Last updated on November 13th, 2023 at 06:52 pm
Canada Life Centre (previously MTS Centre and Bell MTS Place) is home to the Winnipeg Jets NHL team at 300 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3C 5S4, Canada. The Canada Life Centre bag policy allows fans to bring single-compartment bags into the venue if they don’t exceed 12″ x 9″ x 5″. Otherwise, traditional backpacks and oversized purses can’t enter the venue with fans. The only exception to this bag rule is for media professionals bringing laptops and similar bags into the arena.
Here is the Canada Life Centre bag policy guide for your next event! I also share my bag recommendation on what to bring to the game. Finally, there is an affiliate link to Amazon on this page.
Approved Bags
While the bag policy does not require bags to be clear to enter Canada Life Centre, more and more places are adopting that policy across the league. Below are some of the bags that fans can bring into the arena for their event.
- Diaper bags / Medical Bags / Parent bags
- A clear Ziploc bag
- A clear single-compartment bag that does not exceed 12″ x 9″ x 5″
- Any ADA-specific bag
- A small clutch bag / small clutch purse that does not exceed 12″ x 9″ x 5″
- A clear fanny pack
My Clear Bag Recommendation + Experience
While I have not been to Canada Life Centre for a game, I have gone to a few different NHL venues that have a similar clear bag policy. For example, I’ve been to Madison Square Garden where I’ve brought my clear fanny pack that measures 11″ x 6.5″ x 5.9″ into the arena without any issues. Since Canada Life Centre has a clear bag policy that is above my clear fanny pack size, I wouldn’t have any problems getting that through the bag check. In fact, I’ve never had my clear fanny pack rejected at any venue that I’ve brought it to since it is small and is clear.
Below is a video of me going into more details as to why I recommend this type of bag.
Buy a clear single-compartment bag for your next Winnipeg Jets Game or event!
How Does the Canada Life Centre Security Team Review Bags?
Fans attending an event at Canada Life Centre will pass through a metal detector screening at the entry gate before scanning their ticket to enter the facility. Fans who have a bag with them will go through a bag inspection review at the entrance. The bag inspection checks the size of the bag and the content inside of it. If the bag passes the bag inspection at the gate, you will get it back to enter the stadium.
What are the Prohibited Items that Fans Can’t Bring into Canada Life Centre?
Fans heading to Canada Life Centre for an event should know that certain items can’t enter the arena. Some things the security team won’t allow inside the venue are below. Visit the official fan guide section of Canada Life Centre for the complete list of prohibited items.
- Bags that exceed 12″ x 9″ x 5″
- Non-compliant types of bags, including backpacks, laptop bags, coolers, mesh bags, and large purses
- Aerosol cans
- Skateboards
- Rollerblades
- Drugs
- Laser pointers
- Selfie sticks
- Outside food and drinks. However, there is an exception to this rule. The exception to this rule is if you need to bring in baby food or something similar into the arena. If so, consider placing that in a clear plastic bag to help the security team review it at the gate.
- Weapons of any kind
Is There a Bag Check or Locker Storage Area at Canada Life Centre?
There is no on-site bag check or locker storage area at Canada Life Centre for fans to use if their bag can’t come inside the arena with them. If your bag can’t go into the venue with you, you can always bring it back to your car and leave it in there. From there, you must get back in line to scan your ticket for entry at the gate.
If you don’t have a car to leave your bag in for a game, see if a nearby hotel or bar can watch your stuff. There are multiple bars and hotels within walking distance of Bell MTS Place that you can visit to see if they can monitor your bag. Most places charge a small fee to hold onto bags while fans attend an event at the arena.
Additional Helpful Links
Visit the Canada Life Centre parking guide for more details.
Visit the Canada Life Centre food guide to see what you can eat at the venue for your next event.
Greg Kristan, owner of The Stadium Reviews, LLC and TM Blast, LLC, brings his extensive experience visiting over half of the MLB ballparks, along with numerous MLS, NHL, NBA, and NFL venues, to provide in-depth coverage on the bag policy, food options, and parking. He has also been interviewed about his experiences on several sports podcasts.