The Edmonton Oilers plan on putting on a pretty good show for their fans on Wednesday night — and we’re not just talking about the Stanley Cup Final.
Prior to Wednesday night’s Game 1 in their series against the Florida Panthers, the Oilers will host a free concert for fans in the Play Alberta Fan Park, adjacent to Rogers Place.
The Game 1 headliner for this year’s Stanley Cup Final pregame show is Canadian rock band Arkells, one of the most decorated groups in the country’s history.
“Edmonton, spread the word. Let’s gooooo,” Arkells wrote in an Instagram post announcing the news, while sharing an old clip of them performing the Oilers’ victory song “La Bamba” at Rogers Place.
The concert will see its doors open at 3:30 p.m. MT, with the performance set to begin at 4 p.m. MT. Puck drop for the game is set for 6 p.m. MT at nearby Rogers Place.
Arkells have won the Group of the Year award at the Junos on six occasions, a Canadian record.
Given the band’s tendencies to break out a few covers into their set, we can only imagine what they’ve been cooking up for their setlist this week.
And they should have plenty of energy, as they’re well-rested, not unlike the Oilers.
As per setlist.fm, it’s only the Arkells’ second performance of the year, with the band set to be back in their home province of Ontario for a pair of shows in Muskoka and Hamilton before a three-stop tour in the United Kingdom.
The NHL has pulled out some pretty impressive names over the past few years for their pregame concerts.
Last year, The Kid Laroi and DJ Khaled performed in Florida before Games 1 and 2, while Our Lady Peace and Shania Twain performed in Edmonton before Games 3 and 4. When the series extended to six games, Loud Luxury and the Beaches were called upon to perform in Edmonton for an eventual Game 6.
With the Oilers scheduled to host Games 1 and 2, as well as a possible Game 5 and 7 if necessary, there will likely be a few more opportunities for fans to take advantage of a free show.