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EDMONTON — The group that owns the Edmonton Oilers says damage to its arena from heavy rainfall won’t affect plans to use Rogers Place as an NHL hub when the season re-opens.
Oilers Entertainment Group spokesman Tim Shipton said the storm caused water leaks in one of the entrance hallways and smaller leaks elsewhere.
“We are assessing the damage and at this time are confident that it will not hamper our planning and preparation and we will be ready to host the return of NHL hockey as hub city.”
Video posted to Twitter appears to show water streaming from large gaps in the ceiling tiles of Ford Hall and the floor completely awash.
Edmonton was hit Thursday with a major thunderstorm that brought hail as well as heavy rains.
The arena has been open since 2016. It has a seating capacity of 18,500 as a hockey venue and 20,734 as a concert venue.
Rogers Place is owned by the City of Edmonton.
Construction cost for the project was $613.7 million, which included the arena, public areas, a community arena and transit connections.
The league plans to resume play with a 24-team format. The NHL is aiming to have teams in the hub cities of Toronto and Edmonton by July 26, with the games starting to count on Aug. 1.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2020.
The Canadian Press