Game night in Winnipeg is electric — Jets in overtime, Sea Bears in target time, Bombers crushing the Riders in the Banjo Bowl. But getting there? Downtown is gridlocked and on Pembina, driving appears to be slower than usual. Parking, depending on the event, can cost $10 $20, and post-game idling spews emissions while fans wait 10–15 minutes to exit. Analysts warn that we lose economic time to congestion. So, Winnipeg — can we cheer without choking our streets and our air?
Winnipeg’s car-centric event-planning is a losing game. Traffic jams before and after games frustrate fans, lengthen commutes and clog roads. Analysts warn that parking space is diverted from housing. Worse, transportation accounts for nearly half of Winnipeg’s carbon emissions. All this to see a goal or touchdown? Low-income residents, students and those without cars are priced out entirely. As cars crawl, emissions rise and access falls. It is time to rethink how we cheer, without choking our streets or sidelining our most
vulnerable fans.
Public transit is the unsung MVP of Winnipeg sports nights. While Winnipeg Transit faces challenges, such as underinvestment, safety concerns and fare costs, it remains vital to fans citywide. Whether it is a Blue Bombers game at Princess Auto Stadium or Jets action at the Canada Life Centre, buses connect communities like Elmwood and St. Vital to the games. Transit boosts accessibility, especially for low-income residents and students, and reduces emissions.
As planners improve frequency and affordability, fans get a cleaner, fairer alternative to gridlock and pricey parking. Past events, such as the 1999 Pan Am Games and Bombers playoffs, saw expanded service, and free fares were proposed last month by Winnipeg City Council for Grey Cup volunteers during the event and for fans attending the Grey Cup game. Let us cheer for a system that gets us to the game without the car chaos.
Walking and cycling to Winnipeg sporting events are innovative, affordable and healthy options — especially for residents in the downtown area. With the Canada Life Centre and Blue Cross Park centrally located, fans can skip traffic and pedal or stroll to Jets, Sea Bears and Goldeyes games. However, the Canada Life Centre does not offer a permanent bike valet service. Bike lanes recently added over the past two decades, plus the Southwest active transportation corridor, make cycling to Blue Bombers and Valour FC games from across the
city easy and safe. The Bombers’ bike valet service at Princess Auto Stadium sets the bar, offering secure parking for cyclists at all games and major events. It’s time for other teams to follow suit and embrace active commuting as a win for fans, health and the environment.
Want to support Winnipeg sports and fight climate change? Consider taking the bus, walking or biking to the game. Fans, teams and the city must invest in better transit accessibility, through bike valets, free to low-cost bus fares and a completed active transportation network. Climate experts warn we’re nearing the 1.5°C threshold, so every car trip avoided helps. Plus, ditching the car saves money that can instead be spent on season tickets and merchandise, boosting the local economy. Let’s rally behind our teams — the Jets, Moose,
Sea Bears, Goldeyes, Bombers and Valour FC — not just in the stands, but on the streets. We only get one kick at the can. Let’s make it count.
