Winnipeg | NHL Jets

[BlackDog204]

San Jose decided to give up against Chicago, and let them score 5 unanswered goals to win 5-2.

This sets up a match between the Jets and Sharks at the arena tomorrow. We have to lose or win in OT. We cannot afford to win in regulation time, so here is my suggestion:

REST PLAYERs.

Hellebuyck
Comrie
Scheifele
Vilardi
Morrissey
Connor
Samberg


All these players have gave it their all, and need a much deserved rest.

Put in:

TOEWS (leave him in for 30 minutes)
NYQUIST (triple shifts)
MILIC (Moose best Goalie)
YAGER-BOMB
HEINOLA (one last game before he decides to go back to Europe)
CHIBRIKOV
FLEURY (leads team with -17, triple shift him)
BARLOW (even though he can't score in the AHL, maybe he will get lucky in the big league)

[Biff]

Originally Posted by Wpg_Guy

Looking at the latest renderings of Scotia Place, Calgary’s new arena currently under construction — it’s hard not to notice how quickly Canada Life Centre is aging in this era of modern NHL venues, despite True North’s continued investments in the arena's upgrades.

True North is obviously committed to downtown Winnipeg and the current Canada Life Centre site, but with so many NHL teams reinvesting heavily in their similarly aged arenas, it makes you wonder how True North plans to keep the fan experience and facility design competitive in the long run. I could see True North upgrading the players' areas soon — such as the locker rooms, player lounge, and training facilities — to meet today's NHL standards. Beyond that, what other improvements could be done and how far can these incremental upgrades can take CLC before a more transformative approach is needed.

The SAP Center in San Jose announced a $425 million, multi-year renovation project dubbed "The Teal Reimagination".

Scotiabank Arena in Toronto began in 2023 a multi-year, $350+ million "Reimagination Project" to overhaul the fan experience and venue infrastructure.

Bridgestone Arena in Nashville is undergoing a $650 million transformation plan which was announced in 2025.

Grand Casino Arena in Minnesota announced a $600 million renovation plan in early 2026.

Delta Center in Salt Lake City is a under going a major, multi-year renovation with an estimated $525 million specifically for the arena remodel, with a broader $900 million revitalization planned for the surrounding three-block downtown district.

And several of these new facilities substantially out compete the Canada Life Centre in terms of fan experience and modern design — including Rogers Place in Edmonton, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, and UBS Arena in New York.

I frequently think about how Canada Life Centre can be improved upon.

The main issue I see is that it is so shoe-horned into the site it is on, it really makes expansion of public spaces challenging. The biggest hurdle in my mind is that the main concourse is at street level. This allows zero opportunity to expand unless you close down one of the streets, which I don't see happening.

You can always do second storey additions over Hargrave or Donald but that would only help the upper level concourses.

It will be interested to see what they do going forward. They have done a good job with the $10m to $20m upgrades over the years, but all these improvements pale in comparison to the half billion dollar renovations happening to other arenas across the league mentioned by WPG_Guy.

[BlackDog204]

Originally Posted by Biff

I frequently think about how Canada Life Centre can be improved upon.

The main issue I see is that it is so shoe-horned into the site it is on, it really makes expansion of public spaces challenging. The biggest hurdle in my mind is that the main concourse is at street level. This allows zero opportunity to expand unless you close down one of the streets, which I don't see happening.

You can always do second storey additions over Hargrave or Donald but that would only help the upper level concourses.

It will be interested to see what they do going forward. They have done a good job with the $10m to $20m upgrades over the years, but all these improvements pale in comparison to the half billion dollar renovations happening to other arenas across the league mentioned by WPG_Guy.

There will definitely be calls for a new arena beginning in 10 years. The parking lot at the Forks across from the CMHR building would be ideal, but by then, it will have probably been developed.

[optimusREIM]

Originally Posted by BlackDog204

There will definitely be calls for a new arena beginning in 10 years. The parking lot at the Forks across from the CMHR building would be ideal, but by then, it will have probably been developed.

I'm not so sure about that site honestly, the geometry wouldnt work unless they reworked the roads or they decided to have portions of the rink over the road. Would be a great location otherwise.

[drew]

Originally Posted by BlackDog204

There will definitely be calls for a new arena beginning in 10 years. The parking lot at the Forks across from the CMHR building would be ideal, but by then, it will have probably been developed.

I honestly think they will stay put for a long time where they are. I am trying to think what new arenas offer that CLP doesn't...

What is it? Is it different seating types, corporate options?

CLP still has some untapped space available at the "skybox" level (i.e. where the organist is). But otherwise, I like CLP.

Of course I also liked the Saddledome and really think they should have renovated that building instead of building new...

[EdwardTH]

If Graham stays pedestrianized long-term then they should look at expanding over the south sidewalk at least. They could squeeze some extra amenities in there.

I like to imagine that by the time they are looking to replace CLC, shaw park will also be getting worn-down. That would be the perfect location and appears to be about the right size.

[Sheepish]

Edward...you are aware that the site of Shaw park is essentially where Jets 1.0 were proposing to locate a new arena to save them...just before they left.

https://grokipedia.com/page/manitoba_entertainment_complex
Let's not jinx anything!

[CoryB]

With the lead time that will be needed to build a new arena I think it is close to time True North call it a day on any upgrades that are not directly hockey operations (player areas, etc) or essential (security upgrades). Along Graham between Smith and Fort seems like a viable location changing the rink from the current north-south to an east-west one.

In terms of improvements a normal sized concourse on the 300 level and a proper around the rink 200 level that is a mix of the premium currently in the TicketMaster, PlayNow, boxes and Lodges. I might also do the half up half down concourse at the 100 and 300 level.

The seating is the biggest thing needing an upgrade in CLC. Its already starting to look tired and the sizing is worse than WestJet's prereclined seats.

The open concourse that Glendale had might be another option but it just leads to issues with people in worse seats trying to watch the whole game from there.

I am sure there are more things the team could do to maximize revenue if they had an opportunity to build a clean sheet NHL arena instead of the current AHL rink with a bunch of compromises and squeezed in seating to host an NHL team.

[BlackDog204]

Originally Posted by optimusREIM

I'm not so sure about that site honestly, the geometry wouldnt work unless they reworked the roads or they decided to have portions of the rink over the road. Would be a great location otherwise.

There is absolutely no question they would rework the roads. Additionally, the cost would likely be 4x that of a current arena (ballpark $500-750 million.its sad but now days the lifespan pf pro sports venues is 30-40 years.

However, the way the league is headed, it's more likely that the Jets will be gone before a new arena is ever built.

[BlackDog204]

Originally Posted by drew

I honestly think they will stay put for a long time where they are. I am trying to think what new arenas offer that CLP doesn't...

What is it? Is it different seating types, corporate options?

CLP still has some untapped space available at the "skybox" level (i.e. where the organist is). But otherwise, I like CLP.

Of course I also liked the Saddledome and really think they should have renovated that building instead of building new...

They did renovate the Saddledome twice. The Flames first started complaining about the need for new digs in the early 90s, 10 years after the arena was built. The Sens have wanted a new arena for years, even though the one on Kanata is only 30 years old.

[rebl]

Originally Posted by CoryB

With the lead time that will be needed to build a new arena I think it is close to time True North call it a day on any upgrades that are not directly hockey operations (player areas, etc) or essential (security upgrades). Along Graham between Smith and Fort seems like a viable location changing the rink from the current north-south to an east-west one.

In terms of improvements a normal sized concourse on the 300 level and a proper around the rink 200 level that is a mix of the premium currently in the TicketMaster, PlayNow, boxes and Lodges. I might also do the half up half down concourse at the 100 and 300 level.

The seating is the biggest thing needing an upgrade in CLC. Its already starting to look tired and the sizing is worse than WestJet's prereclined seats.

The open concourse that Glendale had might be another option but it just leads to issues with people in worse seats trying to watch the whole game from there.

I am sure there are more things the team could do to maximize revenue if they had an opportunity to build a clean sheet NHL arena instead of the current AHL rink with a bunch of compromises and squeezed in seating to host an NHL team.

I never thought of going east west. I think a great location would be between Main and Garry north of Broadway. I could see a skywalk to union station there.

[BlackDog204]

Now that's how you tank!

Good work, Arneil.

#7

[bomberjet]

Theres a zero percent chance of any major expansion to the current rink. For a new rink, they'll come cap in hand to all levels of gov. And probably couple the rink as part of a larger multi use endevour. I still think the ball park land would be a great fit. The timeframe for a new rink IMO is multi decades out.

My biggest concern for long term is probably not the rink. But who the next owner will be.

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by drew

I honestly think they will stay put for a long time where they are. I am trying to think what new arenas offer that CLP doesn't...

What is it? Is it different seating types, corporate options?

CLP still has some untapped space available at the "skybox" level (i.e. where the organist is). But otherwise, I like CLP.

Of course I also liked the Saddledome and really think they should have renovated that building instead of building new...

I too think they'll be there for a long time to come, another couple decades at least.

The biggest difference beside their modern look and advances in design and technology is the sheer amount of space the newer facilities have with concourses, seating etc.

Calgary rendering:


This seems to be a cool new popular feature, high end lounges looking into the player tunnels:


Toronto:

[Wpg_Guy]

Integrating the surrounding community to create a vibrant arena district could go a long way toward improving the overall atmosphere and sense of safety in the area. The concepts to extend True North Square across Graham Avenue are very promising. If City Council allocates the $7 million in funding outlined in Centre Plan 2050’s 4-year action plan (2027-2030), this vision could become a reality. Combined with the upcoming renovation of the City Place facade, there is a significant opportunity to transform the feel of the entire area outside the arena.

[bomberjet]

I'm a pretty frequent user of Canada Life. And I find the spaces they've created over the years with the various reno's have helped with congestion on the concourse. The spaces inthe corners or at the front atrium are good. But we'll never get away fromt eh narrow concourses along the sides because as has been mentioned there's no space.. So maybe they could build out further along Donald and Hargrave. But that seems like a major effort for no new seating opportunities.

They'd need to widen and "raise the roof" for extra upper seating. Which they've said previously is not possible.

The work along Graham and surrounding areas would surely help the gameday experience. Although most of the games are in winter months and everybody is clamouring just to get inside. Not dressing in parkas to drink beer on the street. Most people dont even wear jackets to games because of the bulkiness in your seat.

I love the current arena location. But of course would loove a fancier rink as well haha.

[pspeid]

So the Jets currently have the #7 draft pick? Hopefully they don't drop due to the draft lottery. Then again, they apparently have a 6.5% chance of getting the #1 pick. That's better than the 0.0000000715% chance of one ticket winning the 6/49 jackpot!

[CoryB]

Originally Posted by rebl

I never thought of going east west. I think a great location would be between Main and Garry north of Broadway. I could see a skywalk to union station there.

If rapid transit was connect to Union Station that could be an amazing location. The challenge I see is the amount of existing development on those two blocks. The site I suggested along Graham is mostly undeveloped currently. It is also only two blocks over from CLC so not as big a shift in the arena district as moving to Main and Broadway.

Originally Posted by bomberjet

I'm a pretty frequent user of Canada Life. And I find the spaces they've created over the years with the various reno's have helped with congestion on the concourse. The spaces inthe corners or at the front atrium are good. But we'll never get away fromt eh narrow concourses along the sides because as has been mentioned there's no space.. So maybe they could build out further along Donald and Hargrave. But that seems like a major effort for no new seating opportunities.

They'd need to widen and "raise the roof" for extra upper seating. Which they've said previously is not possible.

The renovations over the last 15 years have down very little to improve the experience in the upper deck. The concourse is as congested as ever. And the seats are so cramped they are uncomfortable. I am not talking anything too crazy either as the difference between CLC and PAS is massive.

Also as I previously covered the new arena isn't so much about the individual fan experience as it is finding new ways to maximum revenue for the premium seating options. Glendale had two levels of boxes. Now I don't see that in Winnipeg but picture a 200 level that is a mix of the TicketMaster/PlayNow/Lodge seats of say 5-10 rows wrapping around the whole rink. As the number of people on the exclusive concourse would be smaller and the possible width of the concourse would be larger you could have premium table and chairs for people to mingle at. There could also be significantly elevated food and alcohol offered there with the premium pricing attached. I would also have large team stores on both the 100 and 300 levels behind both goals.

There are all sorts of opportunities to increase revenues.

[bomberjet]

My season tickets are in the upper deck and like I said the there's nothing they can do about the narrow concourses. The corner spaces and the front atrium are nice spots to get out of the concourse. But ya, there's not much else to be done because that's just the way the rink is.

Like anything in this town. It will be extremely difficult to build a rink that competes with either of the rinks in Alberta. Look how hard it was for Calgary to get it done. Never mind poor old Winnipeg. I'd love it but we need another owner with deep pockets to do it IMO. By the time it get's to this. Thomson will be dead. Chipman will be pretty old. Who's the person with the money to do it?

[bomberjet]

Re: the draft pick. 7 is not bad in the lottery! They have a pretty equal chance just like the other teams to win the 1st or 2nd picks. Lowest they'll draft is 9th.



There's actually a decent amount of movement with the lottery.