Last Friday, June 12, 2015, was the opening day for the new Shell Place Stadium, and people showed up in crowds for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Around 2,300 people took part in the ceremony for the ribbon cutting which marked the official opening of the facility. Mayor Melissa Blake was thrilled to take part, saying “I simply can’t feel anything more than absolute joy and excitement. It’s a wonderful facility for the community to open, we fell short on the record, but we fell huge on the enthusiasm.” The crowd assembled on the Shell Place baseball field, where a ribbon that was approximately 3 kilomtres long was placed. Around 2,300 people all cut through this ribbon at the same time, showing an incredible spirit of community.

After the Shell Place Stadium opening ceremony the Northern Kickoff was held. This was an exhibition game that pitted the Edmonton Eskimos against the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. David Yurdiga, the Fort McMurray-Athabasca MP , said “This really pulls the community together. A lot of times, the north is always forgotten … but do you know what? Fort McMurray is a place to go, a destination.” Regional Recreation Corporation spokesperson Theresa Wells explained “We invited everybody to come down today and cut the ribbon on Shell Place, and we’re so glad they came down to join us.” The goal of the ribbon cutting ceremony was to beat the Guinness World Record in the category of “Most participants at a ribbon cutting” but this did not happen. Michael Empric, the Guinness World Records adjudicator, stated “They fell a bit short today, but it’s been a glorious day outside, and I know all the kids and community members were so excited to be out here. The Guinness World Record would have been the cherry on top, but the facility is really incredible, and that’s what matters.”