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Winnipeg Jets Fans Prepare for Game 2 Amid Playoff Excitement
This evening, the streets of downtown Winnipeg are expected to fill with enthusiastic fans as the Winnipeg Jets face off against the St. Louis Blues in the second game of their playoff series. Following their 5-3 victory in Game 1 on Saturday, which marked the return of the city’s well-known whiteout tradition, the anticipation is palpable.
The Jets’ playoff games significantly attract large crowds, with thousands of supporters gathering not only inside the sold-out Canada Life Centre but also in the surrounding areas, transforming the downtown into a vibrant hub of activity. Loren Remillard from the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce noted that this influx during playoff games has a profound economic impact on the city.
According to Remillard, studies suggest that a single home playoff game can generate between $1 to $3 million in economic benefits for Winnipeg. “The excitement around the playoffs and the accompanying whiteout street celebrations are really enhancing our economy,” he stated.
Remillard encouraged all Winnipeggers to come together to support the team, both in the arena and in the community. “Let’s also invest in our local restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, as they all benefit from the playoff spirit,” he remarked. The atmosphere provides a much-needed opportunity for the community to unite and celebrate, especially after facing hardships implicated by an ongoing trade dispute with the United States.
“We need this win — not only for the team but as a unifying moment for our community,” Remillard emphasized. The playoff festivities and the communal gatherings inspired by the whiteouts promise to uplift spirits during trying times.
The Arena Experience: From Concerts to Hockey
As playoff games unfold, the Canada Life Centre remains abuzz with activity. The venue is juggling a series of events, accommodating concerts alongside hockey games. Last week, the arena hosted several acts, including popular artists like Nelly and Ja Rule, as well as Winnipeg’s own Bachman Turner Overdrive, just prior to the Jets’ playoff games.
Ed Meichsner from True North Sports + Entertainment revealed that a dedicated team of 20 staff members is tasked with ensuring a seamless transition between events while safeguarding the arena’s ice, which has been rated as one of the best in the NHL. “To protect the ice, we cover the 17,000-square-foot surface with a material known as arena deck,” he explained. This insulation allows for a conducive environment for fans while preserving the ice quality underneath.
Merchandise Sales Surge
The demand for Jets merchandise has skyrocketed as fans gear up for the playoffs, particularly items tied to the whiteout theme. Rishi Chandar, the manager of retail operations for True North, shared that they are working diligently to keep up with the sales. “Anything that’s white is flying off the shelves, from headwear to apparel,” Chandar confirmed. The popularity of white clothing reflects the tradition embraced by fans when supporting their team during the playoffs, making it a key driver of retail sales at the arena and beyond.
In conclusion, Winnipeg’s enthusiasm for hockey, highlighted by the Jets’ playoff journey, is fostering a spirit of community resilience and economic vitality. With Game 2 on the horizon, both fans and local businesses are looking forward to more celebrations and hopefully another victory for their beloved team.
Source
globalnews.ca