The Jets qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs means a "return of the street parties" that drew thousands of fans outside Bell MTS Place last year, but this year organizers at True North Sports & Entertainment are putting a C$5 "price-per-head," according to Scott Billeck of the WINNIPEG SUN. Tickets will be available for purchase through Ticketmaster at the same time tickets for each round of the playoffs go on sale. Last year’s free ticketing system was, at times, "abused, resulting in some scalping, unused tickets, and lower turnout." Tickets will be "limited to four per person," and proceeds will be "collected by the United Way and distributed to local agencies under the theme of addictions, homelessness and mental health." As with last season, playoff ticket holders "will have access to the event at no added cost." Capacity for the first street party "will accommodate around 15,000 people," and the footprint can be "expanded to welcome 25,000 people if needed." In '18, the Whiteout parties "attracted 120,500 people to an area surrounding Bell MTS Place and cost" about C$2.2M to host (WINNIPEG SUN, 4/2). This year, there will be "more corporate sponsorship and provincial funding for the events." Economic Development Winnipeg President & CEO Dayna Spiring said that Tim Hortons has "signed on as a title sponsor and the province will provide more support" (CBC.ca, 4/1).
