'Some happier faces' expected from Winnipeg Jets fans as Bell MTS Place concession prices drop

As of Friday night, Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moosefans will be able to save a few dollars at the concession stand but they'll be paying a bit more for tickets next season.

On-ice projection, renovations and some lower-priced concessions are among the changes coming to Bell MTS Place as early as Friday night, True North Sports and Entertainment announced Tuesday.

Beer, soda, water, popcorn and pizza will all be discounted by 30 per cent starting Friday night, when the Jets take on the Boston Bruins,True Northsenior vice-president of venues and entertainment Kevin Donnellysaid.

Demand for lower concession prices was "something we've been hearing [from] our fans for a while," Donnellysaid, adding that True North chose the five most popular concessions because the discounts would affect more people.

Under thechanges announced Tuesday, prices will drop for the following items:

• 24-oz foundation soda $4 (previously$5.75).
• Bagged popcorn $4.50 (previously$6.75).
• Pizza slice$5 (previously $7).
• Bottled water $3.50 (previously $5).
• Domestic draft beer $7.50 (previously$10.75).
• Domestic canned beer $7 (previously$9.50).

True North looked atinitiatives that other teams, and even other leagues, had undertaken to provide lower prices for fans, Donnelly said.

"It's not really a method to sell tickets," he said. "We heard some of the comments from the consumers looking for value.We do the analysis, we figure out where we can make some changes, and we're happy to do so."

Winnipeg Jets fan Brent Early was among those who welcomed the news. He told CBC News that he finds the current prices for various products at Jets games a bit expensive.

"It's a good thing. It's a consumer market and you're trying to get people through the door," said Early. "[The team] is struggling on the ice. Ifyou need to get more people in the door, then good for them."

Ticket prices going up 2.1%

The concessions discount, however, comes with an increase of 2.1 per cent in ticket prices in 2020-21 the lowest increase in six seasons, according to True North officials.

Donnelly did not have exact numbers Tuesday on what tickets will cost next season after the hike, but said thatinformation will be coming out shortly.

"We want to remain a competitive team that's always in contention for a [Stanley] Cup, and that comes at a price," Donnelly said, noting that True North has to cover its $110-million player costs.

"The notion of no price increase wasn't ever on the table, but the best mix of value and keeping conscious to the actual cost to the consumer is always top of mind for us."

Other changes coming to Bell MTS Place includeupgrading the on-ice projections, which Donnelly says will be done over the summer.

"It's not an insignificant cost for us, but we do think the technology continues to improve. It's really a dramatic way to kick off your game's presentation," he said.

Donnelly also confirmed plans for renovations to the arena itself, as well as its Exchange restaurant, which is set to be completely "rebuilt and designed," Donnelly said.

Renovations to the arena will take place over the summer.

"It's great that they're putting all this money back into the arena, and putting money back into Jets fans' pockets," said fan Derek Schmidt, who said he visits Bell MTS Place about 30 times a year to watch the Jets or Manitoba Moose.

"It's always an expensive night out between ticket prices and concessions But this is going to make going there a lot easier, and I think it's going to bring some happier faces back into the stands."

Prices on some concession items dropping at Bell MTS Place

5 years ago

Duration 2:53

Winnipeg Jets fans will soon be paying less for some of their favourite concession items like pop, popcorn, water and beer.