In the coming weeks, Winnipeg’s downtown will be hit by a whiteout, this one of the welcome variety. With the Winnipeg Jets securing their place in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, it’s time for the traditional downtown street parties to begin.
This year will mark the second year in a row the street parties have been held. At these whiteouts, fans gather outdoors, outfitted in white, to show support for the local team.
Getting in on the action, the provincial government announced their investment of $75,000 per playoff round to support the parties, which are expected to take place during every Jets home playoff game.
“Our government is excited to be able to help bring back the energy of Jets whiteout parties to downtown Winnipeg,” says Premier Wab Kinew. “Not only do whiteout parties benefit downtown businesses and raise money for housing and mental health supports, they’re a fantastic way to come together as a community. Whiteout parties are a great, affordable way to experience the atmosphere of playoff hockey.”
The parties will be hosted on Donald Street between Portage Avenue and Graham Avenue, adjacent to Canada Life Centre. Tickets will be available for $10 per person through True North.
From every ticket sold, $5 will be donated to the United Way to fund initiatives aimed at ending chronic homelessness and providing mental health and addictions supports.
“Jets fans are the best in the NHL and I’m so excited for the playoffs to get started and see downtown Winnipeg packed with people on game days,” says Glen Simard, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. “Our government is pleased to partner with True North to put on these great events that bring folks together and add to the vibrancy of downtown.”
Up to 5,000 Jets fans will have access to the venue two hours prior to puck drop. On site, there’ll be entertainers, DJs, and guest hosts to keep the crowd pumped.
The games will broadcast on the street through the use of three large projection screens. Food trucks and concession stands will be available along with whiteout merch from a Jets Gear kiosk.
Proceeds from the street parties held in 2019 and 2023 resulted in more than $200,000 in donations to community agencies such as N’Dinawemak—Our Relatives’ Place, Main Street Project, Velma’s House, Astum Api Niikinaahk, and the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.
