April 8, 2026 (Edmonton, Alberta) – OEG Sports & Entertainment (OEGSE) and the City of Edmonton announced today that DIALOG and HNTB have been selected as the lead design team for Downtown Edmonton’s new Event Park, to be located at the current Fan Park @ ICE District site next to Rogers Place.

After a robust request-for-proposal selection process led by OEGSE and the City of Edmonton, which included 19 qualified submissions, DIALOG and HNTB were selected as the lead design team for the Event Park—bringing over 160 years of combined experience to the project. DIALOG has helped shape Edmonton for over 60 years, including key contributions to ICE District and Rogers Place, as well as the 100 Street Funicular and Walterdale Bridge, while HNTB brings over a century of experience designing sports and entertainment venues across North America.

“We are proud to partner with DIALOG and HNTB on this next exciting phase of Edmonton’s downtown revitalization,” said Stu Ballantyne, President & COO, Rogers Place and ICE District, OEGSE. “DIALOG’s proven expertise will help bring Daryl Katz’s vision to the heart of Edmonton—as we saw with the design of Rogers Place and ICE District—ensuring the creation of a state-of-the-art, welcoming and functional indoor/outdoor event park space for everyone to enjoy, both residents and visitors to our city. Public spaces like Event Park will help bring more people downtown, increasing Edmonton’s vibrancy, strengthen our economy and enhance our reputation as a preferred destination for sports, entertainment and community life.”

DIALOG, part of the original design team that helped bring Rogers Place and ICE District to life, will work in partnership with HNTB to deliver a collaborative design for the new Event Park, grounded in a deep understanding and proven ability to transform public spaces and enhance downtown vibrancy, civic pride, and resident and visitor experiences.

“DIALOG and HNTB have joined forces to deliver a transformational performance venue in the heart of downtown Edmonton’s ICE District. This strategic partnership unites DIALOG’s 60+ years of local expertise—and deep involvement in the ICE District’s evolution—with HNTB’s century-long leadership in sports and entertainment venue design across North America,” said Gerry Doering, DIALOG and Ryan Gedney, HNTB. “Together, we bring a shared dedication to design excellence, operational performance, and long-term public value. DIALOG and HNTB’s collaborative approach is grounded in technical rigor, civic identity, and a passion for creating memorable experiences for fans and performers alike. We aim to deliver a venue that is vibrant, adaptable, and welcoming by design—enhancing downtown vitality and reinforcing Edmonton’s identity as a city of celebration and year-round activity.”

The new Event Park will be a world-class indoor–outdoor entertainment and community destination in downtown Edmonton which will combine exceptional acoustics and state-of-the-art staging, sound, and lighting, with flexible, community-accessible spaces, capable of hosting touring acts, headline performances, cultural gatherings, festivals, and sporting events. By integrating advanced infrastructure with inclusive public spaces—and dedicating time and space for local groups—Event Park will drive strong community engagement while serving as Alberta’s premier multi-use event hub, delivering lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits.

“Alberta’s investment in the Edmonton Event Park reflects our commitment to building vibrant communities and a strong provincial economy,” said Dan Williams, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Government of Alberta. “This project will create a truly world-class destination in the heart of our capital, one that brings people together, supports local businesses, and showcases Edmonton on the national and international stage.”

“The Edmonton ICE District is a community hub, attracting sports enthusiasts, arts and culture lovers, musical guests, local festivals and connecting visitors to our core,” said Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack. “This investment not only supports local businesses and advances the City’s efforts of creating a more vibrant and prosperous Downtown, it signals to investors the City of Edmonton is committed to revitalizing our core and maximizing the tremendous opportunities it offers. I am deeply grateful to the Government of Alberta for its collaboration on this project. This development aligns with our shared interest in creating thriving communities; therefore, I am excited for the benefits it will bring to Edmonton and Alberta at large.”

Connected directly to Rogers Place, the Event Park will extend the ICE District experience, celebrate Edmonton’s outdoor culture, drive downtown activity, economic impact, and civic pride.

Event Park design is now underway with construction expected to begin in 2027.

Additional information and project updates will be shared at a later date.

“Edmonton’s ICE District has always been about more than the marquee moment,” said Gerry Doering, Partner in Charge and Architect of Record, DIALOG. “We are excited to be part of the ICE District Event Park vision and with the City of Edmonton, OEG and HNTB, we’re bringing deep, hands-on experience shaping the district and the venue expertise to deliver a place that feels unmistakably Edmonton, invites people in, and enriches downtown life.”

“We’re excited to collaborate with OEGSE and the City of Edmonton on a project that represents the next major milestone in the evolution of the ICE District,” said Ryan Gedney, Senior Vice President and Chief Designer Officer, HNTB. “This new venue and public open space are an opportunity to create a world-class entertainment experience that is deeply connected to the city and contribute to the district’s ongoing evolution as a center for public life.”

The Edmonton Event Park project is a joint community revitalization initiative funded by the Government of Alberta, City of Edmonton and OEG Sports & Entertainment.