Pints, Playoffs, and Property Value: Why Oilers Games Matter More Than You Think
2025-06-09 Written by Benjamin Lang
In Edmonton, the Oilers aren’t just a hockey team—they’re an economic engine. As a fifth-year economics student at the University of Alberta and a Market Analyst at Cushman & Wakefield Edmonton by day—and a bartender at Hudson’s on Whyte by night—I’ve seen firsthand how this team transforms not just the scoreboard, but the entire city’s bottom line particularly in the restaurant industry.
When the Oilers Hit the Ice, Edmonton Cashes In
The Oilers’ playoff runs are far more than just sporting events—they’re powerful economic catalysts.
Edmonton CityNews reported that the Oilers’ 2024 playoff run alone generated approximately $179 million in local economic activity. Hotels, retailers, and restaurants all felt the surge. At Hudson’s, we notice it immediately. Reservations often sell out within hours of the playoff schedule release. Game nights create a buzz that’s not only electric—but measurable.
“We typically see a $2,000 swing one way or the other on Sunday to Thursday games, and up to a $4,000 difference on Friday and Saturday,”
— Connor Yakabuski, General Manager, Hudson’s Whyte Ave
And it’s not just the playoffs. Even regular-season matchups bring an undeniable boost to business. In most cases, weather dictates restaurant traffic—sunny days mean full patios, and stormy ones mean slow nights. But when the Oilers are playing, the forecast is irrelevant. Rain or snow, fans show up.
Snow, Slush, or Sunshine—
They Still Show Up in Orange & Blue
Seasonality plays a huge role in Whyte Avenue’s hospitality economy. In the winter, foot traffic thins out, patios close, and even regulars stay home. In the summer, the street transforms—patios fill up, sidewalks stay busy, and spontaneous drop-ins surge.
But Oilers games break all seasonal trends.
On a typical cold and stormy night in January, we’d expect a quiet floor. If there’s a game on? It’s a completely different story. Our restaurant fills up, no matter the temperature. And that’s not something every venue can claim.
“A lot of guests ask for tables with a good view of the TVs,” says Yakabuski. “Our big screen in the main room gives us a huge competitive advantage.”
Why Landlords Love Game Night
From a commercial real estate standpoint, this kind of event-driven foot traffic is gold.
Restaurants like Hudson’s—anchored in high-energy corridors like Whyte Avenue—benefit from built-in demand triggers. These predictable surges during game nights create more stable, year-round revenue, which reduces tenant turnover and supports stronger lease valuations for landlords and investors alike.
Located at the intersection of 82nd Avenue and Gateway Boulevard, Hudson’s sees exposure to over 50,000+ vehicles per day. On Oilers game days, that visibility becomes even more powerful. Fans fill the avenue, patios stay packed, and the entire street becomes a micro-entertainment hub.
Whyte Avenue’s reputation as a dining and nightlife destination, combined with dense surrounding multifamily development, means a consistent customer base all year. But the added boost from game-day traffic gives select properties a competitive edge. Restaurants with patios, sports-friendly amenities, and central locations consistently outperform their peers—even outside of peak sports seasons.
📊 Economic Impact Snapshot
- $179 million: Estimated economic boost from the Oilers’ 2024 playoff run
- 50,000+: Daily vehicle exposure at Whyte Avenue & Gateway Blvd
- $2,000–$4,000: Revenue lift per game night at Hudson’s Whyte Ave
More Than a Game: The Oilers’ Lasting Impact
Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson- Images
Through my dual perspectives as an economics student and market analyst by day, and bartender by night, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the economic power that a single team like the Oilers can generate. For those of us at Cushman & Wakefield Edmonton, game nights aren’t just a celebration of sport. They’re a live case study in how community passion, smart location planning, and economic activity intersect to shape a city’s future.