Princess Auto Stadium
Princess Auto Stadium is an open-air multi-purpose stadium located on the University of Manitoba campus in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Opened on May 26, 2013, the venue features a seating capacity of 32,343, with over 80 percent of seats under cover provided by its distinctive translucent roof structure.[1][2]
It serves as the primary home field for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and Valour FC of the Canadian Premier League (CPL), accommodating Canadian football, soccer, and various other events including concerts.[2] Originally constructed to replace the obsolete Canad Inns Stadium, the facility was developed amid challenges such as design changes, funding disputes, and construction delays that postponed its debut into the 2013 CFL regular season.[3] Post-opening issues, including water drainage and insulation defects, prompted litigation by the stadium's ownership against contractors.[4]
Initially named Investors Group Field under a 12-year naming rights agreement, the stadium was shortened to IG Field in 2019 after the sponsor's rebranding to IG Wealth Management, before adopting its present name in April 2024 via a new 10-year deal with Princess Auto, a national retailer of automotive, hydraulic, and farm supplies.[5] The venue has hosted international competitions, such as group stage matches of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup (branded as Winnipeg Stadium per FIFA rules), and is scheduled to host the 112th Grey Cup championship game on November 16, 2025.[6][7]
Ownership and Governance
Ownership Structure
Princess Auto Stadium is owned by Triple B Stadium Inc., a non-share corporation incorporated in the province of Manitoba on November 19, 2010, with the purpose of developing, constructing, and operating the facility to support the Winnipeg Football Club, University of Manitoba Bisons athletics, amateur sports, and public events.[8] Triple B Stadium Inc. was initially formed as a consortium involving representatives from the Winnipeg Football Club, the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, and the University of Manitoba to finance and oversee stadium construction, which relied on public loans, private investments, and federal contributions totaling approximately $200 million.[9][10] Pursuant to amended articles of incorporation effective October 21, 2021, the Winnipeg Football Club became the sole member of Triple B Stadium Inc., assuming control of its board of directors, which consists of directors shared with the club; upon any dissolution of Triple B, remaining assets would transfer to the Winnipeg Football Club after debt settlement.[8] The Winnipeg Football Club manages day-to-day operations of the stadium under a revised management agreement with Triple B Stadium Inc., also amended on October 21, 2021, while ongoing financial arrangements, such as a capital fund seeded with $10.2 million from the Province of Manitoba in November 2021 for maintenance and upgrades, reflect continued provincial involvement despite the shifted control structure.[8][11]Operational Management
The operational management of Princess Auto Stadium is conducted by the Winnipeg Football Club (WFC), the organization behind the Winnipeg Blue Bombers CFL team and Valour FC Canadian Premier League club, which handles day-to-day facility oversight, event execution, and maintenance.[12][13] The WFC's Stadium Operations department, led by Director Nicole Pelland-Henderson, manages tasks including groundskeeping, pressure washing, event setup for game days and rentals, field preparation, and housekeeping to support football games, soccer matches, concerts, and corporate events.[12][14][13] This team coordinates with concession services, security, and premium event staffing to ensure compliance with stadium policies on prohibited items, bag checks, and fan conduct, while prioritizing efficient traffic flow and parking during high-attendance events.[15][16][17] Capital improvements under WFC direction, funded through a dedicated stadium capital fund established via a 2021 agreement with the Manitoba government and Triple B Stadium Inc., include a $7.1 million investment in 2024 for turf replacement and field wall upgrades to maintain playing surface integrity and safety.[11][18]Facility Design and Specifications
Architectural Features
Princess Auto Stadium features a design by the architectural firm Populous, with structural engineering provided by Raymond S.C. Wan Architect Inc.[19] The stadium's signature elements consist of two exposed trichord trusses, each measuring 617 feet in length, positioned to span above the sideline seating on either side of the field.[20] These trusses support an undulating canopy roof constructed from corrugated metal panels, extending outward to rear support columns and providing weather protection for over 80 percent of the 33,422 seats.[2][20] The roof structure employs vertical arches aligned over the respective stands, an adaptation from an initial concept of interconnected arches meeting above the pitch, to preserve open-air sightlines, mitigate noise spillover into adjacent residential areas, and facilitate natural ventilation.[19][21] The seating bowl incorporates composite slabs on metal decks supported by composite steel beams, achieving a 25 percent reduction in structural steel tonnage—equating to 770 tons saved—compared to preliminary precast and non-composite designs.[20] This undulated roof configuration also enhances acoustical performance by directing sound toward the field level, contributing to amplified crowd noise without reliance on specialized acoustical materials or consultants.[21]Capacity and Layout
Princess Auto Stadium maintains a fixed seating capacity of 32,343 for standard events such as Canadian football games.[2] Over 80 percent of these seats are sheltered beneath two prominent roof canopies spanning the primary spectator areas.[2] For larger gatherings like concerts or playoff matches, the venue supports expansion beyond 40,000 attendees through the addition of temporary bleachers and standing areas.[22] The layout features a multi-tiered, continuous bowl design encircling the field, oriented along a north-south axis to optimize sightlines for football and soccer.[19] Seating is divided into lower-level sections (primarily 100s) closest to the field, a mid-level club and suite area (around the 200s with dedicated elevator access), and an upper deck for general admission.[16] This arrangement includes approximately 52 luxury suites offering private viewing, climate control, and amenities like mini-kitchens and bar seating for 9 to 25 guests each.[23] The structure, designed by Populous, incorporates vertical roof arches primarily over the east and west stands, leaving end zones partially exposed while ensuring broad coverage for sideline viewers.[19] Accessibility is facilitated by ramps and elevators at the four corners, connecting all levels with provisions for wheelchair seating integrated throughout.[16]Amenities and Sustainability
Princess Auto Stadium provides premium seating options including 52 luxury suites, Konica Minolta Loges, and Pinnacle Club seats, which offer private lounges, in-suite catering, and priority access to enhanced concessions.[24][23] The facility supports general admission seating for up to 33,134 spectators across multiple levels, with wheelchair-accessible seating and companion positions integrated throughout.[25] Amenities include free WiFi coverage, ample restrooms, and a diverse array of food and beverage concessions featuring local vendors and options in the dedicated tailgate zone, where pre-event activities such as live entertainment and family-oriented setups occur.[26][16] Parking is available in adjacent University of Manitoba lots accommodating thousands of vehicles, though early arrival is advised to secure spots amid high-demand events.[26] Additional features encompass a field-level restaurant and concourse walk-of-fame displays honoring Winnipeg Blue Bombers achievements. Regarding sustainability, the stadium's 2013 construction incorporated elements intended to align with Manitoba's green building legislation, such as energy-efficient designs, but the administration building fell short of LEED certification standards, scoring below the required threshold despite meeting the "spirit" of provincial requirements as stated by officials.[27] The venue operates as a fully smoke-free environment, prohibiting tobacco use indoors and outdoors, including concourses and parking areas.[16] In 2025, upgrades included installation of new artificial turf for player safety and a renovated merchandise store to streamline operations, though these did not emphasize explicit environmental metrics.[28] No formal green certifications have been publicly achieved or renewed for the structure as of October 2025.Historical Development
Planning and Financing
The development of what would become Princess Auto Stadium originated from the need to replace the obsolete Canad Inns Stadium, which suffered from structural deficiencies and inadequate facilities for modern professional sports. Planning accelerated in 2009 when BBB Stadium Inc., a non-profit entity formed by the Winnipeg Football Club, the University of Manitoba, and associated partners, was established to spearhead the project. The site at the University of Manitoba's Fort Garry campus was selected to enable shared use with university athletics, including the Manitoba Bisons, while minimizing urban land costs; groundbreaking occurred on May 20, 2010, following provincial bridge financing approval in March 2010.[3][19] The stadium's construction cost totaled approximately $210 million, with projected lifetime financing, including interest, reaching $384.1 million by 2058 under original repayment schedules. Funding comprised public grants, revenue-backed loans, and club obligations in a public-private partnership model designed to leverage stadium-generated revenues for debt service. The Province of Manitoba contributed a $22.5 million construction grant plus $7 million for Grey Cup-related enhancements, alongside a commitment to repay $75 million in principal (plus $76 million interest) by 2038 from property taxes on the redeveloped former Canad Inns site; provincial shares were partly secured by video lottery terminal revenues over 25 years.[29][30] The City of Winnipeg provided a $7.5 million grant and co-shared the site's tax revenue stream for loan repayment. The Winnipeg Football Club assumed responsibility for an $85 million principal loan (plus $90 million interest) by 2058, serviced through ticket sales, concessions, and other operational revenues. A supplementary $10 million loan from CIBC, with $0.9 million interest, supported project enhancements and was repaid by the club from 2013 to 2016. This structure aimed to allocate risks—public funds for upfront capital, private revenues for long-term debt—though subsequent overruns and revenue shortfalls necessitated provincial loan adjustments and write-downs exceeding $100 million by 2018.[29][31]Construction Timeline
The construction of Princess Auto Stadium, then known as Investors Group Field, commenced with a sod-turning ceremony on May 20, 2010, marking the official groundbreaking at the University of Manitoba site.[32] Initial site preparation followed, with official construction activities beginning on January 26, 2011, when the first steel pile was driven into the ground.[32] A significant milestone occurred on June 24, 2011, with the placement of the first structural steel beam, advancing the erection of the stadium's framework.[32] The project, designed by Populous in collaboration with Raymond S.C. Wan, proceeded amid rising costs that eventually reached $209 million.[19]| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| May 20, 2010 | Groundbreaking sod-turning ceremony[32] |
| January 26, 2011 | First steel pile driven, starting official construction[32] |
| June 24, 2011 | First structural steel placed[32] |
| April 20, 2012 | Announcement of delay to September 2012 opening due to construction setbacks[32] |
| May 2, 2012 | Confirmation of targeted September opening for football season, later revised[32] |