NEW YORK – The National Hockey League (NHL®) today announced details for the 2026 Scotiabank NHL PreGame, the official fan festival of the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™. This event will take place Sunday, Oct. 25 from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT at the University of Manitoba's U Lot in Winnipeg for 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic ticketholders.
Before puck drop at Princess Auto Stadium, the outdoor festival will bring ticketed fans together for an afternoon of hockey-inspired programming, hands-on activities and memorable moments celebrating the game. Attendees can enjoy interactive activations, special appearances, giveaways and photo opportunities throughout the afternoon, including the chance to see and take photos with the Stanley Cup®, the most coveted trophy in professional sports. The event will also feature a performance by Flatland Famous, a Winnipeg-based Event Band, on the music stage.
The 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic will see the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens face off outdoors at Princess Auto Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. CDT (Sportsnet, TVA Sports, TBS, Max in the U.S.). The showdown marks the Jets’ third outdoor matchup, having previously faced the Calgary Flames in the 2019 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Mosaic Stadium in Regina and the Edmonton Oilers in the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium. The Canadiens are set to skate in their fifth outdoor game, and their first since 2017, with a record of 2-2-0 in outdoor regular season contests.
WHAT:
2026 Scotiabank NHL PreGame
WHEN:
Sunday, October 25, 2026: 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. CDT
WHERE:
University of Manitoba
U Lot
315 Chancellor Matheson Rd.
Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Z2
The 2026 Scotiabank NHL PreGame will feature exciting fan experiences and activations from over 20 of the NHL’s official partners and licensees, including:
- Athletic Brewing Co.: As an Official Non-Alcoholic Beer of the NHL in Canada, Athletic Brewing Company will be on-site sampling a selection of its award-winning non-alcoholic brews, offering fans (of legal drinking age) a great-tasting way to enjoy the game-day experience.
- BET99: Come experience BET99’s Frozen Frenzy at the 2026 Scotiabank NHL PreGame! Hockey fans (of legal gambling age) can step up and choose 1 of 9 mystery briefcases for their chance to unlock an instant prize. With game tickets, gift cards, BET99 swag and more up for grabs, fans won’t want to miss their chance to see what’s inside. Stop by BET99’s Frozen Frenzy and test your luck!
- Canadian Tire: Canadian Tire, as a proud partner of the NHL, invites all fans to experience The Pond, a celebration of Canada's rich outdoor hockey tradition. From testing goalie skills and creating personalized hockey ornaments to capturing a memorable photo on the frozen lake, The Pond has something for every hockey fan. Be sure to stop by for exclusive giveaways and family-friendly fun throughout the day.
- CAT: Step into the Caterpillar space at the NHL Heritage Classic to grab Cat® giveaways, meet a hockey legend and experience the technology and innovation that power progress. Connect with the spirit of hard work and perseverance as we celebrate your journey, because whether you’re chasing goals on or off the ice, there’s no off season!
- Classic Fare Catering: Come check out Classic Fare! Fans (of legal drinking age) can grab an ice-cold beer and enjoy street food favorites including Montreal smoked meat, perogies and treats from local vendors like Cotton Candy Treats.
- DoorDash: Fans can amp up their game day with DoorDash at the "What's For Hockey" experience. Customize free swag with a hockey-inspired or food-inspired patch, while supplies last and test your skills scoring a goal in a tiny net with a larger-than-life stick and puck.
- Esso: Ready to clean up on the ice? Fans can step up to the Esso Washing Machine Challenge and test their aim by firing pucks into the ultimate target. Take your shot and see if you can put it through the wash!
- Expedia: Expedia invites fans to bring their A-game to the Expedia Bullseye Battle, where they can test their shooting accuracy and see if they can hit the mark. As the NHL’s Official Travel Partner, Expedia is proud to help fans plan their next trip around games and get closer to the moments that make hockey unforgettable.
- Fanatics: Visit the Fanatics Official Merchandise trailer for a great selection of NHL Heritage Classic apparel, headwear and exclusive souvenirs.
- Fastenal: Body Guard by Fastenal will deliver a premium 2026 Scotiabank NHL PreGame destination, bringing attendees closer to the excitement of hockey through fan engagement, product education and brand experiences. The space reinforces Body Guard’s position as a trusted leader in workplace safety and their commitment to protecting workers both on and off the job site.
- Hyundai: Hyundai invites fans at the 2026 Scotiabank NHL Pregame to come celebrate those who drive hockey and check out the new 2027 PALISADE! Guests can also take home their very own custom car freshener featuring an AI avatar of themselves, take their shot at Shoot To Win for a chance to win an instant prize and meet NHL Alumni, all in recognition of Made for Those Who Drive Hockey.
- Intuit QuickBooks: QuickBooks, powered by Intuit Intelligence, and the NHL are teaming up at the 2026 Scotiabank NHL PreGame fan festival in Winnipeg to bring fans an interactive, hands-on experience where they can play and capture memorable AI photo moments. Attendees who engage and share their content on social media will have the chance to win an exclusive giveaway, all while discovering how Intuit Intelligence gives you instant answers, trusted insights and get more work done.
- Kruger: Kruger Products understands the power of an assist, both on and off the ice. Fans can nominate a deserving community for the Kruger Big Assist, helping more Canadian kids get on the ice and receive a free Scotties To Go pack!
- Labatt: Budweiser Canada invites fans (of legal drinking age) to sample Budweiser Zero and put their skills to the test with Shoot for Zero. Fans can step up to the net, take their shot and test their accuracy for a chance to win prizes.
- Nestle: Fans can put their slapshot skills to the test in the KitKat Accuracy Challenge. Hit the targets, earn bragging rights and Have a Break with free KitKat Mixups!
- NHL Fan Access™: Get more from the NHL App with PreGame info, “Ask Stanley,” mobile games, prizes and more! Download the app, tap the Fan Access logo and get started. Visit the Fan Access booth for registration help and exclusive giveaways!
- P&G Gillette: Gillette is helping fans look their sharpest throughout the NHL season. Discover your new game-day look at the Gillette photobooth.
- P&G Tide: Take on Tide & Downy’s Locker Room Challenge and find out why Tide & Downy are Canadian’s secret weapon in fighting hockey stench.
- Pepsi (CELSIUS): Pepsi will bring the energy to the 2026 NHL Heritage Classic with an activation offering adult fans CELSIUS samples as they arrive, fueling the excitement ahead of puck drop.
- Rogers: Fans can visit the Rogers activation to experience the latest in augmented reality and mixed reality technology – try to score a goal on an NHL mascot, virtually walk out onto NHL ice, pose for a championship team photo and see yourself on a magazine cover as the next NHL star. Fans can also meet and get an autograph from an NHL Alumni during select times. Visit the booth to connect with team members and explore the latest wireless, internet, TV and home security solutions. Attendees can learn more about exclusive on-site offers and discover Rogers products and services designed to help keep them connected at home and on the go.
- Safeway (Sobeys’): Safeway is proud to bring back its fan-favorite 53-foot Mobile Food Experience trailer to the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic, offering fans an interactive pre-game destination at Princess Auto Stadium. Guests of all ages can enjoy complimentary food sampling, games and giveaways, photo opportunities and more as they get ready for the excitement of the 2026 NHL Tim Hortons Heritage Classic.
- Scotiabank: As the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Scotiabank NHL PreGame and thanks to Scotia Perks, fans can catch the pre-game action and try their luck to win prizes fit for a true hockey fan through a Plinko-style activation. Scotia clients will also receive priority entrance, free popcorn and other experience upgrades.
- Sport Chek Hardest Shot: As a proud partner of the NHL, Sport Chek is excited to bring the Hardest Shot Challenge to Winnipeg. Fans can step up, test their shot and show off their skills against fellow hockey fans for the chance to win a Sport Chek gift card!
- Stanley Cup Display: Fans can take a photo with the most iconic trophy in professional sports, the Stanley Cup.
- Tim Hortons: Fans can enjoy a free hot coffee or hot chocolate at the Tims Beverage Truck and make their Hockey Challenge picks for a chance to win a Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Fans (of legal gambling age) across Manitoba can also take part in the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic 50/50 presented by Tim Hortons for a chance to win while supporting Tim Hortons Youth Foundation and KidSport. Proceeds will help create more opportunities for young people to experience the benefits of sport and camp.
- Upper Deck: Fans can get their own personalized NHL Heritage Classic trading card from Upper Deck, the exclusive trading card partner of the NHL®. Collect a FREE NHL Heritage Classic digital trading card set at UpperDeckEpack.com, the innovative platform that allows users to buy, open, collect and trade with hockey fans from around the world. Visit the Upper Deck booth for more information.
All fans will be required to go through metal detectors upon entry into the 2026 Scotiabank NHL PreGame. In accordance with Princess Auto Stadium policy, no bags or coolers are permitted with the exception of one (1) small clutch bag per person, no larger than 10.16 cm x 15.24 cm x 3.81 cm (4” x 6” x 1.5”), which will be subject to inspection.
Tickets to the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic are available via Ticketmaster, the Official Ticketing Partner of the NHL.
Visit NHL.com/PreGame for more information.
