canada's most internationally celebrated artists, Alex Janvier, for the floor of the new arena's jaw-dropping public foyer, Ford Hall.
Part Two, airing in December 2016, will cover the frenetic behind-the-scenes activity of building operations from building possession in early September, through to the Oilers Opening Night on October 12.
"Five years in the making,"Arena: Building of an Icon" is a beautifully shot and edited documentary," said Bob Nicholson, OEG CEO & Vice Chair. "It will give viewers an up-close and behind the scenes look at Rogers Place, while showcasing the amazing spaces and features that make the arena a sports and entertainment icon. This is as close as you can get to Rogers Place without actually visiting the space."
