Rogers Place offering behind-the-scenes tours for Oilers fans

Fans are getting the chance to see parts of Rogers Place not normally accessible to the public. Amanda Anderson takes a look behind the scenes.

If you’ve ever wanted to explore the depths of Rogers Place when a concert or Oilers game isn’t happening, now is your chance.

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After being open for nearly 10 years, Rogers Place is offering two different behind-the-scenes tours. The classic 90-minute tour will take fans places they normally wouldn’t be able to see during an event.

People will get an up close look at the Oilers Hall of Fame (and learn memorabilia facts from tour guides), the press box, the players tunnel, benches, and get-ready rooms for all the celebrities that pass through Rogers Place.

“There’s really something for everyone regardless if you’re a hockey fan or if you just want to see how a world-class area works,” said Marla Podlosky, manager of corporate event sales at Rogers Place.

The private VIP tour is an experience for a group of 20 guests. You’ll get a beverage and hors d’oeuvres reception in the Oilers Hall of Fame area, plus the tour.

Podlosky says tours have been happening on the side but received enough demand to create an official program.

“They have been incredibly popular, especially in the summer. I have folks reaching out from all over the world, like Europe, that say they’re coming down and they’re trying to get tickets and ask if we’re going to open up more dates,” said Podlosky.

She says the Oilers playoff runs in the past two years have helped spark interest from fans to get a closer look at where the magic happens.

The door leading from the Oilers locker room to the tunnel and bench is where most hockey fans get their excitement from during the tour.

“That’s something you see on TV but is never something you can experience first hand so I think for a lot of people that’s been quite a memorable moment for them,” Podlosky said.

Off-limits for fans is the Oilers locker room. Podlosky says it’s rare for the room to be empty with coaches or players inside, making it hard to book for tours. However, the NHL visitors dressing room is available to see.

Individual tickets for the classic tour are $30 for an adult and $20 for children. After the tour you can stop by the Ice Distinct Authentics for Oilers merch for 15 per cent off merchandise with your ticket purchase.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson