If you’re looking for Investors Group Field on a map today, you might get a little confused. The stadium is still there, sitting prominently on the University of Manitoba campus in south Winnipeg, but the name on the side of the building changed in early 2024. It's now Princess Auto Stadium. Honestly, for many locals, it’ll always be "the new stadium," even though it’s over a decade old at this point.
When it opened in 2013, it was a massive deal for the city. It replaced the beloved but crumbling Canad Inns Stadium (the old Polo Park site), which was basically held together by nostalgia and lead paint by the time it was demolished. The transition wasn't exactly smooth. There were lawsuits over construction defects, cracks in the concrete, and some pretty intense drainage issues that made the early years a bit of a PR nightmare for the Triple B Stadium Inc. group.
But once you get past the legal drama, you're looking at one of the premier outdoor venues in North America. It’s the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Valour FC soccer club, and the University of Manitoba Bisons.
The Architecture of a Windy Prairie Stadium
The first thing you notice about the venue formerly known as Investors Group Field is the roof. It’s iconic. Those giant, undulating steel waves weren't just a stylistic choice by the architects at Raymond S.C. Wan. They were designed to keep fans dry while maintaining that open-air, "football weather" vibe that Manitobans strangely enjoy.
The stadium has a capacity of about 32,343 for football. However, for massive events like the Grey Cup or a Taylor Swift concert (should she ever decide to come back to the prairies), they can expand it to 40,000 using temporary seating in the corners. It’s a "sunken bowl" design. This means when you walk in from the street level, you’re actually at the top of the lower bowl. You walk down to your seats if you’re in the 100 level, which creates a really intimate, loud atmosphere because the sound gets trapped in that concrete basin.
Why the Noise Matters
Winnipeg fans are notoriously loud. In the CFL, the "noise-maker" culture is real. Because of the way the roof is angled, it reflects the sound of 30,000 screaming fans back onto the field. Visiting quarterbacks—especially from teams like the Saskatchewan Roughriders—constantly complain about not being able to hear their own snap counts. It’s a genuine competitive advantage.
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More Than Just the Blue Bombers
While the CFL is the main draw, Investors Group Field was built to be a multi-use facility. It has hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015, which was a massive undertaking. Seeing international soccer stars on that turf was a surreal moment for a city that usually focuses on hockey.
Then there are the concerts.
- Paul McCartney played here in 2013.
- AC/DC blew the roof off (figuratively) in 2015.
- Guns N' Roses brought a massive crowd in 2017.
The logistics of turning a football field into a concert venue in Winnipeg are tricky. You have to protect the turf, manage the acoustics of an outdoor space, and pray to the weather gods that a prairie thunderstorm doesn't roll through at 9:00 PM.
The stadium also houses the Blue Bombers Hall of Fame and a massive retail store. If you go on a non-game day, it’s eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of a "Banjo Bowl" matchup where the air smells like cheap beer and grilled hot dogs.
The Shift to Princess Auto Stadium
Naming rights are a business reality. Investors Group (now IG Wealth Management) had their name on the building since day one. In 2024, Princess Auto—a company that started in Winnipeg on Princess Street (hence the name)—took over.
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It’s a 10-year deal.
For the fans, it doesn't change much inside the gates. The "Rum Hut" is still the most popular spot in the south end zone. The sightlines remain some of the best in the league. You don't have those awkward pillars that blocked the view in the old stadium.
Modern Amenities and Frustrations
One thing people often forget is that the stadium was designed with a "concourse-first" mentality. You can walk the entire loop of the stadium without losing sight of the field. This is a game-changer compared to old-school arenas where you’d miss a touchdown just to go get a drink.
However, the location is a point of contention. Being on the University of Manitoba campus means traffic is a nightmare. There is basically one way in and one way out via Pembroke or University Crescent. If you’re planning to drive, don't. Use the "Park and Ride" service. The city shuts down lanes for transit buses, and honestly, it’s the only way to get home before midnight after a Friday night game.
Technical Specs of the Playing Surface
The field uses FieldTurf Revolution. It’s a synthetic grass system that’s supposed to feel like the real thing but withstand the brutal Winnipeg winters. Underneath that turf is a complex system of drainage and gravel.
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Remember those lawsuits I mentioned?
A lot of them centered on the fact that the original construction didn't account for how the Manitoba gumbo (our thick, clay-heavy soil) shifts. There were issues with water pooling under the stands and cracks forming in the concourse. Millions of dollars have been spent on remediation since 2015 to ensure the structure is safe and durable for the long haul.
The Fan Experience: Tips for Your First Visit
If you're headed to a game at the former Investors Group Field, you need to be prepared. This isn't an indoor arena.
- The Wind is Real: Because the stadium is somewhat isolated on the edge of the city, the wind whips across the prairie and tunnels through the open ends of the stadium. Even on a warm September night, the temperature drops fast. Bring a hoodie.
- The South End Zone: This is where the party is. If you want a quiet family experience, stay in the 200 levels on the sidelines. If you want to stand, cheer, and be part of the "Rum Hut" crowd, the south end is your home.
- Food Options: It’s moved way beyond just popcorn. You’ve got local favorites like Shawarma Khan (owned by former Bomber Obby Khan) and various gourmet poutine stands.
- Tailgating: The "IG Field" era really leaned into the tailgate culture. There’s a designated area called the "Tailgate at the Plaza" which opens a few hours before kickoff. It’s got live music and cheaper drinks than inside the stadium.
Why It Remains a Winnipeg Landmark
Despite the name change, the stadium represents a shift in Winnipeg’s self-image. For a long time, the city felt like it was falling behind with its aging infrastructure. Building this stadium was a statement. It’s a world-class facility that allows the city to host events like the Heritage Classic (outdoor NHL games) and major international tournaments.
The 107th Grey Cup in 2019 was a high point for the venue. Even though the Bombers weren't in that specific game (they won it on the road in Calgary that year), the stadium proved it could handle the national spotlight. The atmosphere was electric, showcasing that Winnipeg is, at its heart, a football town.
Actionable Steps for Visitors
If you're planning a trip to see a game or event at the stadium:
- Download the Winnipeg Transit app: Look for the "Blue Bomber Specials." They are express buses that run from various malls (like St. Vital or Kildonan Place) directly to the stadium. It costs a few bucks, but it saves you an hour of sitting in traffic.
- Check the Bag Policy: Like most major venues, there’s a clear bag policy in effect. Don’t bring a giant backpack or you’ll be walking all the way back to your car or a locker.
- Visit the Hall of Fame: It’s located near the Bomber Store. It’s free to walk through and gives you a great sense of the history of the team, which dates back to 1930.
- Buy Tickets Early for the Banjo Bowl: This is the annual home game against Saskatchewan. It sells out every single year, usually months in advance. If you want to see the stadium at its absolute peak, this is the game to attend.
The transition from Investors Group Field to Princess Auto Stadium is just a new chapter in the life of a building that has already seen a lot of drama, victory, and prairie wind. Whether you're there for the scream of the crowd or a massive concert, it remains the centerpiece of Winnipeg's sports culture.