| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Team(s) | Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL); hosts concerts, UFC, WNBA & major events |
| Opened | February 19, 1999 (replacing Air Canada Centre name with Scotiabank Arena in July 2018) |
| Capacity | Basketball: ~19,800; Hockey/Lacrosse: ~18,800; Concerts: up to ~20,500 |
| Best Value Seats | Upper-level corners & loge sections—solid views, mid-tier pricing (Sections 300–400) |
| Premium Seating | 154 Premium seats (Platinum, Executive, Theatre & Loge suites); 200/500/600-level suites with in-seat service, lounges, and guest amenities |
| Top Arena Foods | Signature MLSE concessions including Buffalo wraps, gourmet dogs (Hogtown), hot dogs & sausages; Food Junction stands |
| Nearby Bars/Eats | Real Sports Bar & Grill (Maple Leaf Square), Boston Pizza, Cloak Bar & St. Louis Bar & Grill |
| Closest Hotels | Downtown options include Fairmont Royal York, Delta Toronto, Ritz-Carlton; Union Station/Path-connected |
| Transit Access | Connected to Union Station (GO, VIA, subway), Path network, nearby streetcar and bus routes; mobile ticketing only |
| Unique Highlights | Housed in historic postal building; “Jurassic Park” fan gatherings in Maple Leaf Square; LEED-certified renovations (2003, 2015, 2023); massive outdoor video screen |
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Best Seats at Scotiabank Arena
Scotiabank Arena sits right in the heart of downtown Toronto at the corner of Bay and Lake Shore, a block from Union Station and the waterfront. It’s home to both the Raptors and the Maple Leafs, which means this place is packed year-round—and tickets can get painfully expensive, especially for Leafs games. The building opened in 1999 (originally as the Air Canada Centre) and got a major renovation in 2018 that modernized everything from seats to concessions. You’re in one of the most walkable, transit-connected arenas in North America, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and actual city life. The crowd skews corporate and moneyed for premium matchups, but regular-season weeknight games still have real fans who care about the result.
100 Level Centre Ice/Court (Sections 107-109, 118-120): The best non-premium seats in the building are 100 level centre sections 107-109 (one side) and 118-120 (other side) for both Leafs and Raptors games. These put you at centre ice or centre court with clean sightlines of the entire playing surface.
Rows 7 and higher are the sweet spot. Anything lower than row 7 and you risk obstructed views from the glass (hockey) or being too flat to the court (basketball) where you can’t see plays develop on the far end. Row 1 is fun for the experience—you’re right on the glass or courtside—but if you actually want to watch the game, rows 7-15 are objectively better.
For Leafs games, the home bench is between sections 119-120, and the visitors’ bench is between 107-108. The Leafs shoot twice on the end in front of sections 113-114, visitors shoot twice on sections 102-103. Sitting behind the benches is entertaining if you want to hear coaches yelling and see player interactions, but your view of the actual game suffers.
For Raptors games, sections 108 and 119 at centre court are ideal, and they also include access to the Platinum Lounge—a legitimately luxurious club with a wine cellar, private bar, and custom menu for each event. If you’re spending on lower bowl, these sections give you the best bang for your buck.
100 Level Corner (Sections 106, 110, 117, 121 and 122): If centre ice/court pricing is too steep, corner sections 106, 110, 117, and 121-122 offer solid value. You’re still on the lower bowl, close to the action, but at an angle that’s less desirable (and therefore cheaper) than dead centre.
Section 110 is a quirk worth noting: it’s much better for hockey than basketball or concerts because of how the layout shifts. If you’re going to a Leafs game, 110 is a good budget play. For Raptors or concerts, you’re better off elsewhere.
Avoid sitting directly behind the benches or penalty boxes unless you just want the up-close chaos—sightlines get blocked when players and coaches are standing.
300 Level Centre (Sections 308-310, 320-322): The 300 level centre sections (308-310 and 320-322) are your best budget option. These are the upper bowl, but if you stick to rows 1-10, you’re getting an elevated view that actually helps you see plays develop without feeling disconnected.
The 300 level at Scotiabank Arena isn’t as steep or far as some older buildings, so even “nosebleed” seats here are watchable. You’re sacrificing proximity for price, but if you care more about being there than sitting close, these sections deliver.
Avoid the last few rows (rows 20+) in the 300s—you’re legitimately far from the ice/court and the angle gets uncomfortable.
Seats to Avoid
- 100 level rows 1-6: Too low, obstructed views from glass or flat sightlines
- Behind benches and penalty boxes: Fun for atmosphere, bad for watching the game
- 300 level corners and upper rows: Too far, awkward angles
- Section 110 for non-hockey events: Layout doesn’t work as well
Honest Takeaway
If you’re spending on lower bowl, i’d recommend you go for centre sections (107-109, 118-120) in rows 7-15. If you’re on a budget, 300 level centre rows 1-10 are perfectly fine. Corner 100s are the compromise play—closer than the 300s but cheaper than centre.
Premium Seating Options
Scotiabank Arena’s premium game is strong, ranging from courtside/ice level to full luxury suites with catering and private bars.
Courtside & Ice Level
Raptors Courtside: Right on the NBA floor in sections around the court, typically $700-$4,500 per ticket depending on opponent and game. You get larger padded seats, VIP entrance, and in-seat wait service. You’re on camera, you’re part of the show, and you’re close enough to hear everything. But be real with yourself: if you want to watch basketball strategy, you’re better off elevated. Courtside is about the experience and being seen.
Leafs Glass Seats: Similar pricing range depending on matchup. You’re right on the glass, pucks are flying at your face, players are crashing into the boards inches away. It’s visceral and loud, but your view of the far end is compromised. Go for the chaos, not the tactics.
Platinum Lounge (Sections 108, 119): The Platinum Lounge is accessed through centre court sections 108 and 119. This is one of the most luxurious club spaces in the building, featuring a full wine cellar, private bar, and a custom menu created specifically for each event. Pricing varies but expect premium rates for these sections—you’re paying for elite seats plus access to a legitimately high-end club experience.
Scotia Club: Available to Raptors and Leafs season ticket holders and select premium seat buyers. The Scotia Club offers upscale food and beverage options, private bars, and a members-only lounge atmosphere. It’s less publicized than some of the other clubs but is considered one of the better value propositions if you can access it.
Mastercard Lounge: One of the top club options at Scotiabank Arena, the Mastercard Lounge offers upscale seating, club access, and premium amenities. Sections in this area include dedicated servers, better food options, and a lounge environment that’s far more comfortable than standard concourses. Pricing is event-dependent but expect to pay a significant premium over regular 100-level seats.
What’s New for 2026 and beyond: The $350M ‘Reimagination’ is live. The Molson Brewhouse (Section 108) is the new pre-game meet-up spot. If you are in the 300s, check out the new Coors Light Chill Zone—it’s no longer a dark hallway; it’s a full social bar.
Gondola Boxes & Theatre Suites
Gondola Boxes are small, semi-private viewing areas with premium seating and club access. They’re perfect for small groups (4-8 people) who want suite-like privacy without renting a full luxury suite.
Theatre Suites (500-600 level) are higher up but offer theatre-style seating, TVs, catered food, and waiter service. Pricing ranges from $5,000-$15,000 USD depending on event. These are good for larger groups who want a private space without breaking the bank on lower-level suites.
Full Luxury Suites (200 & 400 Levels)
Scotiabank Arena has 97 total suites with capacities ranging from 8-40 guests.
Pricing:
- 200 Level Executive Suites (closest to the floor/ice): $7,000-$18,000 USD per event
- 400 Level Loge Suites: $6,000-$18,000 USD
- 500-600 Level Theatre Suites: $5,000-$15,000 USD
Leafs games are significantly more expensive than Raptors games. Midweek matchups against elite opponents (like Original Six teams or playoff contenders) will push you to the top of the pricing range. Raptors suites against non-playoff teams on weeknights are your best bet for lower pricing.
All suites include comfortable seating, gourmet catering options (additional cost), VIP parking passes available for purchase, private entry, early access before events, and a dedicated suite attendant. The suites were recently renovated with modern, sleek designs.
Scotiabank Arena Seating Chart
Scotiabank Arena’s capacity shifts depending on what’s happening on the floor. When the Toronto Raptors take the court, the arena holds around 19,800 fans. For Toronto Maple Leafs hockey games, that number adjusts to about 18,900 seats. You can check out the updated seating chart on the arena’s website to see configurations for different event types.
Maple Leafs and Raptors Tickets
Whether you’re planning your first Raptors game or you’ve been bleeding blue and white for the Leafs your whole life, there are plenty of ways to score tickets. Here’s your complete guide to snagging a seat:
- Grab Maple Leafs or Raptors tickets through our Vivid Seats partnership! This is your go-to source for great deals on any event at Scotiabank Arena.
- Official team websites: Head straight to the Toronto Maple Leafs or Toronto Raptors official sites to buy directly from the source. It’s secure, straightforward, and gets you in the game.
- NHL and NBA Ticket Exchanges: These league-endorsed resale platforms let you buy and sell tickets with confidence. Every transaction is verified, so you know you’re getting legitimate seats.
- Local ticket outlets: Toronto has several authorized resellers with both physical locations and online options. These can be especially helpful if you prefer buying locally.
- Season ticket holders: Connect with fans who have season tickets but can’t make every game. Check online forums, social media fan groups, or team-specific platforms to find people looking to sell or transfer tickets.
- Scotiabank Arena box office: Sometimes the old-school approach works best. Buying directly from the arena’s box office gives you face-to-face service and eliminates online fees.
- Team memberships and fan clubs: Look into official memberships that come with perks like early access to tickets and exclusive purchasing windows.
Bag Policy for Scotiabank Arena
Strict Warning: Do not bring a purse. The limit is 6.5” x 4.5” (size of your phone). If you bring anything larger, even a clear bag, you will be checking it at the gate for $20.
Honestly, your best bet is to skip the bag entirely and just bring the essentials in your pockets. This speeds up security screening and gets you to your seat faster.
What Else You Need to Know
Security screening: Everyone goes through metal detectors and bag checks at entry. It’s standard procedure to keep everyone safe, so arrive a bit early to account for the lines.
Prohibited items: Leave outside food and drinks at home—the arena doesn’t allow them. Large signs, banners, and anything that could be considered dangerous are also banned.
Cashless arena: Scotiabank Arena went fully cashless, so bring your credit card, debit card, or mobile payment option. You’ll need it for everything from concessions to merchandise.
Here is a full list of Scotiabank Policies
Getting To Scotiabank Arena
Scotiabank Arena sits right in the heart of downtown Toronto, making it one of the easiest venues to reach in the city. Here’s how to get there, ranked from best to most hassle:
Public Transportation (Your Best Bet)
The TTC subway is hands down the easiest way to get to Scotiabank Arena. Union Station on the Yonge-University line is literally a 2-4 minute walk from the arena—you can even follow an indoor pathway when the weather’s bad. A single ride costs about $4, and trains run every 5 minutes.
If you’re coming from outside the city, GO Transit also stops at Union Station, connecting you with the entire Greater Toronto Area. After the game, the subway is actually faster than trying to snag a rideshare in the post-game chaos. Just hop on the Yonge line at Union, and you’ll beat the traffic every time.
Rideshare (Convenient but Pricey)
Uber and Lyft work well for getting to the arena, but timing matters. For drop-offs, have your driver head to Union Station (40 Bay St if you’re going to the Scotia Club entrance) rather than trying to navigate Maple Leaf Square. Bay Street gets absolutely packed and doesn’t have a proper drop-off area.
After the event? Walk a couple blocks away from the arena before requesting your ride. The immediate area turns into complete gridlock when everyone’s leaving at once, and you’ll spend forever waiting for your driver to reach you.
Parking (If You Must Drive)
The arena’s onsite parking garage charges a flat $50 and only accepts credit or debit cards. The garage opens an hour before events (earlier if you have restaurant reservations), and there’s a height restriction of 6’6″. Prepaid parking at nearby lots ranges from $30-$78 depending on the event and location. It also could be more by now.
Accessible parking is available but needs to be booked a month ahead since spots are limited. Book early if you need it.
Scotiabank Insider Tips
Scotiabank Arena is a modern, well-run building, but there are still a few things worth knowing that’ll save you time, money, or frustration.
Use Gates 3, 4, or 5B for Shorter Lines: Not all entry gates are created equal. Gates 3, 4, and 5B consistently have shorter lines and faster entry than the main gates. If you’re a Scotiabank customer attending a Leafs or Raptors regular season game, you can use expedited entry lanes at Gates 1 and 5 by showing your Scotiabank Arena Perks Card.
Premium ticket holders and suite guests get early access—premium entrance opens at 4:30 PM for Leafs games and 5 PM for Raptors games, which is hours before general doors.
No Outside Food or Drink (Zero Tolerance): Outside food and beverages are not permitted into Scotiabank Arena—this is strictly enforced. Security will make you toss it or take it back to your car/hotel.
The only exception is for fans with food allergies or medical conditions who require specific types of food. If that applies to you, call Fan Services at (416) 815-5982 ahead of time to arrange an accommodation. For everyone else, plan to eat before you go or budget for arena pricing.
Alcohol Sales Stop After Second Intermission/Period: For Leafs games, alcoholic beverage sales stop at the end of the second intermission. If you want a beer for the third period, you need to grab it before the second intermission ends. This is standard NHL policy but catches people off guard if they’re not paying attention.
Same general rule applies for Raptors games—alcohol sales typically cut off in the second half or early in the fourth quarter depending on game flow.
Premium Sections Get In-Seat Service: If you’re sitting in premium areas (Platinum Lounge, Mastercard Lounge, suites), you get in-seat food and beverage service. This is a huge convenience perk that saves you from standing in concession lines during intermissions or halftime. The food quality is also noticeably better than standard concessions—think sit-down restaurant level instead of arena nachos.
Get There Early for Big Games: For Leafs playoff games, Raptors marquee matchups, or sold-out concerts, Scotiabank Arena fills up fast and security lines stretch 20-30 minutes before doors. Union Station right below the arena also gets packed with commuters during rush hour, so if you’re arriving between 5-7 PM on a weeknight, give yourself extra cushion.
Arrive at least 45 minutes early if you want to grab food, find your seat, and settle in without stress.
Food Options Worth Trying: Scotiabank Arena has solid concession variety if you know where to look:
- Aloette Go (Event Level). This is a spinoff of a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Poutine: This is Canada—get the poutine at least once. It’s available at multiple stands and is the most “Toronto sports” food you can eat.
- Cherry St. BBQ (Section 313). Verified local pitmaster BBQ.
- Premium sections: If you have club access, the food is legitimately restaurant-quality with options that change per event.
Skip the generic nachos and overpriced candy—stick to the local or elevated options and you’ll have a better experience.
The “Jurassic Park” Vibe for Raptors Playoff Games: If you’ve ever seen photos of thousands of Raptors fans packed outside Scotiabank Arena during playoff runs, that’s Maple Leaf Square (nicknamed “Jurassic Park”). It’s a massive outdoor plaza with big screens that show the game, and the atmosphere during playoff games is absolutely electric.
If you can’t afford tickets inside but want to be part of the scene, showing up to Jurassic Park for a big game is one of the coolest free sports experiences in North America. Just know it gets packed—like “show up hours early to get a spot” packed.
Overall Vibe Check: I’ve been to Scotiabank Arena for both Leafs and Raptors games, and the energy difference is stark. Leafs games feel corporate and stiff during the regular season—lots of suits, quiet crowds, and people more interested in being seen than cheering. It’s one of the most expensive tickets in hockey, and it shows. Playoff Leafs games are a completely different animal (if they ever make it deep), but regular season feels weirdly muted for a building that seats 19,000.
Raptors games, on the other hand—especially during the championship run and post-championship era—feel way more alive. The crowd is younger, louder, and more engaged. If you’re choosing between the two and you’re not a die-hard hockey fan, I’d lean toward catching a Raptors game for the atmosphere alone. The Platinum Lounge for Raptors games also feels like better value than equivalent Leafs premium seating because ticket prices are slightly more reasonable across the board.
Bars/Restaurants near Scotiabank Arena
Scotiabank Arena sits right in the heart of downtown Toronto at the crossroads of the entertainment and financial districts. The area is absolutely packed with options—you’re within walking distance of Union Station, the waterfront, and Maple Leaf Square. Here are the spots that’ll actually deliver before and after games:
Sports Bars (Pre-Game Energy)
Real Sports Bar & Grill is the undisputed king of pre-game spots. Located at 15 York Street, it’s literally steps from the arena entrance and features 200+ TVs, 100+ beer taps, and elevated pub food that’s way better than typical sports bar fare. The place gets absolutely slammed before Leafs and Raptors games, so show up early or expect a wait. Try the poke nachos or Real Sports fish and chips.
The Pint Public House on Front Street offers 40 taps of draught beer and solid pub grub with tons of HDTVs. It’s open late (until 2 AM on weekends) and has daily specials, making it perfect for both pre-game fuel and post-game celebrations.
Loose Moose (Antler Room) at 146 Front Street West brings that rustic sports bar vibe with vintage signs, excellent beer selection, and award-winning chicken wings. Their fully loaded poutine is a must-try, and the second-floor setup gives you space to breathe when other spots are packed.
Sit-Down Restaurants (Better Quality)
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar on Front Street serves fresh pastas and housemade mozzarella in a stylish brick-accented space. It’s reasonably priced for downtown Toronto, family-friendly, and offers outdoor seating. Their 3-cheese truffle bread and fettuccine bolognese are standouts.
Kelly’s Landing at 123 Front Street West offers upscale Canadian grill fare with a fireplace, live music, and sports on TV. The atmosphere hits that sweet spot between casual and elevated—great for date night before a game or client dinners. Their tuna poke bowl and sticky toffee pudding get rave reviews.
Quick Bites & Late Night
The Fox on Bay is a no-frills pub right at 35 Bay Street that stays open until midnight on weekends. It’s close enough to grab a quick beer and bite without dealing with massive crowds.
Scotland Yard Pub on The Esplanade has been a Toronto institution for 35+ years. Open until 2 AM nightly, it’s a neighborhood landmark in Old Town Toronto with a comfortable, casual British pub feel.
These spots all understand the game-day rush and are set up to handle crowds efficiently. Real Sports is the obvious choice for the full experience, but if it’s too packed, Scaddabush and Kelly’s Landing offer better food quality without the chaos.
Hotels Near Scotiabank Arena
Once you’ve figured out where to eat and how to get there, the next piece is finding a place to crash. The downtown Toronto hotel scene around Scotiabank Arena is stacked with options at every price point, and staying within walking distance means you can grab dinner at one of those spots mentioned earlier, walk to the game, and stumble back to your room without dealing with transit or rideshares in the postgame chaos.
Top Hotels
Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square is the closest hotel to Scotiabank Arena—literally 0.1 miles away. You’re right on Maple Leaf Square, which means you can walk to the arena in under two minutes. The hotel has a 4.7/5 rating and offers a boutique experience with Bar Le Germain on-site for pre-game cocktails. If it’s raining or cold, you don’t even need to go outside to reach the arena.
Fairmont Royal York sits 0.2 miles from the arena across from Union Station. This is old-school Toronto luxury with regal charm—three restaurants, an indoor pool, and a gym. The location can’t be beat for transit access, and it’s close to the Hockey Hall of Fame, CN Tower, and waterfront.
Delta Hotels Toronto on Lower Simcoe Street is another top pick at 0.2 miles from the arena. It’s perfect for both Scotiabank Arena events and Rogers Centre games, with modern rooms and a 4.6/5 rating. Guests consistently praise the location for sports and concerts.
Solid Mid-Range Options
Novotel Toronto Centre on The Esplanade offers excellent value at 0.3 miles from the arena—about a five-minute walk. It’s well-reviewed (4.4/5) and puts you close to Union Station without the premium price tag.
One King West Hotel & Residence is 0.4 miles away and features a restaurant, gym, bar, and hot tub. It’s technically an aparthotel with kitchens in rooms, making it great for longer stays or families. The location on King Street connects you to both the arena and the financial district.
Budget-Friendly Picks
Hotel Victoria at 56 Yonge Street is your best budget option near the arena at 0.3 miles away. It has a 4.1/5 rating and features monochromatic decor with hardwood floors. It’s a quarter mile from Union Station and offers on-site dining.
Executive Hotel Cosmopolitan on Colborne Street sits 0.4 miles from Scotiabank Arena and consistently gets praise for its location near Union Station and the arena. It’s a solid budget-conscious choice that doesn’t sacrifice convenience.
The Le Germain is your move if you want the ultimate game-day experience and don’t mind paying for it. If you’re looking for better value without sacrificing location, Novotel or Hotel Victoria will get the job done at a fraction of the cost.
Best Things To Do In Toronto
If you’re in town for a Leafs game, a concert or any event at the arena. Here are some other great things to do when you’re in this great city.
- CN Tower: Soaring above the skyline, the CN Tower is an iconic symbol of Toronto. Take an elevator to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario.
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Immerse yourself in culture and history at the ROM, one of the largest museums in North America, featuring a vast collection of art, artifacts, and natural history exhibits.
- Toronto Islands: Escape the urban hustle by taking a ferry to the Toronto Islands. Enjoy scenic views, bike rides, and a relaxing day at the beach.
- Distillery District: Wander through cobblestone streets in this historic district, home to art galleries, boutiques, and charming cafes. Don’t miss the Distillery’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
- Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Explore a diverse range of art at the AGO, featuring works from Canadian and international artists. The museum’s architecture itself is a masterpiece.
- St. Lawrence Market: Indulge in a culinary adventure at St. Lawrence Market, where fresh produce, artisanal goods, and diverse eateries await. It’s a food lover’s paradise.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Dive into an underwater world at Ripley’s Aquarium, featuring mesmerizing exhibits and the famous underwater tunnel.
- High Park: Escape to nature in High Park, a sprawling green space with hiking trails, a zoo, and picturesque cherry blossoms in spring.
- Kensington Market: Experience the eclectic vibe of Kensington Market, known for its bohemian atmosphere, vintage shops, and diverse cuisine.
- Harbourfront Centre: Enjoy cultural events, concerts, and beautiful lakefront views at Harbourfront Centre, a hub of arts and entertainment.
- Toronto Zoo: Discover a world of wildlife at the Toronto Zoo, home to thousands of animals in various themed exhibits.
For additional guides both in the region and around the world start here:
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Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.