Canada Life Centre: SeatGeek’s Complete Guide to Events at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Canada

Located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, Canada Life Centre is one of Canada’s premier arenas for hockey, concerts, and live entertainment. Best known as the home of the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets and the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, the arena also welcomes top-tier music acts, comedy tours and family-friendly events year-round. With its central location, passionate fanbase and state-of-the-art amenities, Canada Life Centre is a must-visit venue for sports and entertainment in Manitoba.

About Canada Life Centre

• Address: 300 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3C 5S4, Canada

• Opened: 2004 (originally named MTS Centre)

• Capacity: ~15,300 for hockey, up to 16,500 for concerts

• Primary Tenants: Winnipeg Jets (NHL), Manitoba Moose (AHL)

• Owner/Operator: True North Sports & Entertainment

With an intimate seating design and modern technology, Canada Life Centre ensures fans feel close to the action whether they’re catching an NHL game or a sold-out arena show. Its downtown Winnipeg location makes it easy to pair an event with nearby restaurants, bars and attractions.

A Look Back at Canada Life Centre’s History

Canada Life Centre opened in 2004, replacing the Winnipeg Arena as the city’s primary sports and entertainment venue. The arena quickly became a cornerstone of downtown revitalization.

• Winnipeg Jets Return (2011): The arena’s biggest moment came when the NHL returned to Winnipeg, as the Atlanta Thrashers relocated to the city and became the second incarnation of the Jets. Canada Life Centre instantly became one of the loudest arenas in hockey.

• Renaming Timeline: Known as MTS Centre until 2017, then Bell MTS Place until 2021, it was renamed Canada Life Centre as part of a naming rights agreement with the insurance company.

• Memorable Events:

  • NHL playoff runs that electrified the city, particularly in 2018 when the Jets reached the Western Conference Finals.

  • Concerts by global stars like Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Metallica and Elton John.

  • Hosting the 2016 NHL Heritage Classic festivities and IIHF World Junior Championship games.

Getting to Canada Life Centre

By Car: The arena is easily accessible via major Winnipeg routes, including Portage Avenue. Multiple surface lots and parkades are available nearby, though spaces fill quickly for big events. Booking parking in advance is recommended.

By Public Transit: Winnipeg Transit offers several bus routes that stop directly near the venue. Special event services are often added on Jets game days and large concerts.

By Rideshare or Taxi: Designated drop-off and pick-up areas are located around Portage Avenue and Donald Street for Uber, Lyft and taxis.

Walking: As a downtown venue, Canada Life Centre is within walking distance of many hotels, restaurants and nightlife options.

Seating at Canada Life Centre

Canada Life Centre’s seating is designed for both comfort and atmosphere:

• Lower Bowl: Closest to the ice and stage, perfect for fans who want to be right in the action.

• Upper Bowl: More affordable tickets with great sightlines across the arena.

• Premium Seating: Includes suites, loge boxes and club-level seats with exclusive amenities.

• Concert Setups: Configurations vary by performer, with options for floor seating, end-stage, and in-the-round shows.

The arena is known for its excellent acoustics and tight design, making concerts feel intimate despite the large capacity.

Food & Drink at Canada Life Centre

The arena offers both classic stadium fare and local favorites:

• Staples: Hot dogs, burgers, popcorn and nachos.

• Local Flavors: Vendors often highlight Winnipeg specialties and Canadian comfort food.

• Craft Beer & Drinks: A wide selection of local and national brews, wine and cocktails.

• Premium Options: Club-level and suite guests enjoy expanded menus, including gourmet snacks and plated meals.

Atmosphere at Canada Life Centre

Few arenas in the NHL match the energy of Canada Life Centre:

• Whiteout Tradition: During Jets playoff runs, fans wear all white, creating one of the most intimidating and visually striking playoff atmospheres in hockey.

• Moose Games: The AHL’s Manitoba Moose bring affordable, family-friendly hockey to the arena, keeping the venue buzzing all season long.

• Concert Vibes: Thanks to its acoustics and design, Canada Life Centre consistently earns praise from performers and fans alike.

Stadium Policies

• Bag Policy: Small bags are allowed but subject to search. Oversized bags are prohibited.

• Cashless Payments: Most concessions and retail operate cash-free.

• Prohibited Items: Outside food and beverages, large cameras, umbrellas and noisemakers are not permitted.

• Re-Entry: Not allowed once you exit the building.

Notable Events at Canada Life Centre

• 2011 NHL Return Game: The Jets’ first game back in Winnipeg was an emotional, historic moment for the city.

• 2018 Playoff Run: The Jets’ Western Conference Finals appearance turned the arena into one of the loudest in the league.

• Concert Highlights: Paul McCartney, Justin Timberlake, Metallica, Beyoncé and Elton John have all performed to sold-out crowds.

• Other Sports: The arena has hosted NBA preseason games, professional wrestling events, curling championships and figure skating shows.

Nearby Attractions

Canada Life Centre’s downtown location makes it easy to explore Winnipeg before or after an event:

• The Forks: A historic market and cultural hub along the Red and Assiniboine rivers.

• Exchange District: A trendy area with restaurants, bars and nightlife.

• Canadian Museum for Human Rights: A world-class museum just minutes away.

• Local Dining: Winnipeg is known for its multicultural food scene, with options ranging from classic steakhouses to innovative fusion restaurants.

Why Canada Life Centre Stands Out

Canada Life Centre is more than an arena—it’s the beating heart of Winnipeg’s sports and entertainment culture. From the electric Jets Whiteout to sold-out concerts, the venue captures the passion of the city and provides world-class experiences for every fan. Its downtown setting, rich history, and unforgettable atmosphere make it one of the premier destinations in Canada for live events.

Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek

Whether you’re cheering on the Winnipeg Jets, catching a Manitoba Moose game, or seeing your favorite artist in concert, Canada Life Centre offers one of the most exciting live event experiences in the country. Use SeatGeek to find tickets, compare seating options and plan your next trip to Winnipeg’s premier arena.