Edmonton Oilers Playoff Run Shifts Local Economy With Astronomical Numbers

That's one notch below last year's $280 million haul, and still more impressive considering there were three fewer games played this year.

The numbers reflect the lucrative power of sports tourism, with the city proving once again it can capitalize on starring moments in hockey.

'Sport Tourism matters because it creates an incredible energy that people want to be a part of and travel to experience,' said Traci Bednard, CEO and president of Explore Edmonton.

Downtown Edmonton was jammed and buzzing with people during games

Visit Edmonton registered 80,000 nights in hotels booked over the playoffs and as many as 30,000 fans downtown on game nights.

The organization credits the strong attendance and spending to growing interest in playoff hockey and an effort on the part of Edmonton to make the experience memorable.

'The impact of the Oilers' playoff run was seen, felt and heard in key markets across the globe for a two-month long playoff run. That's an incredible spotlight on Edmonton's businesses, restaurants, and attractions resulting in a direct impact on the visitor economy,' said Bednard.

Last year, Explore Edmonton utilized Destinations International's tool to quantify economic impact, which included such data as hotel stays.

Although the tool isn't able to factor in such elements as global exposure, the city did make strides to increase visibility, creating over 100 fan hubs, handing out 10,000 'Our Time' posters, and even running billboards in Florida that were viewed by an estimated two million Floridians.

Although it's harder to quantify the worth of more global attention, there are signs it's paying off. A mere five months after the Oilers' 2024 Finals run, Edmonton cracked Lonely Planet's list of the world's top 30 spots in 2025.