Jets fans rev engines as playoffs take flight

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/04/2023 (924 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If a “whiteout” is set to land downtown this weekend, then the first smattering of flurries began Tuesday, as Winnipeg Jets fans descended on bars and restaurants to watch the first game of a best-of-seven series against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Fans decked out in jerseys enjoyed food and drink at several establishments, including Boston Pizza at the corner of Hargrave Street and St. Mary Avenue, Local Public house on Garry Street and down on south Osborne Street.

“It’s always exciting to cheer on your home team,” Damian Turner said as he enjoyed a beer with his friend George Ehr, at The King’s Head Pub on King Street.

Both men have held season tickets at one point or another. Ehr is a current resident of the 300 section at Canada Life Centre and Turner is a former season-ticket holder who bought his first all-season pass in 2011 when the Jets returned and held it for six years.

They were surprised to see modest turnout at the pub around 7 p.m., but fans continued to filter in as the night wore on.

Neither fan plans to attend the whiteout street parties slated for the weekend, but both said they were glad to see the tradition continue after the Jets missed playoffs last year and the 2021 playoff run was hampered by COVID-19.

In anticipation of the parties, the City of Winnipeg looks set to provide up to $15,000 worth of services.

On Tuesday, the executive policy committee approved a plan to devote “in kind” support for street closures, permits and special duty policing for the outdoor festivities that accompany home play-off games, pending full council approval.

The Jets are scheduled to play their first two playoff games out-of-town against the Vegas Golden Knights this week but will return to Canada Life Centre for the next two contests on Saturday and Monday.

The whiteout parties will be held on Donald Street between Portage and Graham avenues. This time around, capacity will be capped at 5,000 people and tickets will cost $10 each.

Police warned Jets fans to be aware of scammers claiming to sell tickets to sold-out whiteout street parties and playoff games.

Several people reported sending money to unknown sellers who advertised online, but they hadn’t received the promised tickets, the Winnipeg Police Service said Tuesday.

True North Sports and Entertainment has confirmed all tickets to whiteout street parties and home playoff games scheduled for April 22 and April 24 are sold out. Tickets for the “Party in the Plaza” at True North Square are still available for April 24.

Tickets should only be purchased through Ticketmaster, the events’ official vendor, police said.

“Street party tickets sold on any other online platform, including resale platforms, are unverifiable and should be considered fraudulent,” police said.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca