The playoff-bound Winnipeg Jets have announced plans for this year’s whiteout street parties.
True North Sports + Entertainment’s Kevin Donnelly spoke at an official launch for the 2023 parties Friday, along with Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, and Dayna Spiring of Economic Development Winnipeg.
Five thousand Jets fans will gather on Donald Street, between Portage Avenue and Graham Avenue — near the team’s home ice at Canada Life Centre — for the first public celebration of Jets’ playoff hockey in four years.
This year, Donnelly said, there’s a new twist, with additional celebrations planned for True North Square.
“We’re thrilled to announce the True North Square activation,” he said.
“The party in the plaza is a separate ticketed event that will be open a full four hours prior to puck drop, feautring the massive outdoor screen, live entertainment, DJs, and incredible food and beverages from our local Hargrave Street Market vendors.”
The parties, Economic Development Winnipeg’s Spiring said, are about bringing the community together.
“When Winnipeg comes together to celebrate, our energy and passion simply can’t be matched,” she said.
“This year, we’re going to take that energy — and our street parties — to new heights.
Street party tickets are $10, with $20 tickets for the True North Square events, and both go on sale Monday at 10 a.m. Some proceeds from ticket sales will benefit United Way Winnipeg.
The Jets, whose regular season ended Thursday with a loss to the Colorado Avalanche, officially clinched a playoff spot earlier this week, and will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round.
The team will open the series on the road, with games scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday of next week.