Stadiums & Arenas in Winnipeg: The Ultimate Guide

Winnipeg, Manitoba is home to a diverse selection of stadiums and arenas that cater to various sports and entertainment events.

These venues provide a unique experience for the local community and visitors alike, showcasing multiple indoor and outdoor spaces to meet the requirements of various sports and events.

Some of the prominent facilities include the Canada Life Centre, Shaw Park, and Investors Group Field.

The Canada Life Centre, which is located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, serves as a prime venue for hockey events, housing both the National Hockey League’s Winnipeg Jets and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose.

Shaw Park, on the other hand, is ideal for enjoying an evening baseball game as it provides ample parking, good bus routes, and a lively atmosphere for spectators.

Investors Group Field, another noteworthy stadium, has been praised for its modern amenities and crowd-friendly atmosphere.

At these Winnipeg venues, locals and tourists can witness an array of sports events and competitions, indulge in the unique atmosphere each stadium or arena has to offer, and contribute to the city’s thriving sports culture.

Whether you’re a hardcore sports fan or simply seeking a memorable experience, Winnipeg’s stadiums and arenas have something to offer everyone.

Stadiums & Arenas in Winnipeg

IG Field

Investors Group Field, or IG Field, is a popular stadium located in Winnipeg. This multipurpose facility offers the city a venue for various sports events and concerts throughout the year. Commonly known for being the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, a professional Canadian football team, the stadium has seen numerous events and has been praised for its facilities in reviews on TripAdvisor.

Aside from football, IG Field has also hosted soccer games and special events, making it an integral part of the local sports and entertainment culture. Ample parking and good bus routes make it easily accessible for visitors and locals alike.

Canada Life Centre

Previously known as MTS Centre and Bell MTS Place, the Canada Life Centre is an indoor arena situated in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba. This 440,000 square feet (41,000 m2) facility is the home of the National Hockey League’s Winnipeg Jets and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. Owned and operated by True North Sports & Entertainment, it has become a prominent venue for both major sports events and large-scale concerts.

Located on the former Eaton’s site, the Canada Life Centre has revitalized the Downtown area, adding to the overall atmosphere and contributing to Winnipeg’s growing reputation as a sports and entertainment hub.

The diverse range of events hosted at Canada Life Centre and IG Field demonstrate their significance in Winnipeg’s sports and entertainment scene. With convenient access, modern facilities, and exciting events, both venues play a crucial role in the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.

History

Early Stadiums & Arenas

In the mid-20th century, Winnipeg had several venues that hosted various sporting events. The Winnipeg Arena was one such venue, with construction beginning in October 1954 to replace the obsolete Shea’s Amphitheatre. It became home to the Winnipeg Warriors, a minor-league hockey team, from 1955 to 1961.

Another significant venue during this era was the Canad Inns Stadium. Officially opened on August 14, 1953, it hosted a fundraising gala to benefit the Winnipeg Unit of the Shriners Hospitals for Children. At the inauguration, 12,000 spectators were present, including influential figures like Foster Hewitt and Hollywood actress Corinne Calvet.

Several Memorial Cup champions arose from Winnipeg in this period. Notable teams include the Winnipeg Junior Falcons (1921), Elmwood Millionaires (1931), Winnipeg Monarchs (1935, 1937, 1946), Winnipeg Rangers (1941, 1943), St. Boniface Seals (1938), and Winnipeg Braves (1959).

Modern Developments

In the 1970s, the Winnipeg Arena entered a new era with the introduction of the Winnipeg Jets. This professional hockey team joined the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1972, achieving significant success throughout the decade. They won three WHA championships during this period, which brought pride to the city and province.

In 1979, the Jets were among four teams admitted into the National Hockey League (NHL). However, the Winnipeg Arena closed in 2004 after the completion of the MTS Centre in November. The site of the former arena now houses a retail and commercial complex.

Events & Performances

Winnipeg, a lively city in Canada, offers a diverse range of events and performances at its stadiums and arenas. In this section, we will cover the variety of experiences available at these venues, focusing specifically on sporting events, concerts, and shows.

Sporting Events

Winnipeg’s stadiums and arenas host various sporting events throughout the year. Shaw Park is a popular destination for baseball fans, offering ample parking and good bus routes to enjoy an evening game. Home to the Winnipeg Goldeyes, the park offers a fun and exciting atmosphere.

Investors Group Field, another prominent stadium, hosts football matches and soccer games. This modern facility is known for its impressive design and comfortable seating. Located at 315 Chancellor Matheson Road, the stadium is easily accessible and has numerous events scheduled throughout the year.

Concerts & Shows

In addition to sporting events, Winnipeg’s stadiums and arenas also offer exciting concerts and shows. Canada Life Centre is a marquee entertainment facility that hosts a variety of premier sports, music, and entertainment events year-round. From chart-topping artists to extravagant productions, this venue is sure to please anyone looking for a thrilling experience.

For those interested in attending concerts and shows, the following venues provide exemplary performances:

• Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC): Known for its engaging plays and excellent acoustics
• Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts: A historic theatre venue offering a diverse array of concerts and performances
• Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra: A renowned symphony orchestra featuring talented musicians and beautiful compositions
• Manitoba Theatre For Young People: Focused on hosting interactive and engaging performances for younger audiences

Winnipeg’s stadiums and arenas undoubtedly offer various events and performances to cater to diverse interests. Whether a sports enthusiast, music lover, or theatre aficionado, this vibrant city has something for everyone.

Facilities & Amenities

Winnipeg offers a variety of stadiums and arenas that cater to diverse sports and events. This section highlights their Facilities & Amenities, focusing on Seating & Capacity and Parking & Transportation.

Seating & Capacity

• Canada Life Centre: Home to the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets, this modern facility in downtown Winnipeg boasts a seating capacity of over 15,000 for hockey games and up to 17,000 for concerts. The arena offers comfortable seats and excellent sightlines throughout.
• Shaw Park: Primarily a baseball stadium, Shaw Park is located near the Red River and provides seating for around 7,000 spectators. The facility is designed for a relaxed, enjoyable experience, featuring comfortable seating and a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Investors Group Field: This multipurpose stadium, mostly used for Canadian football and soccer, has a seating capacity of 33,000. It offers spacious seating, excellent views, and a variety of concession options.

Parking & Transportation

• Canada Life Centre: When visiting the Canada Life Centre, there are numerous parking options available, including the Millennium Library Parkade, CityPlace Parkade, and on-street parking. Public transit options, such as the Downtown Spirit and Winnipeg Transit bus services, provide easy access to the facility.
• Shaw Park: Ample parking is available around Shaw Park, including designated lots and on-street parking. The stadium is also easily accessible by public transit, with good bus routes servicing the area.
• Investors Group Field: The stadium features plenty of on-site parking options for visitors. Additionally, several public transit routes and Park & Ride locations make getting to and from the stadium convenient for those opting for public transportation.

These stadiums and arenas in Winnipeg not only offer great seating options and capacity but also ensure hassle-free parking and transportation solutions for their visitors.

Future Developments

In recent years, there have been discussions and proposals for new stadiums and arenas in Winnipeg. While some projects are on hold, others are moving forward, aiming to provide the city with improved sports and entertainment facilities.

One notable project is the construction of a new arena for the Winnipeg Ice, a junior hockey team. However, it seems that the team won’t have a new home anytime soon and will extend their stay at the University of Manitoba’s Wayne Fleming Arena for the 2022-23 season and likely beyond. As of now, no plans have been finalized for building a new arena for the team.

In Winnipeg, there is an ongoing issue with the city’s aging infrastructure. The city faces a projected $6.9-billion deficit for maintaining and updating roads, sewers, transit systems, and civic buildings, including stadiums and arenas. This may impact the timeline for future development projects, but it is crucial for the city to address these infrastructure concerns.

An interesting development is the potential construction of the tallest building outside Downtown Winnipeg. The high-rise project, located near the University of Winnipeg, may provide a unique opportunity for future entertainment and commercial venues in the area.

On a broader scale, there are several stadiums proposed or under construction worldwide. These include outdoor venues designed for sports traditionally held outdoors. Although none of these projects are located in Winnipeg, it is important to note the global trend towards developing modern, state-of-the-art stadiums and arenas. Winnipeg may benefit from observing these projects and taking inspiration for its own future developments.

Winnipeg has the potential to experience significant growth in its stadium and arena offerings in the coming years. By paying attention to the city’s infrastructure needs and learning from other successful projects, Winnipeg’s future developments are poised to offer exciting opportunities for sports and entertainment enthusiasts.