Winnipeg Wins Twice With MTS Center Opener And Winnipeg Arena Finale

WINNIPEG (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Both the final show at the Winnipeg Arena and the opening show at the MTS Centre have Winnipeg music lovers buzzing.

Van Halen rocked out at the Winnipeg Arena on October 30th, making them the last performers to play at the venue. The band seemed to be a perfect way to say goodbye to the arena, providing concertgoers moments of nostalgia for the glory days of both the group and the venue.

But even as the arena shut it’s doors after Van Halen concert, the new MTS Centre was fully prepared to take the helm. The inaugural show at the new downtown arena, dubbed “Northern Lights, Northern Stars,” features an all-star cast of contemporary musicians.

On November 16th the MTS Centre will open with music from Burton Cummings, Chantal Kreviazuk and Tom Cochrane, all natives of Manitoba. Joining them on stage are Doc Walker, Randy Bachman and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Promoter Jim Ludlow told CBC, “This is going to be a memorable evening in the entertainment history of the city and the province. The final decision to showcase Manitoba music, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and our new entertainment centre on the opening night seemed like an absolute natural.”

According to CBC, the MTS Centre has already booked 101 events for the first 131 days of operation. The new 17,000 seat arena is slightly larger than the old 15,000 seat Winnipeg Arena and includes such features as a full restaurant and sports bar, three concourses, retail shops and both private and event suites. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers