The National Hockey League (NHL) has unveiled exciting plans for the 2026 Scotiabank NHL PreGame, the official outdoor fan festival leading up to the much-anticipated 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic in Winnipeg. This thrilling event is set to take place on Sunday, October 25, from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT at the University of Manitoba’s U Lot, and it’s exclusively open to Heritage Classic ticketholders.
What to Expect at the 2026 NHL PreGame
Fans attending the festival can look forward to an afternoon filled with hockey-themed activities designed for all ages. Interactive games, exciting giveaways, and numerous photo opportunities will be available throughout the venue. A highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the chance to see and take photographs with the iconic Stanley Cup. Music lovers will also enjoy live entertainment featuring a performance by the popular Winnipeg-based band Flatland Famous.
In addition to the entertainment, more than 20 NHL partners and licensees will host on-site activations, providing fans with unique experiences and memorabilia. It’s a fantastic opportunity for hockey enthusiasts to engage with the sport they love and connect with fellow fans.
Following the fan festival, the Heritage Classic will take place at Princess Auto Stadium, starting at 6 p.m. CDT on the same day. This outdoor game will feature a thrilling matchup between the Winnipeg Jets and the Montreal Canadiens, and fans can catch all the action live on Sportsnet, TVA Sports, TBS, and Max in the United States. This game marks the Winnipeg Jets’ third outdoor game, having previously played in Regina in 2019 and in Winnipeg in 2016. Conversely, the Canadiens will be making their fifth outdoor appearance, with a current record of 2-2-0 in these unique matchups.
For attendees’ safety, security screening with metal detectors will be implemented at the entrance to the fan festival. In line with the policies of Princess Auto Stadium, bags and coolers will not be permitted; however, fans are allowed to bring one small clutch per person, not exceeding the dimensions of 10.16 cm x 15.24 cm x 3.81 cm (4 inches x 6 inches x 1.5 inches), which will be subject to inspection.
This year’s NHL PreGame promises to be an unforgettable experience for hockey fans, with a day full of festivities leading up to a historic game. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this exciting event in Winnipeg!