If you're visiting Toronto and love sports, you're in for a treat. Canada's largest city is home to two of North America's most passionate fan bases, and catching a hockey or basketball game here is an unforgettable experience. But where exactly do these teams play, and how can you score tickets? Here's everything you need to know.
The Home of Toronto's Hockey and Basketball Giants
Both the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League and the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association share the same home at Scotiabank Arena, in the heart of downtown Toronto. The arena is on Bay Street and is owned and operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE), the same group that owns both teams.
Originally opening in February 1999 as the Air Canada Centre, the venue was renamed Scotiabank Arena on July 1, 2018. The first hockey game featured the Maple Leafs facing off against their historic rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, while the Raptors played their inaugural game at the venue the following night.
A World-Class Venue
Scotiabank Arena has established itself as a fixture in global entertainment and is the premier indoor arena in Canada, ranking as one of the most attended venues in the world. The arena underwent extensive renovations, with MLSE investing approximately $350 million into a four-phase renovation project that began in 2023, ensuring visitors experience state-of-the-art facilities.
For hockey games, the arena can accommodate 20,270 fans, including standing room, while basketball games can hold 20,511 spectators. The building features comfortable seating throughout, modern amenities, and themed concession stands that capture Toronto's multicultural flavour.
One unique feature that sets this venue apart is Maple Leaf Square on the western side, which includes a large video screen that broadcasts games, attracting thousands of fans who gather outside during playoff runs. During Raptors playoff games, this square has earned the affectionate nickname “Jurassic Park,” where fans create an electric atmosphere even if they don't have tickets to get inside.
Getting There is Easy
One of the best things about Scotiabank Arena for tourists is its incredibly convenient location. The arena is in the heart of the city, close to the CN Tower, the theatre district, restaurants, hotels, and shopping. Even better, it's connected to Union Station via the PATH system, Toronto's extensive underground walkway network.
Union Station serves both the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway system and GO Transit commuter trains, making the arena accessible from virtually anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area. If you're driving, there are over 13,000 public parking spaces within walking distance, though public transit is highly recommended given the venue's excellent connectivity.
Where do the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors Play? How to Get Tickets
Securing tickets to see the Maple Leafs or Raptors is straightforward, though demand can be high, especially for weekend games or when the teams are playoff-bound. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.ca or at the Scotiabank Arena Ticket Office, in the Union Station Galleria across from Gate 1, which opens three hours before event time on game days.
Tickets are delivered digitally and scanned from mobile devices at the arena for a contactless experience. You can also access your tickets through the Scotiabank Arena mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. For tourists, this means you don't have to worry about carrying physical tickets or picking them up at the venue.
Secondary market options are also available through platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatPick, and TickPick, which can be useful if primary tickets are sold out or if you're looking for specific seating options. Prices vary significantly based on the opponent, day of the week, and seat location, so it's worth comparing options.
Where do the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors Play? Planning Your Visit
When attending a game, you can enter through any gate, though your ticket will list a preferred entry gate. Arrive early to soak in the pre-game atmosphere and explore the arena's amenities. Only small purses or bags smaller than 16.5cm x 11.5cm are permitted, and no outside food or beverages are allowed.
Children under 24 months don't require a ticket if seated on a lap, though this policy may vary for concerts. The arena is fully wheelchair accessible, with accommodations throughout the facility.
Beyond the Games
If you can't catch a game during your visit, or if you want to go behind the scenes, Scotiabank Arena offers guided tours that provide unique access to the venue, including behind-the-scenes spaces where players and performers prepare. These tours give you a chance to see locker rooms, luxury suites, and other areas normally off-limits to the public.
The arena also hosts concerts and special events year-round, making it a hub of entertainment beyond sports. Some of the biggest names in music regularly perform here, taking advantage of the venue's excellent acoustics and sight lines.
The Experience Awaits
Attending a Toronto Maple Leafs or Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena offers more than just watching elite athletes compete. It's about experiencing the passion of Toronto's sports fans, enjoying a world-class facility, and creating memories in one of North America's most vibrant cities. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan, a basketball enthusiast, or simply curious about Canadian sports culture, catching a game here should be high on your Toronto itinerary.
With its central location, easy accessibility, and exciting atmosphere, Scotiabank Arena makes it simple for tourists to add a professional sports experience to their Toronto adventure. Just remember to book your tickets early, especially for weekend games, and prepare to witness the electric energy that makes Toronto sports so special.
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