Northlands Coliseum opened on November 10, 1974 in Edmonton, Alberta, and quickly became one of the most storied arenas in North American hockey history. Built at a cost of C$17.3 million, the venue served as the home of the Edmonton Oilers through their formative years in the World Hockey Association and their seamless transition to the NHL in 1979.
Over four decades the arena cycled through several corporate names — Edmonton Coliseum, Skyreach Centre, and most famously Rexall Place — but it remained the heart of Oilers hockey until the final NHL game was played there on April 6, 2016. The building closed permanently on January 1, 2018, and major demolition is scheduled to begin in summer 2026.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Opened: November 10, 1974
- Closed: January 1, 2018
- Hockey Capacity: 17,100
- Primary Tenant: Edmonton Oilers (WHA/NHL, 1974–2016)
- Stanley Cup Finals Hosted: 7 series (4 Cup clinches on home ice: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988; 1990 clinched in Boston)
- Also Known As: Rexall Place (2003–2016)
Dynasty Years and Iconic Moments
The coliseum was the stage for the greatest dynasty in NHL history. Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers clinched the Stanley Cup on its ice four times — in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988 — while the arena hosted seven Cup Final series in total, including losses in 1983 and 2006. The fifth championship, in 1990, was captured on the road at Boston Garden in Game 5, the first time the franchise had ever clinched a Cup away from home.
Beyond hockey, the building welcomed the 1978 Commonwealth Games, the 1981 and 1984 Canada Cup tournaments, the 1989 NHL All-Star Game, and the 1996 World Figure Skating Championships. Major concerts from artists across every genre filled the bowl for more than four decades, making it Edmonton’s preeminent indoor event destination.
Decline, Closure, and Demolition
With the Oilers departing to the new Rogers Place arena in fall 2016, Northlands Coliseum lost its anchor tenant and quickly became a financial burden. The City of Edmonton assumed ownership on January 1, 2018, and the vacant building cost the city over $1 million annually to maintain with no clear path to reuse.
After years of debate over redevelopment options, the city approved a $35 million demolition plan to clear the site. Major deconstruction work is targeted to begin in summer 2026 and conclude by 2028, with the cleared land earmarked for future development as part of the broader Edmonton Exhibition Lands redevelopment project.
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Northlands Coliseum FAQs
When did the Edmonton Oilers leave Northlands Coliseum?
The Oilers played their final NHL game at the arena on April 6, 2016, then moved to the new Rogers Place downtown for the 2016–17 season.
How many Stanley Cups were clinched at Northlands Coliseum?
The Edmonton Oilers clinched four Stanley Cup championships on home ice at Northlands Coliseum: in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988. The fifth title, in 1990, was clinched on the road at Boston Garden in Game 5 — the first time the franchise had ever won the Cup away from home.
Is Northlands Coliseum being demolished?
Yes. Major demolition work is scheduled to begin in summer 2026 at an estimated cost of $35 million, with the full teardown expected to be completed by 2028.
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Photo: WinterE229 WinterforceMedia / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.