A Guide to Scotiabank Arena
Opened in 1999, Scotiabank Arena is the energetic heartbeat of downtown Toronto’s entertainment district. Serving as the legendary home to both the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, this world-class venue anchors a passionate sports culture that radiates across the entire country. From its outdoor plaza to the electric atmosphere inside, it offers one of the most vibrant game-day experiences in professional sports.
Getting to the Arena
- Driving & ParkingFrom the Gardiner Expressway, take the Spadina Avenue or York Street exits and head north. From the Don Valley Parkway (DVP), connect to the Gardiner westbound. Parking garages in the downtown core run $25-$40 CAD on game nights. The Green P lots on Front Street and Rees Street are among the closest. For pregame supplies, Longo's Maple Leaf Square is a premium grocery store directly adjacent to the arena at Maple Leaf Square — incredibly convenient. Farm Boy is another quality grocery option with downtown locations. LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) has locations throughout downtown for alcohol purchases — Ontario's government liquor store system.
- Public TransitFrom the Gardiner Expressway, take the Spadina or York Street exits. From the DVP, connect to the Gardiner westbound. Downtown Toronto garages.
- BusRegional buses arrive at the indoor Union Station Bus Terminal, which features a direct pedestrian bridge to the arena. GO Transit and regional buses do not drop off on the street. They use the Union Station Bus Terminal located inside the CIBC SQUARE complex, which is connected directly to the arena via an indoor pedestrian bridge.
- TrainUnion Station is directly connected to the arena via the indoor PATH network. The transit hub serves TTC Subway Line 1, GO Transit Rail and Bus, VIA Rail, and the UP Express direct link to Pearson Airport.
- RideshareAvoid calling an Uber, Lyft, or taxi directly to Bay Street or Bremner Boulevard. Strict city no-standing enforcement means drivers cannot linger outside the arena gates. Pro-Tip: Walk 5 to 10 minutes north to Front Street, Wellington Street, or King Street before requesting a pickup to escape the immediate gridlock and security perimeters.
Pregame Festivities
Downtown Toronto surrounding the arena offers a dense concentration of restaurants, bars, and entertainment. The Entertainment District along King Street West, the waterfront, and the PATH underground network all provide pregame options.
Pregame Bars & Restaurants
- The ultimate sports bar, located directly adjacent to Scotiabank Arena at Maple Leaf Square. At 25,000 square feet, it's one of the largest sports bars in North America, featuring a 39-foot HD screen, over 100 TVs, and an extensive menu. It's the default Raptors pregame destination and fills up early on game nights.
- A pub on Front Street near the arena offering a large selection of Canadian and craft beers, pub food, and a game-night crowd. The Antler Room upstairs provides a more intimate setting. About a 5-minute walk from the arena.
- A brewery and restaurant on the Queens Quay waterfront, about a 10-minute walk from the arena. Amsterdam Brewing's craft beers are brewed on-site, and the waterfront patio offers views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands. One of the best patio pregame spots in the city.
- A pub on Front Street offering a large beer selection, bar food, and a lively atmosphere on game nights. Convenient location near the arena.
- A craft beer pub on Front Street East specializing in Ontario craft beers. Over 30 beers on tap, many from small Ontario breweries you won't find elsewhere. The exposed-brick basement setting adds character.
- A Canadian steakhouse chain with a location near the arena on The Esplanade. Known for quality steaks, prime rib, and a polished atmosphere. A solid option for a more upscale pregame dinner.
- A celebrated Thai restaurant on Duncan Street, about a 10-minute walk from the arena. Chef Nuit Regular's Northern Thai cuisine is among the best in North America. The Khao Soi (curry noodle soup) is legendary. Reservations recommended.
- A Toronto sandwich institution known for their veal sandwich breaded, fried veal cutlet on a crusty roll with peppers, mushrooms, and their signature tomato sauce. Multiple locations throughout Toronto.
Neighborhood Attractions
- The iconic 553-meter (1,815-foot) telecommunications tower, visible from virtually everywhere in downtown Toronto, is about a 5-minute walk from the arena. The observation deck, glass floor, and EdgeWalk (an outdoor walk on the roof) offer thrilling views. It was the world's tallest free-standing structure for over 30 years.
- Located at the base of the CN Tower, about a 5-minute walk from the arena. The aquarium features a stunning underwater tunnel, touch tanks, and exhibits on marine life from around the world. Great for families on a game-day trip.
- One of the world's great food markets, located about a 15-minute walk east of the arena on Front Street. The Saturday Farmers' Market and the South Market's permanent vendors offer everything from peameal bacon sandwiches (a Toronto specialty) to artisan cheeses.
- A pedestrian-only neighborhood of restored Victorian industrial buildings, about 15 minutes east of the arena. Galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and craft distilleries fill the cobblestone streets. Beautiful at any time of year, magical during the winter holiday market.
- A cultural center on the waterfront, about a 10-minute walk from the arena. Free and low-cost arts programming, festivals, and exhibitions throughout the year, plus views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands.
Monuments & Unique Features
- Championship Banner2019 NBA Champions
- Retired Number
- #15 Vince Carter#15 hangs in the rafters as the first-ever retired player number in Toronto Raptors franchise history.
- Scotiabank Arena ICONS BoardLocated inside the public Galleria walkway, this permanent museum-quality wall fixture honors the iconic non-sporting entertainment acts that have defined the arena’s history. Inductees featured on the monument board include The Tragically Hip (who played the venue's inaugural concert), Bon Jovi, U2, Madonna, WWE, and comedian Russell Peters.
- The Reimagined Museum Art CollectionThe main 100 and 300 Level concourses have been lined with a museum-quality sports and culture art collection. This features 76 commissioned multi-media and photographic art pieces created by 34 diverse Canadian artists, showcasing historic Toronto sports moments, vintage Maple Leafs hockey card mosaics, and national history.
- The Postal Facade & Galleria ArtifactsThe arena seamlessly incorporates the original 1940s Toronto Postal Delivery Building limestone facade. Inside the Gate 1 public Galleria, a historical display showcases artifacts recovered from the original building's excavation.
- Scotiabank Arena ICONSA permanent commemorative wall fixture in the Galleria honoring the venue's rich musical and entertainment history. Inductees include The Tragically Hip, Bon Jovi, U2, Madonna, and WWE.
Seating & Special Sections
- MNP Pass Social ClubEvent Level (directly behind/adjacent to the player tunnels and walkouts). A brand-new 7,350-square-foot premium destination. Members sit in the premium lower-bowl Platinum rows (Rows 1–10 sideline) and have exclusive access to this club space. The defining feature is the "smartglass" wall, which provides members an interactive, up-close view of the Maple Leafs and Raptors as they walk between the locker rooms and the game floor. It features an open kitchen with high-end menus curated by Michelin-star-trained chefs, an interactive Chef’s Table, two private dining rooms, and a custom wine cellar.
- Air Canada Signature ClubEvent Level (formerly known as the Chairman’s Suite). The most private and ultra-premium club on the event level. It caters to top-tier ticket holders, offering an ultra-sophisticated, low-lit fine dining environment with dedicated concierge staff, immediate floor access, and private entry points before games.
- Sher ClubEvent Level / Main Concourse junction. Created in collaboration with Toronto’s own Drake and named after his grandmother, this is an exclusive, invite-only, members-only club. It is heavily stylized as a high-end lounge that operates during all home games and major concerts, offering a private nightlife atmosphere within the stadium walls.
- Platinum Club100 Level Accessible directly from the lowest Platinum seating rows. A fine-dining staple completely updated with contemporary textures, soft lighting, and curated art by Canadian creators. It features three unique dining spaces hosting up to 260 guests, anchored by two glowing onyx bars, a secluded "Champagne Room" for private parties of eight, and a floor-to-ceiling, 3,000-bottle glass wine cellar managed by a Head Sommelier.
- Mastercard Lounge200 Level (Southwest corner of the lower suite level). A first-of-its-kind premium concept space built during the reimagination project. This shared member lounge completely breaks the traditional suite boundary by opening directly into the arena bowl, allowing premium dining guests to maintain uninterrupted sightlines of the game. It features an interactive Chef’s Table with high-end, rotating seasonal Canadian ingredients.
- Mastercard Executive Suites200 Level (Encircling the entire lower suite tier). A complete floor-to-ceiling remodel was wrapped up for this tier, replacing the old 1990s layouts. They feature luxury stone accents, vaulted ceilings designed to drastically expand the viewing area of the bowl, advanced in-suite touch technology, and convertible accessible seating.
- ScotiaClub200 Level (End-bowl presentation). This is an open-to-the-arena premium dining space that offers sit-down rail seating directly looking out onto the court or ice. It is accessible to club members during sporting events and expands access to all ticket holders during major concert events. It features hand-crafted cocktails and a modern, sustainable scratch-menu.
- 500L Loge Club500 Level (Reconfigured from the upper bowl executive suite tier). One of the newest editions to the stadium's premium lineup. Eight older executive suites on the 500 level were structurally reconfigured into a unified, 100-person social club space. It brings a "refined-casual" atmosphere to the upper level, complete with all-inclusive food stations, private member washrooms, excellent elevated birds-eye vantage points of the court/ice, and direct dedicated elevator access.
- 400 & 500 Level Executive Suites400 and 500 Levels (Upper suite bowl): Following the renovations of the 200-level suites, these upper suites underwent an all-encompassing remodel to match the same premium aesthetic. They feature upgraded high-end finishes, advanced digital integration, custom catering, and vaulted structural ceilings to give fans a less obstructed, wider panoramic view of the arena from the upper bowl.
Concessions
- Signature ItemsPeameal bacon sandwiches (Toronto's signature sandwich), poutine (cheese curds, gravy, fries), and other Canadian-inspired items reflect the local food culture. Chef-driven concepts rotate through the arena.
- Aloette GoEvent Level & Section 106: An arena-optimized spin-off of Toronto's famous Aloette restaurant. It is legendary for serving its critically acclaimed, upscale Aloette fine-dining burger (topped with melted Beaufort cheese and shredded lettuce) alongside high-end sides.
- Wicked CaribSection 104: Celebrating Toronto's deep Caribbean culinary roots, this stand serves incredibly popular local flavors. Signature items include Caribbean chicken, beef, or vegan roti, the Wicked Jerk Chicken Sandwich, doubles, and classic Jamaican patties.
- Cherry St. BBQ300 Level, Section 313: Exceptional, authentic pit-smoked southern-style barbecue brought to the upper deck. Features slow-smoked pulled pork, Texas-style brisket sandwiches, and classic BBQ sides.
- ChungChun Rice Dog300 Level, Section 308: A massive street-food fan favorite. They serve specialty Korean-style street rice corn dogs, which can be custom-loaded with mozzarella cheese, wrapped in crispy potatoes, and fried to order.
- Kibo SushiEvent Level & Section 106: Fresh, high-quality handmade sushi rolls, bento boxes, and Japanese quick-service items tailored for fans looking for a fresh, lighter premium alternative to classic stadium food.
- Hot Stove CarvePlatinum Level, Gallery Levels, and Sections 104, 110, 117, 314, and 318: Home to the stadium's absolute number-one best-selling signature item: the premium, thick-cut Prime Rib Sandwich, carved to order and served with a side of crunchy kettle chips. (Note: This can also be ordered directly to your seat via the stadium app).
- The PoutinerieSection 322: The ultimate destination for Canada's signature dish. It features house-cut fries, rich scratch-made gravy, and squeaky, premium cheese curds. Loaded variations rotate, featuring toppings like Rotisserie Chicken or Steak and Onion.
- Hogtown Gourmet Hot DogsSections 103, 112, and 319: Elevating the standard stadium dog with premium Toronto-themed flare. Highlights include the famous Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog, the loaded Chili Hot Dog, and the crisp BLT Hot Dog.
- St. PattiesSection 122: The main destination for classic, flat-top griddled stadium burgers done right. Notable options include the Cheese Please Burger, the Smokehouse Burger, the mammoth Triple OT Burger, and dedicated vegan burger alternatives.
Arena Information
Notable Events
- Kawhi Leonard's Buzzer-Beater: In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Leonard's shot bounced off the rim four times before dropping — the first Game 7 buzzer-beater in NBA history. The collective holding-of-breath in Scotiabank Arena and Jurassic Park is one of the greatest moments in basketball history.
- The Inaugural Season: The Raptors began play in 1995 at the SkyDome, moving to the Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena) in 1999.
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this arena