Edmonton Oilers' Impact on Downtown Businesses: A Look at Game Night Excitement at Kelly's Pub
Monday night at Kelly’s Pub on 104 Street, just a couple of blocks south of Rogers Place, starts off slow after the Oilers lose to the Colorado Avalanche. However, within 15 minutes, the pub transforms into a bustling hub filled with fans sporting orange and blue Oilers’ jerseys, with a sprinkle of Avs’ supporters adding some excitement. The atmosphere is lively, with Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” playing in the background, much to the delight of the crowd.
The Oilers' games bring a significant boost to Downtown restaurants and bars on game nights, as revealed by a recent study by Moneris. The study indicates that Oilers fans are more inclined to go out and watch games compared to other Canadian fanbases, despite economic concerns. Moneris, a leading provider of credit and debit card terminals in Canada, tracked sales during the Oilers' games against the Los Angeles Kings in 2025, showing an increase in spending at bars and restaurants near the ICE District during key matchups.
During the playoffs, the impact of Oilers games on local businesses is even more pronounced. Watch parties for road games saw substantial spikes in spending, with notable increases during critical games. The highest surge in sales recorded by Moneris was during Game 7 of the 2024 finals, where spending near the ICE District skyrocketed by 214 percent. Kelly Smart, the owner of Kelly’s Pub, anticipates another exciting and profitable playoff run for the team, emphasizing the positive impact on businesses in the area.
Despite ongoing LRT construction and road closures near the ICE District, fans continue to flock to establishments like Kelly’s Pub to support the Oilers during playoff games. Smart remains optimistic about the team's performance and the potential for another successful playoff run. She looks forward to potentially opening the pub's patio and installing outdoor big-screen TVs to accommodate more patrons and enhance the viewing experience. The anticipation is high for another thrilling playoff season and the economic benefits it brings to local businesses.
In conclusion, the Oilers' games have a significant impact on Downtown Edmonton's restaurants and bars, with fans showing strong support for the team during key matchups. The lively atmosphere at establishments like Kelly’s Pub during game nights highlights the community's passion for hockey and the positive economic boost generated by the team's success. As fans eagerly await another playoff run, businesses in the area are gearing up to welcome patrons and create memorable experiences for hockey enthusiasts.