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Street party to happen outside Bell MTS Place at Jets playoff home games

Jets fans who are not able to watch home games at Bell MTS Place will be able to watch outside. Brittany Greenslade / Global News

With the Jets making it to the Stanley Cup playoffs, it goes without saying there will be a Winnipeg Whiteout.

READ MORE: Winnipeg Jets put out Flames, will play Wild in Round 1

To support fans and the team in their run for the cup, the City of Winnipeg is planning a street party.

Mayor Brian Bowman, Dayna Spiring of Economic Development Winnipeg and Kevin Donnelly from True North Sports and Entertainment shared details about the event Friday afternoon.

Dayna Spiring said this playoff series is a once in a lifetime opportunity and Winnipeg will be the envy of other hockey cities, which is why the EDC has joined in coordinating in the first ever Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party.

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“This is going to be the place to be … this is going to be a family friendly event. We want everyone to come out and celebrate,” Spiring said. “Even Mother Nature supports the Whiteout”.

She admitted the plans are still a work in progress and they will work to share details as soon as they are finalized.

VIEW: Photos of the Winnipeg Whiteout street party plan

Kevin Donnelly said the party theme is “We are Winnipeg” and will happen during each home game on Donald Street between Portage and Graham Avenues. Admission will be free.

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“Its where the energy inside Bell MTS Place can combine with the energy outside,” he said.

The plan is for there to be video screens within a contained space which will be licensed.

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Programming will begin two hours before the puck drops and run until 30 minutes after the game.

Organizers said they have a comprehensive security plan in collaboration with the Winnipeg Police Service and the Downtown Biz.

Brian Bowman said the party would allow fans who were not fortunate enough to get tickets to the game to join in the celebration, adding that he intends to go down with his family and hopes many other families will as well.

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He also suggested he would be glad to invite Snoop Dogg to the City after learning that the rap artist had given a shout out to NHL teams about their playoff runs.

READ MORE: Snoop Dogg catches Winnipeg Jets playoff fever

As for the weather, no one was worried that the cold snap would put a chill on festivities.

“Its our turn. It’s our time. … rain or shine or whatever, Winnipeggers love to get together for special events outdoors. Wear white!” Bowman said.

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