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What’s Behind the Edmonton Oilers’ Attendance Decline?

While the Edmonton Oilers are off to a hot start this fall, one of the hottest topics in Oil Country has been about the team’s dip in attendance. Through their…

By Brian Swane · The Hockey Writers

Published: Sunday, 1 November 2026 at 4:15 PM

Key Things to Know

The Edmonton Oilers' average home attendance dropped by 1,000 fans per game through the first eight dates of 2026-27.
Rogers Place has seen only two sellouts this season, with overall capacity dropping to 94.3 percent.
Brian Swane cites high attendance costs as an outing for a family of four averages $1,206.54.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Brian Swane of The Hockey Writers explores potential reasons for a recent dip in attendance for the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Through the first eight home games of the 2026-27 NHL season, Edmonton averaged 17,308 fans, representing a drop of exactly 1,000 spectators per game compared to the 2025-26 season average. Only two of those initial eight games were sellouts.

Swane outlines several contributing factors, including high ticket and outing costs, accessible television alternatives, and fan backlash regarding the signing of Alex Formenton. The analysis also highlights rowdy fan behavior, a lack of promotional giveaways compared to other NHL franchises, and the potential impact of later game start times due to Alberta's time zone shift.

Read the full article on The Hockey Writers

What’s Behind the Edmonton Oilers’ Attendance Decline?

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