History of the Winnipeg Arena
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    • Winnipeg Arena History

The original construction of the Winnipeg Arena took place in 1955. Its original seating capacity was 10,100 seats.

During the 1960's there were a number of renovations completed, including the addition of a trophy room lounge and spotlights.

In 1979, a new score clock was purchased, and the original seating capacity was expanded by adding a second tier and extending the end of the original arena. By doing this, the seating capacity increased to 15,500.

During the 1980's, the upper deck was expanded, south end concessions were renovated, and an air conditioning system was installed. Major roof restorations were also done, as well as the installation of interlocking brick at the front of the arena. Finally, a new ice system was purchased in 1988.

During the early 1990's, the arena concourse floor was refinished, a new ice compressor was installed, and new women's washrooms were constructed on the main concourse.

In 1996, the Manitoba Moose commenced their inaugural season. With the new hockey team, there were also major renovations done that year. They included private suites and front lobby renovations, the construction of the club seating area, and the installation of a new sound system. New main floor concessions and the Hometown Heroes Bar & Grill were also built at this time. Finally, renovations and the installation of the new Manitoba Moose souvenir shop  was completed.

In 1999, Winnipeg played host the the Pan American Games. The Winnipeg Arena was used for volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics events.

In 2000, the Winnipeg Arena held a number of big name concerts such as the Dixie Chicks, Elton John, Ricky Martin, and 'N Sync. Grease on Ice and Chrysler Stars on Ice also performed at the arena. Subway and Chicken Delight were added to the arena concessions offerings. Also, Arena Road was renamed Cactus Jack's Place. It will act as a fitting tribute to the local sports casting icon "Cactus" Jack Wells.

In January 2001, the 2001 Bank of Montreal Canadian Figure Skating Championships took place at the arena. There were a number of highly anticipated concerts that played at the arena during 2001. They included: Reba McIntyre, KISS, AC/DC, Barenaked Ladies, Matchbox 20, Sarah Brightman, Korn, and the Guess Who with special guest Joe Cocker. The annual events such as Chrysler Stars on Ice, Shrine Circus, WWF, Military Tattoo, and Old Timer Hockey delighted arena visitors.

Amateur sport continues to play an important part at the Winnipeg Arena. It has supported the Winnipeg High School Hockey program, as well as accommodating the Brandon Wheat Kings for their playoff games.

The Winnipeg Arena was also able to host numerous ice rentals and Christmas parties, offering children and adults the unforgettable experience of skating on the "Big Ice."

The Winnipeg Arena has proven to be a popular location for filming movies. Most recently, the building was used for the filming of the made for TV movie, "Inside the Osmonds,", and the ESPN film, "A Season on the Brink."

Last updated: Monday, June 14, 2004

1430 Maroons Road
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3G 0L5 CANADA
General Office: ph: (204) 982-5400 fax: (204) 774-4332