Let the parties begin Winnipeg prepares for Whiteout Mania as front-running Jets get ready for playoffs By: Mike McIntyre Posted: 5:25 PM CDT Tuesday, Apr. 8, 2025

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Bigger. Better. And, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew hopes, longer and pricier than ever.

As he stood in front of a jam-packed True North Square on Tuesday afternoon, Kinew said his government is going to provide up to $300,000 in funding to offset costs associated with expanded downtown Winnipeg Jets playoff parties this spring.

“It’s 75 grand per round, so I don’t want to take any of this money back,” Kinew said to an eruption of cheers from a few hundred spectators who attended the launch of what is being dubbed “Winnipeg Whiteout Mania.”

“I want that money to keep rolling over four rounds into the playoffs. And you know what? This is one area where I don’t mind us going over budget. Because if we have to plan another party at the end of the playoffs, what does that mean?”

The answer, of course, would be a Stanley Cup celebration. Dare to dream, but it’s not so far-fetched considering the hockey club currently sits on top of the NHL standings with a 53-21-4 record. The Jets have already sewn up home-ice advantage for at least the first round of the playoffs, which are set to begin over the Easter long weekend. Specific game dates are yet to be announced and an opponent still to be determined.

“The greatest day in Manitoba history is the day Mark Chipman and True North brought the Winnipeg Jets back to our city,” Kinew told the crowd.

“I say that as one of the kids that was there breaking the proverbial piggy bank in the ‘90s to try and keep the Jets home. But I think we are saving room in our hearts for another special day sometime soon, where the Winnipeg Jets bring the Stanley Cup home to Canada.”

Kinew said he was going to work with Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, who also spoke at the kickoff, to ensure “downtown is safe.”

“The Jets are going to make sure it’s a winning team, and all of you are going to make sure that this is the No. 1 hockey town in the entire world,” said Kinew, which prompted another round of “Go Jets Go” chants.

Among Tuesday’s announcements:

● There will be outdoor parties on Donald Street during every home game. They will be capped at 5,000 fans who will pay $10 per ticket to take in the festivities outside Canada Life Centre. Fans can enjoy live music, win prizes and watch the game on big screens and also use the facilities and amenities inside The Met for additional food and drink options. A secondary party, held at True North Square and the Hargrave Street Market, will be an outdoor/indoor mix and host a maximum of 1,200 fans who will pay $20 each. Tickets for both go on sale on Tuesday April 15 and $5 from each one will go to United Way Winnipeg.

“This is a special day for Winnipeg. It speaks to two things — unity and community,” said J.P. Perron, the campaign chair for the organization. “Moments like this remind us how powerful it is when we come together for something bigger than ourselves.”

More than $312,000 has been raised through previous Whiteout parties, with various agencies including N’Dinawemak – Our Relatives’ Place, Main Street Project, Velma’s House, Astum Api Niikinaahk and the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre all using the proceeds to tackle issues such as mental health, homelessness and addiction.

Just crunching the numbers, each home playoff game has the potential to bring $31,000 their way. If the Jets go all the way to the final and play the maximum number of home games — four each round for a total of 16 — the end result would be $496,000.

“These funds will bring real meaningful change to people’s lives,” said Perron.

● The Jets will host watch parties inside Canada Life Centre for all road playoff games this year, allowing up to 15,225 fans to watch together on the Jumbotron while also having the typical amenities for a home game, including a rally towel and all concessions available. Tickets will be $10 with all proceeds going towards the True North Youth Foundation.

“Every year, fans make this time of year bigger and better,” said Kevin Donnelly, senior-vice president with True North. “We’re just trying to keep up with their exuberance and their energy and hope to enhance the sense of community that gets created around these whiteouts and celebrate our fans.”

Donnelly joked that Winnipeg “might be the only place where we have a party to announce that we’re going to have a party.”

● Single-game playoff tickets go on sale this Friday at noon. However, fewer than 1,000 per game are expected to be available due to the fact existing season ticket holders and those who have put deposits for either half or full season packages for next year get first crack at purchasing them.

Fans attending home playoff games can use their tickets to access the two street parties prior to puck drop.

“Of course there’s the hockey, but it’s the pride and spirit — we’re seeing it here today — of our city that elevates Manitoba’s playoff experience to the legendary celebration that it has become,” Sara Orlesky, emcee of Tuesday’s event, told the crowd. “It’s a phenomenon that players embrace and look forward to. And it’s a spectacle that is shared and admired the world over.”

● The Jets are also bringing the playoff atmosphere to the public this year through what they are calling a community “Hype Tour.” They’ll be popping up at various locations around the province, starting with the Clear Spring Mall in Steinbach between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday to get the party started early. Fans are also being invited to showcase their passion — whether it’s with costumes, signs and songs — through the team’s website for a chance at winning prizes including playoff tickets. Princess Auto will also be giving out “Whiteout Mania” lawn signs for free at their three locations starting April 15.

“Get your facepaint, get your painter suits, your Elvis jumpers, your wedding dresses, your white wigs and your clever signs,” said Donnelly. “It’s an integral part of our playoff celebrations. Fans embrace the experience and give the world yet another reason to put our city on the map.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg