By Sarah B. Hood
Home to such pro teams as the Jets of the NHL, the Blue Bombers of the CFL and Valour FC of the Canadian Premier League, it’s no surprise that Winnipeg consistently punches above its weight in sport hosting. It has welcomed numerous prestige playoffs, such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Pan Am Games, the NHL Heritage Classic, the Grey Cup and the North American Indigenous Games.
“When a large event is held in this city, we want the whole city to know about it. We will do activations at the airport and event sites. We basically paint the town with your event and support it with event marketing materials,” says Crystal Seman, business development manager, sports and special events for Tourism Winnipeg.
WINNIPEG FAST FACTS
WEBSITES: wininwinnipeg.com
POPULATION: 783,096 (2022 Census)
ACCOMMODATIONS: 6,700 hotel rooms for groups
VENUES
Princess Auto Stadium: Hosting football, soccer, rugby or lacrosse, the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers seats 32,343 spectators.
Canada Life Centre: The Winnipeg Jets’ arena can be configured for basketball, wrestling, figure skating or motor sports.
Blue Cross Park: A multi-use facility with a pro-level baseball field and a capacity of 7,461 attendees.
Investors Group Athletic Centre: A 70,000-sq.-ft. facility at the University of Manitoba featuring three international-size basketball and volleyball courts. Also on campus, the Max Bell Centre is home to both the James Daly Fieldhouse and the Wayne Fleming Arena.
hockey for all centre: A Hockey Canada Centre of Excellence with four NHL-standard rinks and seating for up to 1,512 spectators, plus meeting rooms, a training centre and The Press Box Restaurant & Sports Bar.
Soccer South: Winnipeg Soccer Federation’s indoor/ outdoor complex can be configured as a single field or multiple smaller fields. It seats 1,000.
NOTEWORTHY
Esports: Winnipeg is building links with esports communities and partnering with RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg to attract and host local and out-of-market events.
Photo: Dan Harper AND Economic Development Winnipeg
Indigenous Flavour: Winnipeg’s Ojibwe, Cree, Dakota and Métis heritage shines in the menus of spots like the upscale Feast Café Bistro, Manoomin Restaurant at the Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport and the Métis-influenced Promenade Brasserie.
The Exchange District: A 20-block stretch of heritage buildings that boasts more than 50 local food and drink purveyors, like the 1906-vintage James Avenue Pumphouse and over 40 independent retailers offering everything from custom corsetry to handmade guitars.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights: Renowned for excellence in design, sustainability and exhibits, the museum offers several choices for galas, corporate events, lectures and performances. The Stuart Clark Garden of Contemplation is a stunning venue for cocktail receptions and mid-size dinners.
The Forks Market: Once home to horse stables and haylofts, The Forks Market has been reimagined as a vibrant food hall on the main floor and with a second floor filled with retail boutiques featuring the work of local artisans.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hampton Inn by Hilton Winnipeg Downtown: A large proportion of this property’s 134 guestrooms have two beds; it offers a complimentary hot breakfast plus virtual sports lounge and fitness centre.
Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport: A new hotel owned by Long Plain First Nation and situated on an urban reserve. Local Indigenous culture is reflected in the décor and cuisine of this 132-room hotel offering a Knowledge Keepers’ gathering room and bilingual service in English and Ojibway.
EVENTS IN 2025
August 17-24: Nearly 600 athletes from more than 60 countries will compete in the World Archery Youth Championships at Red River Exhibition Park and The Forks.
August: The Canadian Elite Basketball League’s 2025 Championship Weekend comes to the Canada Life Centre.
November 16: The 112th Grey Cup will mark Winnipeg’s fifth time hosting Canada’s top football showdown.
Photo: Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Published October 2024
