Champions is a 2023 sports comedy-drama that’s both funny and heartwarming. Directed by Bobby Farrelly, it tells the story of Marcus, a basketball coach who learns important life lessons while working with a team of players with disabilities.
The movie stars Woody Harrelson and features some amazing locations that help bring the story to life. Let’s take a closer look at where Champions was filmed and why these places were so special!
This sports movie was released on March 10, 2023, in the United States by Focus Features and Universal Pictures.
Champions Filming Locations
The filmmakers chose several cities in Canada and the United States to create the perfect setting for Champions. Each location added a unique feel to the story. Here are the main places where the movie was filmed:
1. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Most of the movie was filmed in Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba. Winnipeg is known for its cold winters and beautiful cityscapes. The snowy weather during the filming (November to December 2021) gave the movie a cozy and realistic atmosphere.
The filmmakers also worked closely with the community. They hired extras through St. Amant, a local non-profit group that helps people with developmental disabilities and autism. This made the filming process even more special.
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of the Canadian province of Manitoba. It lies at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, near the longitudinal centre of North America.
2. Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada
Another important filming location was Selkirk, a small town near Winnipeg. Selkirk’s quiet and friendly vibe made it a great spot for some of the movie’s emotional scenes. Selkirk is a city located in Manitoba, Canada, situated on the Red River about 22 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg. It has a population of 10,504 as of the 2021 census.
3. Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Some parts of the movie were filmed in Des Moines, the capital of Iowa. The city’s lively streets and community spirit brought a warm, heartland feel to the story. Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa, known for its vibrant downtown, the iconic Iowa State Capitol building, and the renowned Iowa State Fair.
4. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
The University of Utah in Salt Lake City was also used in the movie. The beautiful campus and modern buildings made for some great exterior shots that fit the film’s story perfectly.
The University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. It was founded in 1850 and is the state’s oldest institution of higher education.
Other Filming Locations in Canada
Address: 1405 St Matthews Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0K5, Canada
In addition to the locations mentioned above you can see the areas around Canad Inn Polo Park in this movie. Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park is a laid-back hotel offering a buffet restaurant and a 3-star hotel, an indoor pool & a casino. It is located at 1405 St Matthews Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0K5, Canada.
Note: If you recognize any of the stadium locations in the pictures below, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Your suggestions will help us keep the article up-to-date!
When Was Champions Filmed?
Filming for Champions began in November 2021 and ended in December 2021. The cold weather in Winnipeg during this time helped create a realistic, wintry feel for the movie. The filmmakers took great care to ensure the locations matched the movie’s themes of resilience and teamwork.
One of the highlights of the filming process was involving local communities. St. Amant, a non-profit organization in Manitoba, helped cast extras for the movie, making the filming process inclusive and meaningful.
Champions Behind-the-Scenes Fun
Alex Hannah who plays the role of Jimmy in this sport movie shared some behind the scenes photos on his social media account (Instagram):-
One of the best parts of the filming process was how the community got involved. St. Amant helped recruit extras for the movie, ensuring that the cast included people who truly represented the movie’s theme of inclusion and diversity.
FAQs
Q1: Why was Winnipeg chosen as a filming location?
A: Winnipeg has a mix of city and small-town vibes, which was perfect for the movie. Plus, the snowy winter scenes added a cozy and realistic feel to the story.
Q2: Were real communities involved in the filming?
A: Yes! Extras were hired through St. Amant, a local organization that supports people with developmental disabilities and autism.
Q3: Was the entire Champions movie filmed in Canada?
A: No, while most of the filming was done in Canada, some scenes were shot in the U.S., including Des Moines, Iowa, and at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Q4: Can fans visit the filming locations of Champions?
A: Definitely! Places like Winnipeg, Selkirk, and Des Moines are open to visitors, and you can explore these beautiful spots in person.
Final Thoughts
The filming locations of Champions added so much to its charm and storytelling. From the snowy streets of Winnipeg to the welcoming feel of Selkirk and the bustling city of Des Moines, every place made the movie feel real and relatable. If you love movies that are both funny and touching, Champions is a must-watch!