Step Inside Scotiabank Arena, Home of Toronto Raptors & Maple Leafs

Home of the Toronto Raptors & Maple Leafs

Scotiabank Arena is the premier indoor arena in Canada and home to both the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs. Opening in 1999 at the site of the historic Toronto Postal Delivery Building, the venue has embraced the city’s rich history while pushing it into the future with its two widely cherished tenants. As the highest-grossing arena in Canada and one of the most attended in the world, Scotiabank Arena has established itself as a fixture in global entertainment as well as North American professional sports. Scotiabank Arena is a 10-minute walk from the nearby Rogers Centre stadium, home of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Scotiabank Arena History

Scotiabank Arena opened in 1999 as Air Canada Centre (ACC), which it remained until 2018. Once the site of the Toronto Postal Delivery Building, the current arena retained the original building’s distinctive Art Deco façade and limestone sculpture series in an inspired convergence of the city’s past, present and future. The Toronto Maple Leafs, who predate the arena by over eight decades, played the first game in an eventual overtime victory against NHL rivals the Montreal Canadiens. The Raptors beat the Vancouver Grizzlies the following night.

The arena has presided over several major face-offs involving its two home teams. The Raptors won Game 1 of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena against cross-conference rivals the Golden State Warriors on their way to Toronto’s first championship title. The Raptors have also maintained healthy rivalries with the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are perennial playoff contenders with one of the most dedicated fanbases in hockey.

Throughout both teams’ successes, Scotiabank Arena has provided plenty of space for fans to gather and celebrate. A 2005 renovation gave way to the massive Maple Leaf Square on the venue’s western side, with a 30-foot tall video screen allowing even more fans to let their voices be heard from outside. The space has also been referred to as “Jurassic Park” for Raptors games. A $350 million renovation of Scotiabank Arena, which started in 2023, included an upgraded video screen for Maple Leaf Square.

Outside of the regular season, Scotiabank Arena has hosted the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend and several matches for the World Cup of Hockey in 2004 and 2016. The facility is also slated to host the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. Special events such as UFC and Monster Jam have been held at Scotiabank Arena, while artists such as Mariah Carey, Elton John, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Ariana Grande and Maroon 5 have headlined.

Parking and Admission at Scotiabank Arena

Scotiabank Arena is located at 40 Bay Street in Toronto, Ontario. Gates typically open one hour prior to an event’s start time. An on-site parking garage can be found below the facility and is reserved for private suite holders and office tenants. Fans who require accessible parking should contact the venue at (416) 815-5982 to reserve a spot. In addition, there are over 13,000 public parking spots available within walking distance of Scotiabank Arena. The venue recommends that commuters reserve a space ahead of time via the SpotHero service here.

Scotiabank Arena benefits from its close proximity to Union Station. Toronto’s central transportation hub gives access to all of the city’s major services, including the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the wider GO Transit line. The underground PATH Walkway system, which connects Union Station to Scotiabank Arena, provides a direct route for public transit users as well as car commuters looking for an ideal pickup and drop off point.

Scotiabank Arena bag policy allows small purses, clutches and fanny packs smaller than 6.5” x 4.5”. If a bag exceeds the maximum size, exceptions may be made for medical bags or after receiving clearance following an x-ray inspection. The Security check for oversized bags can be accessed at Gates 1, 3 and 5, while a bag check service for oversized bags can be found in the galleria across from Gate 1. Bag check costs $20.

Scotiabank Arena’s rules for cameras vary based on the event type. Generally, professional cameras and recording devices, GoPros and selfie sticks are not allowed. The venue encourages fans to contact Fan Services at (416) 815-5982 for specific event recommendations. Other prohibited items include aerosol cans, weapons of any kind including pocket knives, fireworks, outside food and beverages, non-service animals, noisemakers and laser pointers. Umbrellas under 12” in length and strollers are permitted, with a dedicated drop-off for the latter item on the concourse near Gate 6 during family events or at Guest Services for all other times.

Scotiabank Arena Capacity & Seating Options

Scotiabank Arena holds a maximum capacity of 20,511 including 154 suites. divided among the 40 Platinum, 66 Executive, 24 Theatre and 24 Loge options. The Mastercard Executive Suite Level stretches across the 200 level and features ample space and full-service meals provided by Pinnacle Caterers. Meanwhile, the higher 500 and 600 Level Theatre Suites offer an unobstructed and all-encompassing view of the arena, en-suite host and pre-ordered catering options.

ScotiaClub ticket holders have access to the venue’s two ScotiaClub Gallery mezzanines with exclusive food and beverage services. Other exclusive VIP lounges include the members-only Sher Club, the Air Canada Signature Club, the Mastercard Lounge and the Tunnel Club fine dining experience.

View the Scotiabank Arena seating chart on Ticketmaster.

Food & Beverage Options at Scotiabank Arena

Scotiabank Arena offers a diverse spread within its concession offerings. Along with widespread Canadian staples like Tim Horton’s, the venue hosts local favorites such as Cherry St. BBQ, Chungchun Rice Dog, Hot Stove Carve, Mac and Cheese Boutique, The Poutinerie and Wicked Carib. Guests can also purchase cocktails and other beverages at one of Scotiabank Arena’s many specialized vendors including the Captain Morgan Rum Bar, Ciroc Ultra Premium Bar, Crown Royal Bar, Don Julio Bar, Smirnoff Vodka Bar, Suds in the Six and World Class Bar.

Hotels Near Scotiabank Arena

Some of the top-rated hotels near Scotiabank Arena in Toronto include:

1. Fairmont Royal York
2. Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto
3. Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
4. The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto
5. One King West Hotel & Residence