Canada Life Centre marks 20 years in Winnipeg [Video]

A hectic blur. That is how the opening day of Canada Life Centre—originally MTS Centre—is remembered by many who were involved in bringing the arena to downtown Winnipeg 20 years ago.

On Nov. 16, 2004, doors opened to the public for the first time. Thousands filed into the newly minted MTS Centre to witness a myriad of performances by local artists, from Doc Walker and Chantal Kreviazuk to Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings.

“I remember not sleeping for a long time,” said Kevin Donnelly, the senior vice president of venues and entertainment for True North Sports and Entertainment.

“There was a core of us that are still with True North that really were putting in an unbelievable effort to sort of get their component of the operation up and ready and to meet that deadline.”

The foundation 

The arena is at the site of the former Eaton’s Winnipeg store, which was demolished …