A number of upgrades have been made to Commonwealth Stadium ahead of the upcoming CFL season, and the Edmonton Elks hope specific upgrades to the point of sale system will result in a quicker concession experience for fans.
The Elks and the City of Edmonton say $2 million in both fan-facing and behind-the-scenes improvements have been done to the football stadium.
“A number of the changes that have been made at Commonwealth Stadium have all been focused on fan-friendly,” said Elks president and CEO Rick LeLacheur.
Among the changes are new floors in the concourse washrooms, infrastructure improvements for better cellular and Wi-Fi service, as well as concession renovations.
The biggest change to the fan experience is a new point of sale system, which the city and football club hope will reduce lines and wait times for people grabbing food and something to drink. The previous point of sale system was from 2021, LeLacheur said.
“The point of sale system is, I think, a lot faster and it’s going to create a lot better service for our fans,” LeLacheur said.
“We don’t want lines. We want them to get in, get what they want and get out watching football.”
Other improvements include:
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- Concession renovations: The number of places to buy both food and alcohol has been increased to 32.
- Point of sales equipment: New systems installed throughout the stadium aim to reduce wait times to purchase food and alcohol.
- Suite renovations: All 22 Elks concourse suites received refinished cabinets.
- In-suite food service: Fans with suites will now be able to order during all events at the stadium. Food pre-orders will also be available ahead of events.
- Legends Club rebrand: The Elks’ season seat holder space in the east concession area has been rebranded the Legends Club. This space will showcase EE greats through photos and game-worn items.
- Family space: The Elks family space is located in the west concession area, and will provide a private space for families looking to feed and change little ones. Sensory kits are also available at the stadium.
- The Brick Kids Zone: The team is moving The Brick Kids Zone (previously at Clarke Stadium) inside the Commonwealth Fieldhouse, and keeping this space open until the start of the third quarter every game.
- Jackie Parker’s refresh: Jackie Parker’s in the west concession area has received graphic upgrades. It will also feature new projectors and screens.
- New video production capabilities: Fans will experience an elevated game-day visual experience, with new in-game production and visual asset capabilities that give the Elks the ability to enhance game presentation.
Heather Seutter, director of Commonwealth Stadium with the City of Edmonton, said some of the funding from the city has come from the Enterprise Reserve Fund.
“Each year the city is able to contribute to the stadium enterprise reserve,” she explained. “The Elks and the city both contribute to that based on events and revenue that we’ve had over the last 25 years. We’re able to take some of that money and reinvest that back in the stadium to be able to improve some of the systems and equipment that have run their life.
“While these stadium improvements will enhance fan engagement and visitor experiences at the stadium, the city is hopeful that the province may make larger investments in the stadium infrastructure to ensure modernization efforts can continue to move forward, as the economic impacts of major events continue to grow in our city.”
Seutter said the city’s plan is to continue to invest in the venue, which is used for more than football games, including concerts and other major sporting events.
“We want to continue to invest in the stadium. In the future, there will need to be a longer-term strategy for what that looks like in 20 years or 25 years, but right now, the commitment is to continue to invest in Commonwealth Stadium,” Seutter said.
“We have so many great memories here, we want to continue to develop those events, be able to host major events and continue to add vibrancy to our community.”
These upgrades coincide with the Edmonton football club’s 75th anniversary and Commonwealth Stadium’s 45th anniversary this year.
“The stadium continues to be in demand to host Edmonton Elks games and international sporting events, lively concerts, and cultural events,” said Seutter.
This season, the upper bowl of Commonwealth Stadium will be closed during Elks games, as a way to bring fans closer to the action.
The Elks kick off their CFL season this Saturday, with their home opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The game will now start at 2 p.m. MT. The start time of the game was bumped up from 5 p.m. so it doesn’t conflict with the Edmonton Oilers game, which starts at 6 p.m. MT Saturday.
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