The parent group of hockey’s Edmonton Oilers is going all out for soccer’s World Cup. OEG Sports & Entertainment Group (OEGSE) announced Wednesday it plans to host free watch parties for 97 games of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which is slated to begin June 11 and run through July 19, among other activities to mark Edmonton’s Summer of Soccer. Canada is hosting the sporting spectacle, considered the world’s largest, alongside Mexico and the United States, with games on Canadian soil being played in Toronto and Vancouver. Edmonton hosted a World Cup tune-up match between Canada and Uzbekistan on Monday before more than 46,000 spectators at Commonwealth Stadium. “While the matches will be the main attraction, summer is much more than just soccer: it’s bringing people together, creating memorable experiences and celebrating community spirit that make Edmonton such a great sports city,” Stu Ballantyne, the president and chief operating officer of Rogers Place and Ice District, told media Wednesday at Ice District’s plaza outside the arena’s south entrance. Tracy Bednard, who heads the city’s tourism arm, said the events will give fans in the community “a chance to come together, cheer on Team Canada and be part of the excitement.” “It will bring vibrancy to our downtown core, support our local businesses, and create more opportunities for our residents and for visitors alike,” said Bednard, the chief executive officer of Explore Edmonton. “Sport has a unique ability to connect people, especially Edmontonians, and these moments are more than about watching a match; they’re about celebrating our city together and sharing in these experiences that bring us together.” At least 17 “special” games will be held inside OEGSE’s tent at the Fan Park, located at 101 Street and 104 Avenue immediately east of the Rogers Place downtown complex, including all of the Canadian Men’s National Team matches. The Fan Park matches will also feature food trucks and other entertainment including DJ entertainment and face-painting. All other matches will be shown on the big screen outside Rogers Place at the Ice District Plaza, besides seven games scheduled to start after 9 p.m. MT. Also planned for Ice District during the World Cup are:
