It may not be the “Theatre of Dreams” or the “House that Ruth built,” and sure, it doesn’t have an iconic presence like the Green Monster at Fenway or the ivy-covered fence at Wrigley, but what Rexall Place does have is its infamous draft beer and banners to remind us of the glory days.
We all have a good Rexall story and while it’s time to look to the future, we can look back fondly at our time at the former Northlands Coliseum – and how, in some cases, it shaped our lives and created legendary moments.
Rexall Place: A chance to get up close and personal with your favourite player
Growing up, I was a huge fan of Jason Arnott. He was exciting to watch, had a wicked shot and in my young eyes, he was the next big star for the Oilers. So imagine my surprise when my dad took me to the rink for the Carnival of Champions. The Eskimos and Oilers came together to play some games and meet the fans – something I wish they’d do more of.
So away I went, bouncing off the walls, wearing my Jason Arnott sweater, an Oilers fanny pack (I was young – don’t judge) and a giant smile on my face. I waited for what seemed like eternity – but was likely just 30 minutes. To step inside the penalty box, sit down next to my idol and have him put his arm around me for a picture. Priceless. That’s what Rexall Place means to me.
Rexall Place: More than just the Oilers
When I think of Rexall Place, hockey comes first, but then comes wrestling. Oh yes – I’ve always been a fan of the WWE and as a kid, I’m sure I annoyed my parents with my constant pleading and begging for tickets. Looking back, I truly appreciate how my mom spent money not only a ticket for myself – but one for her – to make sure I had a good but safe time. I can only imagine how much she hated rushing from work to attend an event with thousands of screaming kids, fireworks and loud music but it was worth it to see the smile on her son’s face. Thanks mom.
As I got older, my friends and I were willing to shell out the big bucks to really experience the action. At the Backlash PPV in 2004, we scored third-row tickets and for a few hours we were able to suspend belief and just be like kids again. That’s what Rexall Place means to me.
Rexall Place: Welcome to Oil Country
Of course, the vast majority of people’s memories have something to do with the Edmonton Oilers. I wasn’t old enough to remember the “Boys on the Bus” era so my earliest memories are the struggling years – the years with Doug Weight, Jason Arnott, Zdeno Ciger, Todd Marchant – just to name a few.
Needless to say, I was pretty excited once the Oilers finally returned to the playoffs. Their rivalry with the Dallas Stars was almost bigger than the Battle of Alberta for my generation. I can still remember my first playoff game: A circus-like atmosphere outside Rexall. A chance to take a sledgehammer to a car decked out in Stars colours. Fans chanting, cheering and screaming from pre-game warmups to the final whistle.
And of course, the 2006 Stanley Cup run. Game 6 of the Western Conference Quarter Final… The Oilers taking on the Detroit Red Wings in what would be Steve Yzerman’s final NHL game. To this day, I’ve never experienced a game like that. Rexall was vibrating. The fans were electric and I can still hear the “Manny” chants. It’s also one of the only times where I literally lost my voice. Just as Ales Hemsky scored the game winning goal with 66-seconds to go in the game, giving the Oilers, their first playoff series win since 1998. It’s a moment… a game… that I’ll never forget.
Memories to last a lifetime. That’s what Rexall Place means to me.
What are some of your memories? Feel free to share in the comments section below.
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