The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are more than just a football team—they are a cornerstone of Winnipeg's identity, a source of community pride, and one of the most successful franchises in Canadian Football League (CFL) history. Since their founding in 1930, the Blue Bombers have captured 12 Grey Cup championships, created countless unforgettable moments, and built a passionate fanbase that consistently fills Princess Auto Stadium with over 30,000 cheering supporters. For visitors to Winnipeg, attending a Blue Bombers game is not just about watching football—it's about experiencing the heart and soul of a city that lives and breathes Canadian football.

A Rich History: From 1930 to Today

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were established in 1930, making them one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the CFL. Over the course of nearly a century, the team has built a legacy of excellence that includes 12 Grey Cup championships, with their most recent victory coming in 2021. This championship was particularly meaningful, as it ended a 29-year drought and marked the team's return to the pinnacle of Canadian football.

The Blue Bombers' history is filled with legendary players, memorable games, and championship moments that have become part of Winnipeg's cultural fabric. From the early days of the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU) to their current status as perennial contenders in the CFL's West Division, the Blue Bombers have consistently been one of the league's most competitive and respected teams.

Did You Know? The Blue Bombers' name is said to have originated from a 1935 newspaper headline that described the team's powerful play as "bombing" their opponents. The name stuck, and the team has been known as the Blue Bombers ever since, with their distinctive blue and gold colours becoming synonymous with Winnipeg football.

Recent Success: A Dynasty in the Making

Since 2019, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have established themselves as one of the CFL's dominant teams, making five consecutive Grey Cup appearances—a remarkable achievement that demonstrates both consistency and excellence. This unprecedented run began with their 2019 Grey Cup victory, which ended a 29-year championship drought and sparked a new era of success for the franchise.

The 2019 Championship Season

The 2019 season was a turning point for the Blue Bombers. After finishing the regular season with an 11-7 record, the team embarked on a playoff run that culminated in a 33-12 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Grey Cup. This championship was particularly significant because it was the team's first since 1990, and it marked the beginning of a period of sustained excellence that has continued through the 2025 season.

Continued Excellence (2020-2025)

Following their 2019 championship, the Blue Bombers continued their winning ways. In 2021, they captured their second Grey Cup in three years, defeating the Hamilton Tiger-Cats once again. The team's success has been built on a foundation of strong coaching, excellent player development, and a commitment to building a winning culture.

The 2023 season saw the Blue Bombers finish with an impressive 14-4 record, securing first place in the West Division for the fourth consecutive year. They advanced to their fourth straight Grey Cup but were narrowly defeated by the Montreal Alouettes in a hard-fought game. The 2024 season followed a similar pattern, with the team finishing 11-7 and again winning the West Division, only to fall to the Toronto Argonauts in the Grey Cup.

In 2025, the Blue Bombers finished with a 10-8 record, placing fourth in the West Division but still qualifying for the playoffs for the ninth consecutive year. Despite being eliminated in the East Semi-Final by the Montreal Alouettes, the team's consistent playoff appearances demonstrate their status as one of the CFL's premier franchises.

Building a Winner: The Blue Bombers' recent success has been built on strong leadership from head coach Mike O'Shea and general manager Kyle Walters, who have created a culture of excellence that has made the team a perennial contender. Their commitment to organizational stability and player development has been key to the team's sustained success.

Princess Auto Stadium: The Home of the Blue Bombers

Princess Auto Stadium, located in Winnipeg's Polo Park area, is the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and one of the premier football venues in Canada. The stadium, which opened in 2013, replaced the old Canad Inns Stadium and has become a state-of-the-art facility that provides an exceptional game-day experience for fans.

The stadium's design prioritizes fan experience, with excellent sightlines from every seat, modern amenities, and a capacity that allows for the electric atmosphere that has become synonymous with Blue Bombers games. Since 2018, the Blue Bombers have consistently drawn crowds exceeding 30,000 fans—more than any other CFL team—creating an intimidating home-field advantage that has helped the team achieve their recent success.

Stadium Features and Amenities

Princess Auto Stadium offers a complete game-day experience, with a variety of food and beverage options, comfortable seating, and excellent views of the field from every section. The stadium's location in the Polo Park area makes it easily accessible from throughout Winnipeg, with ample parking and excellent public transit connections.

The stadium's design also makes it perfect for hosting major events beyond regular-season football games. In 2016, Princess Auto Stadium hosted the NHL Heritage Classic, where the Winnipeg Jets faced the Edmonton Oilers in front of 33,240 fans. The stadium's versatility and capacity make it an ideal venue for large-scale sporting events and concerts.

Getting to Princess Auto Stadium

Princess Auto Stadium is conveniently located in Winnipeg's Polo Park area, making it easily accessible from throughout the city. The stadium is situated near major transportation routes, including Route 90 (Kenaston Boulevard) and Portage Avenue, ensuring that traffic flow is manageable even for large events.

For visitors staying at our Airbnb in Crescentwood, getting to Princess Auto Stadium is straightforward. The stadium is approximately a 15-minute drive from our location, or you can take public transit for a convenient and stress-free journey. The proximity to Polo Park Shopping Centre and surrounding restaurants means you can easily combine a trip to a Blue Bombers game with shopping, dining, or other activities.

Perfect Location for Football Fans: Our Airbnb in Crescentwood offers the perfect base for attending Blue Bombers games. With Princess Auto Stadium just 15 minutes away, you can easily attend multiple games during your stay, explore the Polo Park area's restaurants and shopping before or after games, and experience all that Winnipeg has to offer. The convenient location means you can enjoy a relaxed pre-game dinner in the Corydon area, head to the stadium for the game, and return to a comfortable, quiet neighborhood afterward—all without the hassle of long commutes or expensive parking.

The Game-Day Experience

Attending a Winnipeg Blue Bombers game at Princess Auto Stadium is an experience like no other. From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in an atmosphere of excitement, community spirit, and passionate support for the team. The energy in the stadium is palpable, with fans creating an electric atmosphere that makes every game feel important.

Pre-Game Festivities

On game days, the area around Princess Auto Stadium comes alive with energy. Fans gather at nearby restaurants and bars before the game, creating a festive atmosphere that extends throughout the Polo Park area. Many fans arrive early to enjoy tailgating, meet other supporters, and soak in the pre-game excitement.

In-Stadium Atmosphere

Once inside Princess Auto Stadium, you'll experience one of the most passionate fanbases in the CFL. The Blue Bombers faithful are known for their unwavering support, creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams and a thrilling experience for home fans. The stadium's design ensures that even the upper-level seats provide excellent views of the action, and the crowd's enthusiasm makes every play feel significant.

Whether you're watching the Blue Bombers take on their West Division rivals like the Saskatchewan Roughriders or Calgary Stampeders, or experiencing the intensity of a playoff game, Princess Auto Stadium delivers an authentic CFL experience. The combination of passionate fans, excellent facilities, and high-quality football creates memories that last a lifetime.

Key Players and Recent Developments

The Blue Bombers' recent success has been built on a foundation of talented players who have become fan favourites and key contributors to the team's winning culture. Running back Brady Oliveira, a Winnipeg native, has emerged as one of the team's most important players, earning recognition as the team's Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian in 2025.

Quarterback Zach Collaros has been instrumental in the team's success, leading the Blue Bombers to multiple Grey Cup appearances and establishing himself as one of the CFL's premier quarterbacks. The team's roster is filled with talented players who have contributed to their sustained success, from offensive playmakers to defensive standouts.

Building for the Future

As the Blue Bombers prepare for the 2026 season, they continue to build on their foundation of success. The team has made strategic player acquisitions, including signing free agent returner and backup running back Peyton Logan to enhance their special teams play. The organization's commitment to continuous improvement and building a sustainable winning culture ensures that the Blue Bombers will remain competitive for years to come.

Community Connection: The Blue Bombers have introduced cultural ambassadors to connect with diverse communities and newer Canadians, further strengthening their fan base and demonstrating their commitment to being a team that represents all of Winnipeg. This community engagement has been key to the team's growing popularity and sustained success.

Why the Blue Bombers Matter to Winnipeg

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are more than just a football team—they are a source of community pride, a unifying force that brings Winnipeggers together, and a symbol of the city's resilience and passion. The team's success has created a sense of shared identity and community spirit that extends far beyond the football field.

For visitors to Winnipeg, attending a Blue Bombers game offers a unique opportunity to experience the city's culture and community spirit. The passion of the fans, the energy of the stadium, and the quality of the football create an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of what makes Winnipeg special.

Planning Your Visit

If you're planning to attend a Blue Bombers game during your stay in Winnipeg, there are a few things to keep in mind. The CFL season typically runs from June through November, with home games scheduled throughout the season. Tickets can be purchased through the Blue Bombers' official website, and it's recommended to book in advance, especially for high-profile games or playoff matchups.

For visitors staying at our Airbnb in Crescentwood, attending a Blue Bombers game is incredibly convenient. The stadium is just 15 minutes away, making it easy to attend multiple games during your stay. You can easily combine a trip to the game with exploring other Winnipeg attractions, from The Forks to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, from the Exchange District to our beautiful river walks.

Complete Winnipeg Experience: Our convenient location in Crescentwood means you can enjoy the best of Winnipeg's dining scene, explore the city's attractions, and experience world-class Canadian football, all from a comfortable home base in one of Winnipeg's most desirable neighborhoods. Whether you're a lifelong CFL fan or discovering Canadian football for the first time, attending a Blue Bombers game is an essential part of any Winnipeg visit.

The Legacy Continues

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' story is one of resilience, excellence, and community spirit. From their founding in 1930 to their recent run of success, the team has consistently represented the best of Winnipeg—a city that values hard work, community, and the pursuit of excellence. As the Blue Bombers continue to build on their legacy, they remain a source of pride for Winnipeggers and a must-see attraction for visitors to the city.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Canadian football for the first time, attending a Blue Bombers game at Princess Auto Stadium is an experience that captures the heart and soul of Winnipeg. The combination of passionate fans, excellent facilities, and high-quality football creates memories that last a lifetime and provides a unique window into what makes Winnipeg such a special place.

The Blue Bombers are more than just a football team—they are a symbol of Winnipeg's identity, a source of community pride, and a testament to the power of sport to bring people together. As they continue their pursuit of excellence, the Blue Bombers remain one of the CFL's premier franchises and an essential part of the Winnipeg experience.