What to Expect on Game Day

• Ticket holders can join the pre-game activities and the official tailgate party from 12 to 5:30 pm in Lot 315 off Chanceller Matheson Drive.
• Tailgate activities also include family-friendly interactive games and attractions, special appearances, live music and the opportunity to take a picture with the most iconic trophy in sports, The Stanley Cup.
• Gates open at 4:30 pm for access to Princess Auto Stadium, giving you plenty of time to score your Heritage Classic merch, grab some food and settle in your seat.
• Puck drops at 6 pm and cheering "Go Jets Go!" starts at 6:01.

What is the Heritage Classic?

The Heritage Classic is the National Hockey League's (NHL) outdoor game series, played in football stadiums across Canada. It takes a regular-season game out of the arena and onto a rink under the open sky, the way so many Canadians first learned to play our nationally beloved sport on backyard and community rinks.

The series began in 2003 when the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Montreal Canadiens at Commonwealth Stadium. It was the first outdoor regular-season game in NHL history and the Canadiens won. Since then, the game has moved to Calgary (2011), Vancouver (2014), Winnipeg (2016), Regina (2019), Hamilton (2022) and back to Edmonton (2023).

Now it’s Winnipeg’s turn again. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, the Winnipeg Jets host the Canadiens at Princess Auto Stadium, home of the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It’s the eighth Heritage Classic and the first since 2023. It’s also the stadium’s second time hosting. The Jets faced the Oilers there in 2016.

Join the Fan Fest in Winnipeg

Winnipeg has some of the best and most devoted Jets fans. Make Saturday a Jets day at Fan Fest, which takes place on Oct. 24 from noon to 8:30 p.m. at the RBC Convention Centre in downtown Winnipeg. Tickets are free and available now at winnipegjets.com/fanfest (limit of eight per order).

Swap stories with Jets alumni from the early eras at “hot stove” panel sessions and autograph signings, pick up exclusive Heritage Classic merchandise at the Jets Gear pop-up and grab a photo with Mick E. Moose and Benny.

Families can enjoy cultural performances, inflatables and interactive games, with $5 Jet Dogs on the menu. Stick around for the 2026 Alumni Game watch party at 6:30 p.m. and cheer on Jets alumni as they face off against the Montreal Canadiens.

Things to Do While in Winnipeg for the Heritage Classic Weekend

Travelling to Winnipeg for the game? Make a weekend out of it with some of the city’s best attractions, restaurants and nightlife.

• The Forks: Winnipeg’s historic gathering place with local shops, food halls, outdoor patio and riverside trails. Plus home to Winnipeg Waterways tours and Turtle Tours, perfect for a little sightseeing while you're in Manitoba's capital city.
• Exchange District: A historic neighbourhood filled with art galleries, nightlife and shops.
• Canadian Museum for Human Rights: One of the city’s iconic landmarks and the only museum in the world dedicated to the topic of global human rights.
• Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq: See the world’s largest public display of Inuit art in an impressive visible glass vault.
• Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame: Explore more than a century of Manitoba sports history, with free admission, at 145 Pacific Avenue.
• Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame: Discover the players, coaches and teams behind Manitoba’s hockey history through an interactive display at the Scotiabank/Hockey For All Centre in the west end of the city. Check hockeyforallcentre.com for hours.
• Dale Hawerchuk statue: Pay tribute to a Jets legend and Hall of Famer in True North Square, at the corner of Honourary Dale Hawerchuk Way (Graham Avenue) and Hargrave Street, across from Canada Life Centre near Hargrave Street Market.

Can’t make it into the stadium? There are plenty of places to watch the game in full fan mode in Manitoba. Check out 10 Spots in Manitoba to Grab Grub and Watch the Game for cozy pubs, lively restaurants and local favourites where you can cheer on your team with a great meal and cold drink.

Key Things to Know For Game Day

Our Top Tips for Fans

• Have your ticket on your phone: All tickets are mobile only. Add yours to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before you leave and enter through the gate listed on your ticket when you arrive.
• Leave the big bag at home: Bags larger than 10.16 x 15.24 x 3.81 cm (4 x 6 x 1.5 inches) aren’t allowed. Backpacks, coolers and umbrellas are also prohibited, though parenting and medically necessary bags may be allowed.
• Bring card, not cash: The stadium is fully cashless and there are no ATMs on site. Vendors typically take Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit and Blue Bombers gift cards.
• Arrive early: Everyone has to pass through metal detectors before you enter and once your ticket is scanned there’s no re-entry.

Plan Your Ride

• Park and Ride: Five lots around the city run shuttles to the stadium starting at noon, for $5 per person round trip.
• Transit: The BLUE Rapid Transit line runs from the Seel Station and Clarence Station park and rides for the regular $3.25 fare.
• Parking: Parking passes are first-come, first-served through Ticketmaster.
• Ride share and taxis: Pickup and drop-off is outside Gate 1.

For more planning tips, check out the official NHL Heritage Classic Fan Guide.