MTS Centre, Iceplex renamed following Bell takeover of MTS

The home of the Winnipeg Jets is getting a new name after 13 years.

• Bell completes takeover of MTS
• Bell takeover of MTS gets federal approval
• 100,000 Manitoba customers to move under Telus as part of Bell MTS takeover

The MTS Centre is now the Bell MTS Place, True North Sports and Entertainment announced Tuesday.

True North, which owns the building and the NHL franchise that plays there, is also renaming the MTS Iceplex the Bell MTS Iceplex. 

Bell Canada president George Cope made it official at a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

"We've just announced there will be a name change and we're very proud to announce Bell MTS Place, we couldn't be prouder than to put the Bell name on this facility for next season," Cope said.

He joked about the Winnipeg Jets team.

"We can't do much about the goalie but I can certainly make an investment on the name," he said to laughter from the business crowd.

The new names reflect the recent takeover of MTS by Bell Canada and come into effect immediately, True North said. 

The organization estimates it will take several weeks to replace signs at the two sports facilities, but it hopes to have them in place by Sept. 1.

The MTS Centre opened in 2004 and was initially home to the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League.

In 2011, the Jets moved in after being relocated from Atlanta.