Canada life centre

Standing in the heart of  downtown Winnipeg’s SHED District, the iconic Canada Life Centre  pulsates with  hockey fans, concert goers and event spectators alike. Completed in 2004, this transformative 40,877 sq. m. entertainment destination stands steps outside Portage Avenue and is a major connection hub to downtown. Visitors to the  Canada Life Centre encounter a state-of-the-art and barrier-free experience, where every seat is engineered to enhance entertainment.

Working with Colorado-based Sink Combs Dethlefs, Number TEN served as associate architects for the design and construction of the arena. All five levels of the building accommodate the technical necessities of professional sporting events, music concerts, and live shows. Fans of the two home hockey teams - the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets and the AHL’s Manitoba Moose - as well as concert and event spectators, enjoy excellent site lines and world-class acoustics. The venue’s flexibility allows it to be transformed to 17,000 seats for major concerts, and up to 15,500 for hockey games. Smaller shows are also routinely accommodated, as the venue can be set up to hold smaller shows for as little as 2,500 people while still maintaining an intimate setting.

The upper concourse level holds six thousand seats, which is ideal for the Jets’ sellout crowds. For the Moose games, the upper level can be curtained off to maintain the always lively atmosphere. As well, 46 private suites and two large party rooms are found mid-point at the skywalk level. The main concourse holds a wide range of quality food and beverage kiosks  lounges, restaurants, and retail outlets. The event level, at nineteen feet below grade, hosts the technical, storage, and loading operations alongside player and performer areas.

In between hockey games and music concerts, stage performances and public celebrations, Canada Life Centre remains open during business hours. The box office, merchandise store, as well as a restaurant, bar and lounge have separate entrances to welcome walk-up traffic.