Commonwealth Stadium now an ice rink for Oilers-Flames Heritage Classic
The Edmonton Oilers have given fans their first look at what the Heritage Classic ice rink at Commonwealth Field will look like.
The rink is currently being constructed at the 60,081-seat stadium ahead of Sunday’s Heritage Classic game between the Oilers and Calgary Flames.
It looks like Mother Nature knew the game was coming and chipped in some snow to fit the theme of the event.
The snow makes it feel real ❄️ We're less than a week away from the #HeritageClassic at Commonwealth Stadium! pic.twitter.com/OQzgj0AJsJ
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 24, 2023
At the moment, the space around the rink looks pretty bare, but that will change. The NHL recently released concept art on what the field will look like on game day.
The 2023 Tim Hortons NHL #HeritageClassic to celebrate Alberta through field design, entertainment and cultural performances.
Full Details: https://t.co/hS8Af4bWOJ pic.twitter.com/t8JpkJ9MlY
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 18, 2023
Players on both the Oilers and Flames have also been getting into the Heritage Classic spirit. Goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Jacob Markstrom both revealed retro-inspired get-ups that they plan to wear for the event.
A Battle of Alberta in fashion as both #Oilers Stuart Skinner and #Flames Jacob Markstrom are looking 🔥 with their vintage Heritage Classic equipment.
Photo creds: @EdmontonOilers / @Fan960Wills pic.twitter.com/HyhdMw5fns
— Preston Hodgkinson (@NHLHodgkinson) October 24, 2023
This year’s Heritage Classic marks the 20th anniversary of the event. It all started at Commonwealth Stadium back in 2003, when the Oilers played the Montreal Canadiens. It was the first time an NHL game was ever played outdoors.
NOV 23/03: RCAF snowbirds air acrobatic team flies over Commonweath Stadium at the start of the 2003 Heritage Classic NHL Alummi hockey game. Edmonton Sun Photo by Walter Tychnowicz #NHL #HERITAGECLASSIC #yeg pic.twitter.com/jZGUceA8CG
— Walter Tychnowicz (@wallytee) September 27, 2023
Festivities will be kicking off in the Alberta capital on Friday, with a free festival taking place in the Fan Park at Ice District. There will also be a free concert by The Beaches at Clarke Stadium before the game gets going on Sunday, while Nickelback will perform a show at Commonwealth Stadium during the second intermission.
Tickets to see the game are still available on the Ticketmaster website.
Follow Channels and Categories