Winnipeg Arena was an indoor arena located in the Polo Park district of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The arena was the city's premier ice hockey venue from 1955 to 2004 and is best remembered as the home of the first Winnipeg Jets franchise, which played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) from 1972 to 1979 and the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1979 to 1996. It was also home to junior and minor league teams such as the Manitoba Moose (1996–2004) and Winnipeg Warriors (1955–1961). The arena closed after the completion of the MTS Centre in November 2004 and was later demolished. A retail and commercial complex occupies the site today. History Early years (1955–1972) Construction on a new facility to replace Winnipeg's obsolete Shea's Amphitheatre began in October 1954. Situated between Winnipeg Stadium and the Polo Park Racetrack, the new arena opened its doors for the 1955–56 hockey season and, in its original configuration, had a seating capacity of approximately 9,500. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Winnipeg Arena was considered to be among the finest facilities in the western half of North America. The Winnipeg Arena's grand opening occurred in conjunction with the first hockey game played on October 18, 1955, a Western Hockey League minor pro game between the Winnipeg Warriors and the Calgary Stampeders. The ceremonial opening face-off was conducted by Warriors Hockey Club president J. D. Perrin Sr. before a sell-out crowd (including standing room) of 9,671, a then-record for the league. The following year, Perrin offered to purchase the arena and Winnipeg Stadium from Winnipeg Enterprises Corporation. In keeping with the tenor of the times, when public ownership was thought to be advantageous, the offer was rejected. The Warriors called the arena home until 1961, when the club was sold and relocated. Six years later, the arena found a new tenant in the Winnipeg Jets junior hockey club when it began play in the new Western Hockey League. The club would later be renamed the Monarchs and played at the arena until 1977. On September 6, 1972, the Winnipeg Arena found itself in the international spotlight when it hosted the third game of the infamous Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union. Approximately 9,800 spectators packed the arena to witness the two teams battle to a 4–4 draw. Winnipeg Jets era (1972–1996) A new era for the Winnipeg Arena began in the fall of