Winnipeg Bluebombers

Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg bluebombers, Go Blue!

For years, they were the Winnipeg Winnipegs, until a sharp sportswriter referred to them as Winnipeg Blue Bombers, a great name with staying power for Winnipeg's CFL team.

On this page - how, and where, to take in all the Winnipeg bluebombers action under the Prairie sky!

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Founded: 1930

Helmet design: Gold background, with a blue "W", lightning bolt and football

Uniform colours: Blue, gold and white

Stadium: Osborne Stadium (1935-1952), Canad Inns Stadium (formerly known as Winnipeg Stadium)

Stats: 7 Eastern Division championships, 13 Western Division championships, 23 Grey Cup finals appearances: 23 (won 10, lost 13)

CanadInns Stadium

CanadInns Stadium, home of Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg bluebombers is Winnipeg’s largest capacity outdoor sports field, with just over 30,000 permanent seats.

When, where and IF the city will get a newer, larger and glitzier football stadium, and a new home for Big Blue (several plans have been announced, but all, for one reason and another, have crumbled) has been a hot topic over the past few years.

Meantime, Winnipeg Bluebombers continue to play at this blast-from-the-past field, about 10 minutes west of downtown and just north of Polo Park Shopping Centre.

What about the weather?

Fall in Winnipeg can be warm and summery.

It can also drizzle and occasionally the temperature dips close to freezing here in late October (there is always snow in November).

Winnipeg bluebombers stadium isn’t covered. Dress in layers. Taking a rain poncho is also usually a good idea.

How do I get there?

Kids play with Big Blue Bear before the game

From downtown, go west on Portage Ave. Turn right (north) on St. James, turn right into the parking lot.

From the Perimeter (the city’s ring road) exit East on Portage, turn left on Berry, right on Ness and left on St. James at Winnipeg Bluebomber stadium.

With the mall and several big box stores nearby, there can be traffic gridlock around the stadium, something that is (everywhere else) unusual for Winnipeg.

If you’d rather avoid all that, on Winnipeg Bluebombers game days you can take the bus to the game for free if you show your game day ticket as you board the bus.

Fan Fare Winnipeg Transit Service begins two hours before start time for all home games.

There are six direct-to-the-stadium routes that will get you there 20 minutes before kick-off, and get you home or back to the hotel afterwards in time to see the highlights replay on TV.

Specific info on Stadium Route Maps, Park and Ride locations, and departure times is available close to game day.

Where to park at Winnipeg Bluebombers games

It’s tempting to park in the lots of the big box stores and the mall, but don't do it if you want your car to be where you left it after the game. The big boxes are quick to tow.

There is a huge paid parking lot at the stadium (and rates are reasonable) or, if you don’t mind walking further, there is free street parking on nearby streets, mainly east of the stadium.

At the Winnipeg bluebombers gate

Have some coins available as you enter because you’ll see volunteers selling 50/50 tickets. Winners get half the take.

The other half goes to encourage young players by supporting minor football.

What about seats?

The seats are great for kids, but this is an older stadium, so seats are small and close together, making a tight fit for large and/or tall people. Also, the sight-lines are good but the steps are steep.

If you go to a late afternoon/evening game and sit on the east side (sections S to Y, sections 8A to 14A, sections 8 to 14 and enter through Gates 5 and 6) you will have the sun in your eyes as it sets. You may get to enjoy a spectacular prairie sunset along with the game, but will find yourself squinting at it if you don't have a hat with a brim and your sunglasses.

Sit on the west side (sections A to G, sections 1A to 6A, sections 1 to 7 and entering through Gates 1 and 2) and you will be looking east, with a downtown cityscape view.

Gates 3 and 4 lead to seats in the (north) end zone in sections H through P.

The Bomber bench is on the West side.

There are a limited number of seat options for people who have mobility issues or rely on wheelchairs.

Where to get Winnipeg bluebombers tickets

The Blue Bombers box office at Bombers stadium is open Monday to Saturday.

Can I get a drink at the game? How’s the food? Can I take the kids?

There are beer and hot dog vendors outside before the game, under the stands and also roving vendors in the stands.

Reasonable quality; fair price, but line-ups, particularly at half-time, are something you may want to avoid.

Yes, bluebombers games are a family sporting event; the kids will have a great time!

What else is there to see at a Bombers game?

Mascots - Buzz, the one with dark sunglasses and Boomer, the taller dude have been mascots for almost 30 years and make countless appearances throughout Manitoba on behalf of the Winnipeg Bluebombers.

Blue Lightning Dance Team perform routines at every home game.

The Blue Canon is something you might not notice at the south end of the field, but you will hear it, going off every time the bombers score. Look up when it goes off. You can’t miss seeing the Green Drop buzzing the north end of the field.

Big Blue Flight Crew are volunteers who help out with ticket scanning, guest services, parking, VIP hosting, on-field promotions, shuttle service and pre-game activities.

What’s nearby?

On-site Winnipeg Bluebomber store has tees, hoodies and other team logo gear.

It’s a block to Polo Park Shopping Centre or Silver City cinema and a bit further to several big box stores. There are several chain and fast food restaurants including The Keg, Olive Garden, and McDonald’s on Portage Ave.

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SBI!