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Edmonton

Rogers Place damaged by thunderstorm weeks before hosting NHL games

A large thunderstorm that swept through Edmonton Thursday evening caused some flooding issues to the Rogers Place arena, which is set to host NHL playoff games next month. 

Damage is not expected to affect NHL hosting duties, Oilers group says

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Workers inspect the damage caused by flooding at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday, July 16, 2020. (Craig Ryan/CBC)

A large thunderstorm that swept through Edmonton Thursday evening caused some flood damage to the Rogers Place arena, which is set to host NHL playoff games next month. 

Though the heavy rain and wind did cause damage at one of the arena's entrances, the flooding isn't expected to affect plans to host the NHL. 

"Rogers Place has suffered some water damage to the terminus of Ford Hall, along with some smaller leaks in other parts of the building," the Oilers Entertainment Group said in a statement.

"We are assessing the damage and at this time are confident that it will not hamper our planning and preparation and we will be ready to host the return of NHL hockey as hub city. We will share more information as it becomes available."

A now-deleted video showing water flooding the floor of the 104th Avenue entrance was posted to Reddit Thursday. The video was reposted by several Twitter users and garnered hundreds of thousands of views.

The first scheduled game at the arena pits Edmonton against traditional Alberta rivals Calgary in an exhibition game on July 28.

Edmonton and Toronto will host 24 NHL teams as part of a hub city approach that will close out this season.

Edmonton is scheduled to host the Stanley Cup later this year.

An entrance to Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alta. was flooded following a severe thunderstorm that ripped through the city on Thursday, July 16, 2020. (Emily Fitzpatrick/CBC)
Some of the damage caused by flooding at Rogers Place following a thunderstorm on Thursday, July 16, 2020. (Craig Ryan/CBC)
Water pours off a section of Rogers Place following a thunderstorm in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday, July 16, 2020. (Craig Ryan/CBC)
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