Whiteout Street Parties will return to Manitoba's capital, as the Winnipeg Jets have punched their ticket to the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
On Friday, True North Sports + Entertainment and Economic Development Winnipeg met to announce the news related to the return of the outdoor postseason celebrations.
This year, however, there won't be quite as many fans in attendance, while those going will be expected to dish out a little more cash on cover charges.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, Premier Heather Stefanson, True North's Kevin Donnelly and Economic Develpment Winnipeg's Dayna Spiring spoke at an event from Canada Life Centre to inform the public on changes to this year's fan-focused events.
After a four-year hiatus - thanks in large part to the COVID pandemic - the 2023 Whiteout Street Parties will feature a $10 admission price to which just 5,000 participants will be grouped on Donald Street (between Portage Avenue and Graham Avenue) in the main party area.
New for 2023 is the opening of the Party in the Plaza - or True North Square - where 1,000 attendees will be able to watch the game around the Dale Hawerchuk statue on large screens. Guest hosts and DJs will be on-site helping raise the invisible roof with noise in Winnipeg's core area.
$5 from each ticket sold will go to United Way and various other charitable organizations within the city that help support homelessness, addiction and mental health issues. 2019 saw $162K donated to United Way as direct result of the Whiteout Street Parties.
Beer vendors, food trucks and portable bathrooms will once again be set up in both locations, with True North Square opening four hours before puck drop for both home games, while Donald Street will be open to ticketed participants two hours prior to puck drop.
“These events have a special way of bringing our community together to root for a common goal, which is something we really need right now," Mayor Gillingham said. "Not only do these street parties create a positive impression of Winnipeg among hockey fans around the world, but they give a boost to our self-image and have a tremendous impact on local businesses.”
Beginning in 2018 with free, but ticketed events, the parties grew in number and size (upwards of 20,000 fans in attendance) until a maximum number of participants was put in place to reduce mass crowds/riots.
2019 was the first year to which attendees were charged admission. It was a $5 entry fee with all proceeds going to United Way. 15,000 attendees were allowed admission into each event.
The Whiteout Street Parties will receive $75K per round from the Manitoba government, $15K per game from the City of Winnipeg and a one-time payment of $50K from Economic Development Winnipeg to "help make the parties a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, and deliver an enhanced production".
“Our government is proud to support Economic Development Winnipeg and their partners in hosting the Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties, which will also provide a boost to local businesses and the downtown community," Premier Stefanson said.
The Jets will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the opening round from Nevada, with Games 1 and 2 being played at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday and Thursday. Games 3 and 4 will occur in Winnipeg, beginning over the weekend.
There will be no in-arena road game watching parties from Canada Life Centre - at least in the first round - as venue scheduling conflicts will prevent fans from congregating to watch the games in Vegas on the jumbotron from downtown Winnipeg.
Tickets to both of the Donald Street parties and both of the Party in the Plaza events will go on sale at 10:00 AM central time on Monday morning on Ticketmaster.