EDMONTON — JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District has announced it will name its meeting rooms after several iconic Edmonton Oilers alumni to recognize the hotel’s prominent position in the heart of the Ice District and integrate the city’s iconic hockey culture.
The hotel will name its ballroom — the largest ballroom in downtown Edmonton — after Wayne Gretzky. The remainder of the property’s meeting spaces will be named in honour of Oilers alumni favourites including Mark Messier, Glen Sather, Paul Coffey, Glenn Anderson, Kevin Lowe, Grant Fuhr, Al Hamilton, Jari Kurri and sports broadcaster Rod Phillips.
“Over the years, I have watched Ice District come alive and I am proud of the hockey community that has embraced it,” says Gretzky. “Edmonton carries a proud hockey history and this sport has truly become a cultural benchmark for the city. To be named alongside other deserving alumni is an incredible honour and tribute to our years of hockey in Edmonton.”
JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District is scheduled to open in Q1 2019 and will feature 346 rooms, a Spa by JW, swimming pool and multiple restaurants operated by nationally-recognized Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality. The hotel will also house a 20,000-sq.-ft. high-performance fitness centre offering the latest technology and training philosophies.
“The Marriott International portfolio consists of 30 incredible brands globally, however, the JW Marriott Brand is one of our most iconic and we are proud to bring [it] to the province of Alberta,” says Martin Stitt, area vice-president, Western Canada, Marriott International. “Incorporating Edmonton’s history and love of hockey into the sophisticated design associated with the brand will provide self-assured travellers the localized authenticity and the approachable luxury they seek.”
