With the Winnipeg Jets a lock for the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs and currently sitting at the top of the Central Division, playoff fever is gripping the city.
Economic Development Winnipeg’s Dayna Spiring and Kevin Donnelly of True North Sports + Entertainment officially launched 2019’s Winnipeg whiteout street parties Monday morning at Bell MTS Place.
WATCH: Global’s Amber McGuckin reports
Tens of thousands of fans gathered in downtown Winnipeg to celebrate the team’s 2018 playoff run, which saw the Jets reach the Western Conference final for the first time ever.
The fun continues this year, but it won’t be free.
WATCH: Organizers share details of of the Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party — 2019 edition
Fans who aren’t going to the game but plan to head downtown to take part in the festivities will need to buy $5 tickets, with all funds going to United Way Winnipeg.
“Last year we issued tickets for the final street parties, and we learned a lot with that free ticketing system that we had in place,” said Donnelly.
“Unfortunately, people were accessing more tickets than they used, which led to lower that expected redemption rates. Placing a monetary value on the tickets will allow us to better gauge the actual attendance.”
Tickets will be sold via Ticketmaster, with a limit of four per person. The first party is expected to accommodate 15,000 people, with the potential to grow the capacity as needed as the playoffs progress.
Street party zones/capacity will be decided 48 hours prior. Food and entertainment will once again be offered, as well as a dedicated family zone. Street party gates will open two hours before puck drop on game day.
Donnelly said, for those who may not have the means, 500 free tickets will be made available through the United Way, to make the events fully accessible to all.
The United Way will be directing funds received from the whiteout parties to agencies dealing with what they see as “critical areas of need” in the city, including homelessness, addiction and mental health.
WATCH: True North, Economic Development and United Way partnering for a purpose
Bell MTS Place will also be holding away game viewing parties in the arena. Funds raised by ticket sales ($10 each) will go to the True North Youth Foundation.
“We’re excited to build on the success of last year’s street parties and present an even better fan experience this year,” said Donnelly.
“As well as creating a community to celebrate together downtown, we are especially pleased to make this bigger than hockey by driving awareness and funds to deserving organizations across the city.”
WATCH: Jets fans get Whiteout fever