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
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.
