Four months since the last glimpse inside Rogers Place arena, media were invited in for a second time to get an update on construction of the the new home to the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers, set to open in September of this year. City Ambassador Daveography was able to join the tour to get some photos.

Glen Sather Community Arena, image by Dave Sutherland

The tour once again began in the Glen Sather Community Arena, which is now substantially complete with seats in place, boards and plexiglass up, and the scoreboard mounted.

Scoreboard in the Community Arena, image by Dave Sutherland

Executive VP of Edmonton Arena Corp. Bob Black, image by Dave Sutherland

Guests were then invited into the main Rogers Place arena at ice level to see the progress there.

Ice level at Rogers Place, image by Dave Sutherland

Nearly all of the 18,641 seats are now installed, as is the 90,000-pound, 46 foot by 36 foot full HD scoreboard — the largest in the NHL. The ice surface is nearly complete, awaiting only the completion of the ice-making equipment, while some boards are already in place.

Seat installation nearly complete, image by Dave Sutherland

Important cargo, image by Dave Sutherland

Photos don’t do justice to that scoreboard’s size, image by Dave Sutherland

The tour continued up to the main concourse level, which is now nearly fully drywalled; brackets and wiring for digital screens can be seen all over.

Concourse level, image by Dave Sutherland

A media scrum was held near the large, south-facing windows looking out at downtown and the rest of the ICE District.

Project leads looking out at ICE District, image by Dave Sutherland

Concourse level looking toward the Wintergarden, image by Dave Sutherland

Looking down the wide concourse towards the Wintergarden (which was sadly not included on the tour), which will serve as the main entrance to the area. On the right is the escalator to the upper concourse level, which is also the longest escalator in North America.

Food and drink service area, image by Dave Sutherland

Stepping back between the concourse and the bowl, we see one of the future food and drink service areas. Note that the low counters and lack of walls allow sightlines to continue right through to the bowl, letting fans watch the action even while grabbing a bite or a drink.

Looking into the bowl from the concourse, image by Dave Sutherland

Though the inaugural puck drop won’t be until the NHL season starts up again, the first concert events have already been booked, including Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, and Drake. Another public open house is also scheduled for September 10.

Counting down, image by Dave Sutherland

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