Toronto has become the city of champions over the past two years, making it the perfect time for sports enthusiasts to visit. Toronto FC were the first to make the breakthrough when they lifted the MLS Cup in 2017, ending the city’s 24-year drought without a major title. The Toronto Blue Jays were the last team to triumph in the MLB in the 1993 World Series, but Toronto FC’s victory lifted the sporting gloom in their battles with their USA contemporaries.
The Raptors followed suit with perhaps the greatest sporting run in the history of the city. Kawhi Leonard’s arrival sparked a surge to the NBA Finals where they faced off against the imperious Golden State Warriors. With Leonard operating at peak form, Toronto stunned the Warriors to end their reign at the top of the sport, winning the NBA Championship for the first time.
There’s no better time to visit the Scotiabank Arena to see the reigning champions or even take a trip to BMO Field with both venues within traveling distance of affordable hostels in the city. The Planet Traveler Hostel which is open all year and the Neill-Wycik College Hotel that has a three-month open season are both within commutable distances and are reasonably priced. We’ll now break down all you need to know about a trip to an NBA or MLS game.
Scotiabank Arena
The venue has been in place since 1999 and hosts the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Raptors. Music concerns and UFC events have also taken place in the arena with a capacity up to 20,000, although it varies depending on the type of experience. When the Raptors triumphed in the NBA Finals it was the first time the Scotiabank Arena had hosted a championship series.
Given that Toronto are reigning NBA Champions, tickets may be at a premium in the early stages of the 2019/20 season and that could continue if they remain contenders for the crown. However, they’re backed in the Betway betting odds at +2800 to win the title, which means that they’re outsiders following the departure of Leonard in the off-season.
Tickets for games can be bought at a reasonable price on sites such as StubHub for $28 for low-key matches. When the big teams come into town expect them to rise towards the $50 range. If you’re on a budget it’s best to pick your spot to watch one of the lesser outfits in the NBA as it is still an experience to see the Raptors on the court. There’s enough star power there to capture the imagination. There are regular subways and streetcars to take you to the venue with the price of a single ticket being $3.25 CA, and, of course, there are always Uber and taxi services available.
BMO Field
BMO Field hosts both Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts for MLS and CFL games respectively. The stadium opened in 2007 and boasts a capacity of 30,000 for the soccer team, while a slight reduction is required for the Argonauts down to 25,000. Toronto FC made headlines in the city with a brilliant run to the MLS Cup crown in 2017. They had endured disappointment the previous season having been beaten in the MLS Cup Final on penalties by the Seattle Sounders. However, they avenged their loss with a win over Seattle in the following campaign.
The team have been more than competitive since and have talented players on their roster, including United States internationals Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley. Greg Vanney’s men are an entertaining watch and are successful, averaging crowds of 26,000. Tickets can be purchased in the range of $20, although, once again, when the stronger outfits come to town it will cost more.
Transport is easy enough to navigate from the two chosen hostels in the region. The best method would be to use the Go Train, which has a stop within walking distance of the stadium. The streetcar can also be used on Exhibition Loop all you have to do is find the stop closest to your hostel and it will take you directly to the stadium. Single tickets cost $3.25 CA for using the Toronto Transit Commission, which is more than affordable, although again you may choose to use Uber or a taxi.
