[News] Jets hosting Canadiens de Montréal in 2026 Heritage Classic

[White Out 403]

https://globalnews.ca/news/11560331/...itage-classic/

Winnipeg Jets to host another outdoor game for 2026 Heritage Classic


Hockey is returning to the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Winnipeg Jets will host another outdoor game next year. While there’s been no announcement from the Jets or the NHL yet, it was up on the league’s official website briefly on Thursday afternoon before getting taken down a short time later.

The first heritage classic vs the grease

I think this calls for a trip home next year

[Puppet Guy]

I'm baffled that Montreal has played in so many outdoor games and never hosted one.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Puppet Guy

I'm baffled that Montreal has played in so many outdoor games and never hosted one.

Do they have the proper venue to host?

That Bombers stadium in Winnipeg is pretty nice.

[Toonage]

Was going to say they hosted Boston but nope that’s not right.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Do they have the proper venue to host?

That Bombers stadium in Winnipeg is pretty nice.

Quick answer is probably NO, where their football team plays at McGill likely doesn't hold any more than than the Bell Center for a hockey game.

[Table 5]

I'm always amazed that the outdoor game is still a thing, but there's been 43 of these now. Must be a good money maker, because for me the novelty wore off about 40 games ago.

[Puppet Guy]

Just did a quick look on Wikipedia - Molson Stadium holds 23 000 and Saputo Stadium (soccer) can host just under 21 000. Outdoor games have been held at BMO Field (28 000 capacity though it was expanded to 40 000 for hockey) and Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton (23 000). Based on capacity I can't see why Montreal couldn't host a Heritage Classic.

[browna]

Originally Posted by Puppet Guy

Just did a quick look on Wikipedia - Molson Stadium holds 23 000 and Saputo Stadium (soccer) can host just under 21 000. Outdoor games have been held at BMO Field (28 000 capacity though it was expanded to 40 000 for hockey) and Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton (23 000). Based on capacity I can't see why Montreal couldn't host a Heritage Classic.

Because they can’t expand Molson stadium, they don’t even have a full CFL field up to this year (rip the 55 yard line). Same with Stade Saputo, it’s enclosed.

The Big O is currently held together with some toughened smoked meat and expired cheese curds.

All of these are 20% about playing outdoors an 80% about being able to get 35000+ tickets sold.

[Bourque's Twin]

I attended all of the flames ones and the one in Edmonton was the last for me. The logistics for bathroom, drinks, entering and exiting was horrible. Not to mention, even in great seats, you can barely see the action and you’re cold the entire time.

[Toonage]

Yeah I went to the one in Regina. Glad I did it. But would never do it again. Cold, crowded, just overall uncomfortable.

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I'm always amazed that the outdoor game is still a thing, but there's been 43 of these now. Must be a good money maker, because for me the novelty wore off about 40 games ago.

Yeah, its not for wide audiences any more - just for local markets.

[Yeah_Baby]

I've been to the 2011 game at McMahon and the 2023 game at Commonwealth.

Missing nearly the entire second period of the game here trying to get a drink pretty much ended my interest in going again.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Puppet Guy

Just did a quick look on Wikipedia - Molson Stadium holds 23 000 and Saputo Stadium (soccer) can host just under 21 000. Outdoor games have been held at BMO Field (28 000 capacity though it was expanded to 40 000 for hockey) and Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton (23 000). Based on capacity I can't see why Montreal couldn't host a Heritage Classic.

Bell Centre itself is 21,000+ so what's the point of hosting outside unless you have a 50,000+ stadium.

[PegCityFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by Bourque's Twin

I attended all of the flames ones and the one in Edmonton was the last for me. The logistics for bathroom, drinks, entering and exiting was horrible. Not to mention, even in great seats, you can barely see the action and you’re cold the entire time.

I went to the last one in Winnipeg. The game was delayed over 2 hours due to ice glare… then you can barely see what the hell was going on. No thanks.

[troutman]

Will be 60% Habs fans.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by troutman

Will be 60% Habs fans.

So you're saying that the French are going to convince Winnipeg to vote to separate?

Oh no....