Shaquille O’Neal has been spotted in Edmonton this week, and locals are curious why he’s visiting the Alberta capital.
The NBA legend was seen dining at Sherwood Park’s Mazati Lounge on Tuesday night and was later spotted at a promotional event at the Edmonton Convention Centre on Wednesday. But why would Shaq be visiting Edmonton?
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It’s not every day that an NBA icon is seen making his rounds around the city of Edmonton, but there is a reason why Shaq has made the visit. According to CTV, the big man was in town to help promote a new line of “Shaqopedic” furniture being introduced by The Brick, an Edmonton-based furniture retailer.
Shaqopedic furniture, as you might imagine, is designed for larger people and includes bigger items to fit the needs of people who might hover around Shaq’s seven-foot-one, 325-pound frame.
“I’m just happy to be here, it’s my first time in Edmonton,” Shaq told CTV’s Kent Morrison. “I went out last night by myself, and everybody was hospitable.
“I think the Canadian people know that Shaq loves Canada… I just love Canadian people.”
Shaq has had a unique connection to the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers ever since the team’s run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2024. During that run, forward Zach Hyman took on the moniker of “Shaq Hyman,” and the two have gifted each other jerseys. The duo, however, has never been seen together in person, and it’s unlikely they’ll get that chance even with Shaq’s Edmonton visit.
The Oilers are currently on a road trip with games in Dallas and St. Louis still on the docket. Edmonton’s next home game is set for next Sunday, and it feels unlikely the NBA legend will be in the city for that long.
Now that Shaq has a taste of Edmonton, maybe he will make his way back if the Oilers go on another long playoff run this spring.