Canada Life Centre opened in November 2004 and is home to the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose. Located in downtown Winnipeg, the arena welcomed NHL hockey back to the city in 2011, when True North Sports & Entertainment purchased the Atlanta Thrashers and moved the team north. Canada Life became the venue’s naming partner in July 2021, following its years as MTS Centre and Bell MTS Place.
The Winnipeg Jets have traveled a long and winding road, first as a WHA team beginning in 1972, then becoming part of the NHL during the merger in 1979, followed by being sold and moved to Arizona. The present-day Jets reached the Western Conference Final in 2018. Fans have adopted traditions of their own, including shouting “True North!” during the Canadian national anthem as a nod to the team and arena’s owner.
How many seats are in Canada Life Centre?
Canada Life Centre has 15,325 seats for Winnipeg Jets games, making it one of the NHL’s more intimate arenas. The seating bowl has lower and upper levels, suites and premium spaces. Guest Services is between sections 103 and 104 on the main concourse, with another desk near section 325 upstairs.
See the companion guide to food at Canada Life Centre.
Directions and transit
The arena is at 300 Portage Avenue in downtown Winnipeg. Winnipeg Transit serves five stops within about a one-minute walk, making the bus a practical option on event nights. Drivers approaching from outside downtown generally arrive by Trans-Canada Highway 1 or Pembina Highway, depending on their starting point.
Taxi and rideshare loading areas include Portage Avenue between Carlton and Hargrave streets and Donald Street between Graham and St. Mary avenues. Traffic controls can change after major events, so allow extra time for pickup.
Parking near Canada Life Centre
There are about 13,000 parking spaces within a 10-minute walk. The arena’s fan guide identifies True North Square, Portage Place, Cityplace Lot 1, Millennium Library and Winnipeg Square among the downtown options connected to the indoor walkway system. Reserving a space before a busy game can simplify arrival.
Entry and payment
Most bags must be no larger than 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches. Medical and diaper bags are exceptions and are screened at Gates 1, 3 or 6; the arena does not provide a bag check. Tickets are mobile, and print-at-home tickets are not accepted.
Food and beverage stands are cashless. Re-entry is generally not allowed, though Guest Services can assist with emergency, childcare or medical circumstances.
What is distinctive about the arena?
The arena occupies a central downtown site and connects directly to Winnipeg’s indoor walkway system. An Eaton’s display in the skywalk atrium preserves material from the department store that once stood on the site, adding a piece of local history to an otherwise modern event venue.
Canada Life Centre FAQs
What was Canada Life Centre called before?
The building opened as MTS Centre in 2004, became Bell MTS Place in 2017 and took the Canada Life Centre name in 2021. It was also called True North Centre during planning and construction.
Where did the original Winnipeg Jets move?
The original Jets joined the NHL from the WHA in 1979 and moved to Arizona in 1996. Winnipeg returned to the NHL in 2011 when the Atlanta Thrashers relocated and adopted the Jets name.
Which hockey teams play at Canada Life Centre?
The NHL’s Winnipeg Jets and their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, both play home games at the arena.
Who owns Canada Life Centre?
True North Sports & Entertainment owns and operates the arena.
Sources
Fact-checked August 13, 2026.