2 days ago
Oilers watch party a go in Manchester Square, organizers say come rain or shine
The Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers will play Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday. CTV News Edmonton's Nicole Lampa has the latest.
The Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers will play Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday. CTV News Edmonton's Nicole Lampa has the latest on the lineup.
Manchester Square property management said an Oilers watch party will go ahead as planned for the rest of the games in the Stanley Cup Final.
Thursday morning's air quality health index is listed as low risk in Edmonton, which is a welcome change to organizers. A very high risk reading on Wednesday saw the city shrouded with wildfire smoke. Experts suggested wearing a mask when the index was seven or higher and staying indoors.
'We're going to leave it up to the public's opinion. If you feel comfortable, by all means, you can come down,' Giordano Morgulis, with the Manchester Square property developers and management team, told CTV News Edmonton on Wednesday.
Morgulis said the watch party, which is in its first year and held in collaboration with the 124 Street Business Improvement Area, follows the city's recommendation for outdoor activities and events.
The event is free and fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs and seating. A big television screen will be up to watch the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Florida Panthers in Game 4 on Thursday night and in Game 5 on Saturday night. Both games will have a 6 p.m. start time.
'I do recommend (that) if anyone wants to come down and watch it on Saturday, (to) get here very early. It's going to be a great day,' Morgulis said, adding that the last game viewing had more than 2,000 people.
'The outcome has been amazing. It's great for the community. It's great for the Oilers. It's great for the local tenants here as well,' he said. 'We're on board with keeping it up year after year.'
Morgulis added that even if the smoke returns and air quality conditions worsen, he hopes they will be able to overcome each obstacle to keep the event going.
'That's kind of the punches we take when we keep rolling with them. There's always going to be things that give a little bit of hurdles to everybody,' Morgulis said. 'But thanks to the Oilers, everyone will fight those obstacles.'
More information about the businesses in Manchester Square and future events can be found on their website.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Amanda Anderson and Brandon Lynch
