A Canadian stadium's turbulent journey from ambitious blueprints to a $210 million reality

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg was born from a series of rejected proposals, shifting ownership, and construction delays. What began as a $115 million project ballooned into a $210 million facility plagued by structural deficiencies, lawsuits, and a bizarre NFL game played on a shortened field due to safety concerns.

The stadium, which opened in 2013 on the University of Manitoba campus, serves as the home for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Its path to completion was far from linear. Initially, developer David Asper proposed a project that included retail space and a hotel, but his involvement ended after significant design changes violated the original contract. The project faced further setbacks when construction delays forced the Blue Bombers to start their 2013 season at their former venue, Canad Inns Stadium.

Financial and structural issues defined the stadium's early years. By 2014, the builder, Stuart Olson Dominion, placed a $1.9 million lien on the project due to cost overruns, eventually pushing the total price tag to $210 million. By 2015, the ownership group, Triple B Stadium Inc., sued the architect and builder, citing 42 deficiencies, including water damage and concrete cracking. The provincial government later committed $35 million for repairs, intending to recoup the funds through the ongoing litigation.

Despite these challenges, the venue has hosted major events, including the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 103rd Grey Cup. It also gained notoriety for a 2019 NFL preseason game where goalpost placement errors forced the field to be shortened to 80 yards. Today, the stadium continues to adapt, recently undergoing a $2 million refurbishment ahead of the 2025 season to prepare for the 112th Grey Cup and future events like the 2026 NHL Heritage Classic.

The stadium's identity has evolved alongside its corporate partnerships. Originally named Investors Group Field, it became IG Field in 2018 before adopting its current name in 2024 following a 10-year agreement with Princess Auto. While it remains a hub for football and community events, its history serves as a complex case study in the difficulties of managing large-scale public-private infrastructure projects.

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