2006 Edmonton vs. Phoenix
The first NHL game at the MTS Centre was in 2006. It was a complete sellout of 15,015 with a ticket price range from $24 to $109 plus service fees. Phoenix Coyotes were officially the home team but with the clear majority of fans supporting the Oilers, it is clear that Jet fans have moved on in their support. Many in attendance were wearing Jets gear with "The Wave" and Go-Jets-Go chants making their familiar appearance. The Coyotes agreed to move one of the pre-season games to Winnipeg as they will share seating revenues with True North. Final Score 5-0 for the Oilers. Gate revenue estimates would be $1,000,000. This would be 9th place against the 30 NHL team average gate revenues for the 2006-2007 season.
2007 Toronto vs. Phoenix
The next year Toronto Maple Leafs rolled into Winnipeg as visitors against the "home" Phoenix Coyotes. Ticket prices were hiked to a range of $39 to $119 plus service fees. Attendance was 13,417. It should be noted that True North used this game to help market their AHL team. Individual game tickets weren't available until just 7 days before the game. Up to that point, NHL fans had to buy either an AHL Moose season ticket, 10 game minipack or a 3 game Moose promotion where the pre-season game counted as one game. While once again many fans wore their Jets gear, Leafs supporters held a distinctive edge over Phoenix fans. Final Score 3-2 for the Leafs. Gate revenue estimates would be $1,073,000. This would be 9th place against the 30 NHL team average gate revenues for the 2007-2008 season.
2008 Calgary vs. Phoenix
In 2008, Phoenix once again played host with the Calgary Flames as guest. Ticket prices remained between $39 and $119 per seat not including service charges. Attendance was 12,621. AHL Moose cross-promotions were employed up until 10 days before single game tickets could be bought without similar restrictions. Final score 3-1 for the Flames. Gate revenue estimates would be $1,059,000. This would be 9th place against the 30 NHL team average gate revenues for the 2007-2008 season.
Given both finanical issues surrounding the Phoenix Coyotes and coach Gretzky's negative comments about Winnipeg's corporate ability to support the NHL, less than two weeks before the 2008 game in Manitoba, it remains to be seen whether or not Phoenix will play host for a fourth straight season in Manitoba. Potential Jet fan and True North backlash against Phoenix is possible now that it is clear that these pre-season games at the MTS Centre generate gate revenues that are twice as high as the Coyotes' average gate revenue per game. "Phoenix fatigue" may be another reason why True North may skip the upcoming fall or bring in a different NHL team to play host in 2009.
2009 Edmonton Oilers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Thursday, September 24 at 7:30 PM
Winnipeg - True North Sports & Entertainment Limited is pleased to once again welcome the National Hockey League back to MTS Centre for an exhibition game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, September 24th, 2009. Game time will be 7:30 p.m.
This will be the third time the Oilers have played an exhibition game in Winnipeg. On September 17th, 2006, three months removed from Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers gushed into MTS Centre to face the Phoenix Coyotes. The Oilers took the game 5-0 as a sellout of 15,015 looked on. Edmonton fell 3-2 to the Vancouver Canucks on September 19th, 2002 at the old Winnipeg Arena.
“The Tampa Bay Lightning are excited about the opportunity to play an NHL game in Manitoba against the Edmonton Oilers as Winnipeg has a strong history with the National Hockey League,” said Executive Vice-President and General Manager Brian Lawton. “Our players love playing in Canada and MTS Centre is such a great facility, they are looking forward to the game already.”
The Lightning feature a mix of young and veteran talent, including 2008 first overall pick Steven Stamkos, 1998 first overall pick Vincent Lecavalier, and 2004 Hart Trophy winner Martin St. Louis. The Oilers counter with a young lineup including Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano and Winkler native Dustin Penner.
This will be the sixth time Winnipeg has hosted an NHL exhibition game since 1997. Last year, the Coyotes fell 3-2 to the Oilers’ provincial rivals, the Calgary Flames, before 12,621. Then on September 11th, 2003, the Minnesota Wild beat the Canucks 1-0 in front of 10,214. On September 19th, 2007, the Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Coyotes 3-2 before 13,147 fans.
Tickets for the NHL Exhibition Game are on sale now at 987-PUCK (7825) to all existing Manitoba Moose Season Ticket and Mini-Pack holders, as well as anyone interested in renewing or purchasing new Manitoba Moose Season Tickets for the 2009-10 season. Prices will range from $39.00 to $119.00 plus applicable service charges.
Event information