Economic Development Winnipeg announces the return of Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties

After four years, Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW), along with True North Sports + Entertainment (TNSE) and partners, is excited to once again create a community destination for fans to celebrate the Winnipeg Jets’ 2023 playoff run with the return of the Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties.

“As the home of unforgettable playoff street parties, we know how to do this right, and we’re excited to have an opportunity to recapture the spirit and energy of 2018 and 2019, as we come together in celebration of our Winnipeg Jets and showcase our city to the world,” said Dayna Spiring, President & CEO, EDW. “Don your jersey and get your game face on — the Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties are back, and they’re going to be better than ever before.”

The Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties will take place before and during every Winnipeg Jets home playoff game, beginning with Game 3 vs. their Western Conference First Round opponents, the Vegas Golden Knights (dates TBD – refer to https://www.nhl.com/jets for latest news). Party gates will open two hours before puck drop on Donald Street between Portage Avenue and Honourary Dale Hawerchuk Way (Graham Avenue) adjacent to Canada Life Centre, providing a fun, entertaining and safe environment for 5,000 fans to create community as they cheer on the Winnipeg Jets in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Jets games will be broadcast on large screens at either end of Donald Street, and food and beverages will be available for purchase on site from a number of food trucks and kiosks. Guest hosts, DJs and a variety of entertainment will add to the energy and atmosphere. The Winnipeg Jets Promo Team will be there with prizes, and fans can pick up Whiteout merchandise at the Jets Gear kiosk.

The Whiteout Street Parties will be ticketed events with $5 from each $10 ticket reinvested into the community through United Way Winnipeg to agencies whose work is centred around supporting those in our city experiencing homelessness, addictions and mental health challenges. In 2019, the parties resulted in a contribution of more than $162,000 to United Way Winnipeg.

EDW acknowledges the support of the Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg and the organizational resources of True North Sports + Entertainment in making these events happen. The Manitoba government is providing $75,000 per playoff round, and the City of Winnipeg is providing up to $15,000 per game in in-kind services (pending Council approval) to help make the parties a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Additionally, EDW will allocate $50,000 from the Special Event Tourism Fund to deliver an enhanced production.

“We are thrilled the Winnipeg whiteout is once again coming back to the streets of downtown Winnipeg and that the NHL’s loudest and proudest fans can come together to celebrate and showcase our pride and excitement for the Winnipeg Jets, our city and province,” said the Honourable Heather Stefanson, Premier of Manitoba. “Our government is proud to support Economic Development Winnipeg and their partners in hosting the Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties, which will also provide a boost to local businesses and the downtown community. GO JETS GO!”

“Winnipeg is a hockey town, so having the Jets back in the playoffs and the whiteout back on the streets downtown is exciting,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “These events have a special way of bringing our community together to root for a common goal, which is something we really need right now. Not only do these street parties create a positive impression of Winnipeg among hockey fans around the world, but they give a boost to our self-image and have a tremendous impact on local businesses.”

In Years 1 and 2, approximately 145,000 people participated in the Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties, creating a powerful groundswell of support for the Winnipeg Jets.

“This is our team, our legacy and our chance to show the world once again what it means to be a Winnipegger. Our city is full of devoted fans with heart who know how to show up. We cannot wait to see the street adjacent to Canada Life Centre filled,” said Kevin Donnelly, Senior Vice President, Venues and Entertainment, TNSE.

TICKET INFORMATION – WHITEOUT STREET PARTIES & PLAYOFF GAMES

• Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties: Tickets go on sale to the public Monday, April 17 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster for the Winnipeg Jets’ first-round home games (link will go live at the designated time). Whiteout Party ticketholders will receive information with key details at the time of ticket purchase or can visit wpgwhiteoutstreetparty.ca to learn more about on-site services, amenities and what to know before they go. Gameday playoff ticket holders will be granted pre-game access to the Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties with their game ticket. They will not need a separate ticket to access the event before entering Canada Life Centre for the game.

• Winnipeg Jets Western Conference First Round home games: Game tickets will be available to the public through Ticketmaster on Saturday, April 15 at 12 p.m. with a two-hour pre-sale opportunity beginning at 10 a.m. for JetsMail subscribers and Jets 360 members. Fans can still sign up to receive the pre-sale opportunity through WinnipegJets.com or the Winnipeg Jets App.

ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS

• Party in the Plaza: With fans looking for exciting ways to celebrate, Hargrave St. Market will be hosting their party which begins four hours before puck drop. Fans will be able to watch the game indoors at Hargrave St. Market and outdoors in True North Square’s plaza. Fans will enjoy live entertainment, exciting programming and some of our city’s best local food and beverage offerings from the concepts at Hargrave St. Market. Tickets for the Party in the Plaza go on sale Monday, April 17 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

• “Blue Light + Wear White”: Amp up the playoff atmosphere downtown and across the city and province! To extend the show of playoff support for both the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose, this initiative encourages fans to wear white and light up their businesses and homes in blue. Fans who participate and engage with the Winnipeg Jets social media will have chances to win prizes.