Rexall Place
Northlands Coliseum, later known as Skyreach Centre and Rexall Place, was the historic home of the Edmonton Oilers from their World Hockey Association days through five Stanley Cup victories. Opened in 1974 to replace the aging Edmonton Gardens, the arena hosted seven Stanley Cup Finals, including the Oilers' triumphs in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. It also served as a venue for the 1978 Commonwealth Games and major concerts by artists like ABBA. After the team moved to Rogers Place in 2016, the building closed on January 1, 2018, following a transfer of ownership to the City of Edmonton.
- location
- Edmonton, Alberta
- primary_era
- 1974–2018
- major_honours_witnessed
- 5 Stanley Cups (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990)
- architectural_style
- Indoor arena using plans from Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum
- notable_renovation
- $3.5 million dressing room expansion in 2007; seating reduced to add luxury suit
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Coliseum opened in November 1974 after a partnership between the Oilers' ownership group and the Edmonton Exhibition Association (EEA), following voter rejection of downtown arena proposals. Construction faced strikes by steel, cement, and elevator workers, with the final 5,000 seats arriving just before the inaugural game against the Cleveland Crusaders on November 10, 1974. By the early 1990s, financial turmoil led owner Peter Pocklington to threaten relocation unless he gained full control of revenue and built luxury boxes. A 1994 agreement valued at $2.8 million annually included a clause preventing relocation without offering the team to local investors for US$70 million. This triggered the formation of the Edmonton Investors Group (EIG) in 1997, which returned control of the arena to Northlands. The venue saw its name change to Skyreach Centre in October 1998 and later to Rexall Place in November 2003 after a naming rights deal with the pharmacy chain.
In Their Own Story
On April 6, 2016, the final NHL game at the arena took place as the Oilers defeated the Vancouver Canucks 6–2. Leon Draisaitl scored the last NHL goal in the building's history during a ceremony featuring past and present players. Although Northlands initially planned to convert the facility into a multi-level ice center or a Hockey Canada Centre of Excellence, these plans were scrapped after finding renovation costs exceeded new construction. Revenue declines as events moved to Rogers Place left the non-profit unable to repay a city loan used for the 2009 Edmonton Expo Centre expansion. Consequently, the City of Edmonton took over ownership on January 1, 2018, and permanently ceased operations. In December 2022, City Council voted to demolish the structure at a cost of $35 million due to the $1.5 million annual upkeep required for the empty building.
Reader's Guide
Visitors to Rexall Place experienced one of the NHL's loudest environments, with noise levels reaching 119 decibels during playoff games. The arena featured unique logistics: it was the last NHL venue in Canada with a center-hung scoreboard containing an electronic message board and the only NHL arena where player benches were located on the same side as TV cameras. Capacity fluctuated over decades; starting at 15,423 in 1974, it expanded to 17,503 by 1986 before dropping to 16,839 after 1994 renovations added luxury suites. Before the 2007–08 season, a $3.5 million renovation widened the dressing room to include new medical, lounge, bar, video, and weight facilities. The venue also hosted seven Stanley Cup Finals, including Oilers losses in 1983 and 2006.
Did You Know?
- The arena was the last NHL venue to have player benches on the same side as TV cameras.
- Noise levels reached 119 decibels during playoff games, making it one of the loudest arenas in the league.
- Leon Draisaitl scored the final NHL goal at the facility on April 6, 2016, against the Vancouver Canucks.
- ABBA opened their 1979 North American Tour at the venue on September 13, 1979.
- Final demolition is expected to begin in summer 2026 and be completed by 2028 due to hazardous substances like lead and asbestos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the previous names of Rexall Place?
Before becoming Rexall Place, the arena was known as Northlands Coliseum and briefly as Skyreach Centre during its operational life. It served as the Oilers' home ice for decades before the naming rights changed over time.
Which Stanley Cup championships happened at Rexall Place?
The facility hosted five of Edmonton's dynasty-era titles, specifically in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. In total, the building witnessed seven Stanley Cup Finals during its history.
When did the Oilers stop playing at Rexall Place?
The team relocated to Rogers Place in 2016, ending their long tenure at this historic venue. The arena itself remained open for other events until it officially closed on January 1, 2018.
Why is the Northlands Coliseum significant to Edmonton hockey?
Opened in 1974, this venue replaced the aging Edmonton Gardens and became the stage for the franchise's greatest successes during their championship run. It also hosted major international events like the 1978 Commonwealth Games alongside NHL games.
What happened to the building after it closed?
Following its closure, ownership of the structure was transferred to the City of Edmonton for future redevelopment plans. It stands as a retired landmark in Edmonton's sports history.
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