RELEASE: OEG wins Outstanding Contributor to the Community award

EDMONTON, AB - Daryl Katz-owned OEG Sports & Entertainment (OEGSE) was recognized as an Outstanding Contributor to the Community at the 2023 Edmonton Tourism Awards on June 2 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton South Conference Centre.

The award recognizes a business or organization for its overall contribution to the community through initiatives, employee volunteerism and financial or in-kind donations that directly benefit the city of Edmonton.

OEGSE won this award for helping turn Katz's vision for downtown Edmonton into the largest entertainment district in Canada; for hosting the world's top performers and events at some of the world's best indoor and outdoor venues; for the work of their employees, including the members of their NHL and WHL franchises in the community; and for the industry-leading and life-changing legacy of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF).

"We are honoured to be recognized for the ongoing contributions OEG Sports & Entertainment makes to the community and to be the recipient of this award -- a first of its kind," said Tim Shipton, Executive Vice President, OEGSE.

"From Rogers Place and ICE District to our hockey clubs and community foundation, we are proud to do our part to help kids and families in need, build strong, vibrant communities and support the ongoing efforts to revitalize Edmonton's downtown core. Part of our DNA as an organization is to help those in need in Edmonton and across Central and Northern Alberta, and that will never change."

ICE District, the Oilers, Oil Kings and live events at Rogers Place, ICE District Plaza and Fan Park @ ICE District hosted by OEGSE have made a significant impact on Edmonton's economy and downtown revitalization efforts while helping to attract new visitors to the city. Since 2001, the EOCF has contributed more than $86 million to more than 3,000 charities and community groups. During the 2021-22 season, the EOCF invested $20 million in the community, a record donation year for the EOCF, and the most ever donated by an NHL community foundation in a single season.

OEG Sports & Entertainment was also nominated for the Sports Event of the Year award for the NBA Canada Series as the Toronto Raptors played the Utah Jazz at Rogers Place on October 2, 2022. The sold-out event, with a total attendance of 18,500, had a massive $8.5 million impact on the local economy. The event was a banner moment for the city, showcasing Edmonton as a modern, welcoming city with a shimmering downtown entertainment district and an electric environment and fan base.