'Go Jets go!': Winnipeg fans, businesses gear up for whiteout parties as Jets embark on playoff run
As the Winnipeg Jets prepare to take on Colorado in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, fans and businesses are joining in the fun.
On Sunday, the Jets will face off against the Avalanche as thousands of fans flood Donald Street in downtown Winnipeg for the first Whiteout Party of the year.
“The whiteout parties are such a great economic boost for our downtown, for our local restaurants and bars, and the hotels as well,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.
The home ice advantage also makes for a sweet start to the series, offering local businesses like Chocolatier Constance Popp the chance to create treats that rise to the occasion.
“We’ve got some puck-shaped stuff, we have all the logos, we have the regular Jets logo, the Heritage logo…the Indigenous logo,” said chocolate shop packager Quinn Joyce.
Some fans are suiting up down to the littlest detail by making customized belt bags.
“I started off by making them just for my family and they got really good feedback,” said Nicole Ellie. “So I decided to sell a few and donate the proceeds to the True North Youth Foundation.”
Other organizations and businesses are also joining in on the festivities, including car dealerships and the Winnipeg Public Library.
While it may not be Donald Street, a couple on Nairn Avenue makes sure to keep their Santa Claus in season – playoff season, that is.
“We’ve got the whiteout going here for the Winnipeg Jets playoffs and I’m hoping to keep this guy up here just a little (past) mid-June,” said Richard Holm.
Meantime, the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) said its looking forward to welcoming fans to the heart of the city.
“Having these large scale events in the downtown community helps to give people that positive experience in coming downtown,” said Olivia Billson, the BIZ’s marketing, communications and engagement director. “It helps with public perception and it certainly helps with safety as well.”
WHITEOUT ZONE
The Whiteout Zone falls just outside Canada Life Centre along Donald Street, between Portage and Graham avenues. (Jaralyn Salangsang/CTV News)
The Whiteout Zone stretches down Donald Street between Portage and Graham avenues and each party is capped at 5,000 people.
For those looking to get downtown, Bike Winnipeg recommends planning alternate routes and methods of transportation.
“We’re going to have our bike valet out here on Donald just beneath the Skywalk across from the library and City Place,” said Mark Cohoe, Bike Winnipeg’s executive director. “If people are looking to bike here, that’s a great way to come to the whiteouts.”
RCAF FIGHTER JETS FLYOVER
Whether you’re taking a bike, car or bus to get to the game, make sure to look up at the sky – two Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fighter jets will be flying over Canada Life Centre and the Whiteout Party to mark the start of the series around 6 p.m. Sunday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.
BREAKING Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
WATCH LIVE Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto incident caught on video
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Who is Hope Hicks, longtime Trump aide who is testifying in N.Y. hush money case?
Hope Hicks, once a longtime trusted aide in Donald Trump’s inner circle, is testifying Friday in the New York hush money trial after being subpoenaed.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.