[15] On October 26, 2011, the Edmonton City Council approved a funding framework for the arena by a vote of 10–3.

In early 2014, there were far fewer options to lease or purchase as competition mounted,[26] including Brad J. Lamb, who announced a $225 million pair of new condo towers.

[27] By December, it was estimated that $2.5 billion in downtown development had been directly connected to Rogers Place.

[34] Accounts of police harassment and the busy environment has led the homeless population from staying away from downtown despite the number of services available to them in the area.

[35] The first live event to be held in the arena was September 16, 2016, as 12,032 fans welcomed Keith Urban with guests Dallas Smith and Maren Morris for the Ripcord World Tour.

[36] The first hockey game played in the arena featured the Edmonton Oil Kings taking on the Red Deer Rebels in a WHL match-up on September 24, 2016.

Patrick Maroon scored the first NHL goal in the arena, as the Oilers went on to defeat the Flames 7–4; earning their first win in the building.

The first playoff game was played on April 12, 2017, where the Oilers lost in overtime to the San Jose Sharks 3–2.