Rounds 1 to 3 of Stanley Cup Playoffs infuse $179M into Edmonton economy
The Edmonton Oilers playoff journey has brought $179 million to the Edmonton economy, Explore Edmonton says.
The organization, which represents tourism in Edmonton, says the data represents only Rounds 1 to 3 of the playoffs and doesn't account for the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals.
"In terms of major events, this is a huge, huge number," Janelle Janis of Explore Edmonton told reporters on Wednesday. "When we look at hosting events, like the Grey Cup, that was around the $80-million mark. So being able to say that we have the Stanley Cup Finals in Edmonton and to produce $179 million is pretty remarkable."
The figure represents money spent on game tickets, as well as visitors staying at hotels, eating at restaurants, and shopping in the city.
"These people are staying in hotels, and they're enjoying the restaurants and shopping in our local retail establishments."
"The more that we can have visitors coming in and spending their dollars in our local economy, the better."
And it's not just sports-related businesses that are enjoying the spoils.
Jason Bardyla owns Rolling Tales, a comic book shop located at 106 Street and 102 Avenue.
He says during the Vancouver series, a fan picked up a Connor McDavid action figure signed by Todd McFarlane that had been in the shop since December.
"It wasn't a cheap toy. I'm sure most people think action figures are like $10 or $15. This one was just over $100, partially because of the signature, so I'm not surprised it sat around for a little bit. It was nice to see it go to a couple of diehard fans," he told CTV News Edmonton on Wednesday.
"The playoff buzz really kind of gets people excited. It'll make them buy that little extra thing that we're always on the fence about."
Games 3 and 4 of the Stanley Cup Final will be played in Edmonton on Thursday and Saturday nights, respectively.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's David Ewasuk
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns
Azerbaijan on Thursday observed a nationwide day of mourning for the victims of the plane crash that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured as speculation mounted about a possible cause of the disaster, with some experts saying that the airliner was damaged by Russian air defence fire.
Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect
The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who has been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified.
Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year
It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops.
Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP
As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books.
Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea
Finnish authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables, police said, in the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure.
Police in New Brunswick investigating Christmas Eve sudden death
An unconscious individual was found in the 600-block area of Lancaster Avenue early Christmas Eve morning, and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Body found in wheel well of plane at Maui airport
A person was found dead in the wheel well of a United Airlines flight to Maui on Tuesday.
Your kid is spending too much time on their phone. Here's what to do about it
Wondering what your teen is up to when you're not around? They are likely on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat, according to a new report.
Dr. Theresa Tam shares her top health concerns for Canada in 2025
As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year.