Scotiabank Arena, Toronto - Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Scotiabank Arena Toronto

4.6
·38k reviews·Toronto, Canada

Toronto's premier downtown arena, hosting the Raptors, Maple Leafs, and major concerts with a vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Game/Concert Start Time

Avoid long entry lines

CrowdHigh
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Scotiabank Arena, Toronto - Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada

Scotiabank Arena Toronto

Best Time

Game/Concert Start Time

Avoid long entry lines

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Toronto's premier downtown arena, hosting the Raptors, Maple Leafs, and major concerts with a vibrant atmosphere.

4.6
(38k reviews)

"The arena is incredibly well-located, connected directly to the largest train/subway station in the country."

Vertical photo
TIP

💳 Cashless Payments Only

Scotiabank Arena is a cashless venue. Ensure you have a credit or debit card for all purchases.

🎒 Bag Policy Check

Review the arena's bag policy before arriving; large bags are prohibited. Small purses are usually okay.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Raptors or Maple Leafs Game

Raptors or Maple Leafs Game

Court/Ice Level

Experience the electric atmosphere of a live NBA or NHL game. Feel the roar of the crowd and witness top-tier athletic performance.

Reddit
Platinum Seating Experience

Platinum Seating Experience

Premium Sections

Enjoy an elevated view with premium dining and exclusive access. A luxurious way to experience concerts and games.

TikTok+1
Arena Tour

Arena Tour

Various Locations

Get behind-the-scenes access to locker rooms and courtside. A must for dedicated sports fans wanting a deeper look.

TikTok

Planning Your Visit

Cashless Venue & Bag Policy

Scotiabank Arena is a cashless venue, so be prepared to use cards for all purchases. Also, check the arena's bag policy before you go; large bags are not permitted. Small purses are generally allowed, but sizes can vary. Reddit+1

Beat the Crowds & Save Money

Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially for popular events. Consider eating and drinking before entering the arena, as concessions are pricey. Union Station's food court offers more affordable options. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Game/Concert Start Time
Why
Avoid long entry lines
Crowd
High
When
During Warmups
Why
See players up close
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-Peak Hours (Tours)
Why
More relaxed experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

this is section 109 row 20 at scotiabank arena in case you wanted to know #oliviarodrigo #concert #concerttips #music #scotiabankarena #concertcheck
@brownie.av
88.3K likes • 618.9K views

💳 Cashless Payments Only

Scotiabank Arena is a cashless venue. Ensure you have a credit or debit card for all purchases. Reddit

🎒 Bag Policy Check

Review the arena's bag policy before arriving; large bags are prohibited. Small purses are usually okay. Reddit

How to master going to the Toronto Raptors Game- would you try it? @Scotiabank @Raptors #torontoraptors #raptorsgame #scotiabank #scotiabankarena #datenight #cheapdateideas #torontocouple #torontolif...
@_angeronimo
28.4K likes • 297.7K views
Take a trip from 600 lvl to Platinum at Scotiabank Arena with @Marissa Roberto #wethenorth #toronto
@tsn
14.9K likes • 238.6K views

💰 Pre-Event Dining

Eat and drink before the event to save money. Concessions inside are expensive. Reddit+1

🚇 Union Station Access

The arena is connected to Union Station, Toronto's main transit hub. Easy access via TTC. Reddit+1

PLAN WHEN GOING TO THE SHOWS CAUSE UBERS WILL BE A LOT #toronto #concerts #rogersstadium
@tandon_rebecca
13.9K likes • 251.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💳 Cashless Payments Only

Scotiabank Arena is a cashless venue. Ensure you have a credit or debit card for all purchases. Reddit

🎒 Bag Policy Check

Review the arena's bag policy before arriving; large bags are prohibited. Small purses are usually okay. Reddit

💰 Pre-Event Dining

Eat and drink before the event to save money. Concessions inside are expensive. Reddit+1

🚇 Union Station Access

The arena is connected to Union Station, Toronto's main transit hub. Easy access via TTC. Reddit+1

🚶 Walkable Downtown

If you're staying downtown, walking to the arena is a viable and pleasant option. Reddit

🚗 Parking Tips

Consider Green P parking at 2 Church Street or parking at a GO Train station to avoid downtown traffic. Reddit

⬆️ Upper Bowl Views

Seats in the first few rows of the 300 level offer good views, but it gets steep higher up. Reddit

🤝 First Game Goodie Bag

Sign up for a first game goodie bag on the Maple Leafs website for a special experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(38k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Scotiabank Arena is a highly-rated venue for sports and concerts, praised for its excellent location and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the convenience of its connection to Union Station and the thrilling game-day or concert-night energy. However, some find the concession prices steep and note that bag policies can be restrictive.

"Went for a concert and the venue is perfect for it, very well organized staff and lits of options for food and beverages that make the lineups short. The self serve kiosks are pretty amazing.

The sound was good and no matter where you had seats the visual would have been terrific. Linkin Park nearly blew the roof off the place.

Really easy access to public transit as the arena has a direct hookup to union station connecting you to via, GO or the TTC"

M Raposo

"Overall, the experience at Scotiabank Arena was awesome – great atmosphere, energy, and facilities. It’s a fantastic venue to enjoy an event, and for the most part, our family really enjoyed being there.

The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because of an issue with our seating. We had booked 8 tickets for the whole family with the expectation that we would be seated together in a row. However, when we arrived, there were two ladies already sitting in the middle of our row, and despite showing our tickets, they refused to move. What was even more disappointing was that the security girl nearby didn’t intervene – she simply told us to sit wherever we could find space. It felt unfair, and I honestly believe those two ladies may have been related to her. Because of that, we couldn’t sit together as a family, which was really frustrating since we had planned the evening as a group experience.

That aside, the arena itself is fantastic, and we still managed to enjoy the event. I hope management pays more attention to seating enforcement so that everyone can fully enjoy their time here."

Chetan Gupta

"Great venue at Scotiabank Arena! Some 300-level escalators and stairs are currently unavailable due to construction, so plan ahead if you’re cutting it close. I went to see Benson Boone and it was an amazing show. I really liked the new self-serve areas and checkout — much quicker and easier than waiting in long lines. Still pretty pricey as always, but definitely more convenient."

Doctor Drew

What People Like

Prime downtown location
Exciting game/concert atmosphere
Easy public transit access

What People Dislike

Expensive food and drinks
Strict bag policy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Scotiabank Arena is conveniently located downtown and is directly connected to Union Station, Toronto's central transit hub. You can easily reach it via the TTC subway or GO Transit. Many downtown hotels are within walking distance. Reddit+1

While there is parking nearby, it can be expensive and traffic can be heavy. Many recommend using public transit or parking at a GO Train station and taking the train in. The Green P lot at 2 Church Street is a more affordable option. Reddit

For Raptors games, taking public transit to Union Station is highly recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles. The arena is directly accessible from the station. TikTokReddit

Yes, if you are staying in the downtown Toronto area, walking to Scotiabank Arena is a very feasible and often pleasant option, especially if the weather is good. Reddit

Yes, parking at a GO Train or subway station outside the immediate downtown core and then taking transit into Union Station is a good strategy to avoid downtown driving stress. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Scotiabank Arena has a strict bag policy. Backpacks are generally not allowed, and small purses or clutch bags smaller than 16.5cm x 11.5cm (6.5" x 4.5") are typically permitted. Always check the official website for the most current guidelines. Reddit

Yes, Scotiabank Arena operates as a cashless venue. All purchases for food, beverages, and merchandise must be made using credit or debit cards. Reddit

For concerts with assigned seating, arriving around 7 PM for a 7:30 PM or 8 PM show is usually sufficient. If you want to purchase merchandise, consider arriving earlier. For General Admission (GA) pit tickets, check specific event guidelines as early arrival might be recommended. Reddit+1

Yes, some seats in sections 313 and 317 can have obstructed views, especially higher up, where you might not be able to see the entire net. It's best to check seat previews on ticketing sites. Reddit

The first few rows of the 300 level generally offer good views. However, the seating becomes very steep in the higher rows, which can impact the viewing experience for some. Reddit

🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience

The 'best' seats depend on your preference. For a close-up experience, lower bowl sections are ideal. Platinum seating offers premium amenities. For a balance of view and price, the first few rows of the 300 level can be good. TikTokReddit+1

During warmups for Maple Leafs or Raptors games, you can often walk down to the glass to see players up close. Reddit

Yes, you can book a Scotiabank Arena tour for behind-the-scenes access to locker rooms and courtside. Some premium ticket packages also offer exclusive dining experiences. TikTok+1

The Scotiabank Club offers a premium dining experience with open views and exclusive access through premium entrances, often available with certain ticket packages. TikTok

In-seat service is available for some items, but experiences can vary. Some visitors have reported long wait times for simple orders like popcorn. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food and beverages inside Scotiabank Arena are quite expensive. A hot dog can cost around $9, and a beer can be $13 or more. It's advisable to eat and drink before you arrive. Reddit

Yes, Union Station, which is connected to the arena, has a food court with more affordable options compared to the arena's concessions. Reddit

You can find typical arena fare like hot dogs, burgers, pizza, popcorn, and various snacks, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Premium sections offer more upscale dining. TikTok

Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside Scotiabank Arena. It's best to consume any outside food before entering. Reddit

Yes, Scotiabank Arena offers premium dining experiences, particularly in the Scotiabank Club and other VIP areas, providing a more upscale culinary option. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Personal photography for non-commercial use is generally allowed, but professional cameras with large lenses may be restricted. Always check the specific event's photography policy. TikTok

Iconic shots include the court/ice during a game, the cityscape views from higher levels, and behind-the-scenes access during an arena tour. TikTok

While generally allowed, some events might have specific restrictions on video recording or flash photography. It's best to be mindful of the performers' or athletes' requests. TikTok

The upper levels offer a panoramic view of the entire arena, perfect for capturing the scale of the venue. Courtside or rinkside seats provide dynamic action shots. TikTok

Arena tours often include access to locker rooms and other behind-the-scenes areas, providing unique photo opportunities. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Scotiabank Arena offers a thrilling environment for families. Attending a Raptors or Maple Leafs game can be a memorable experience for children. Consider signing up for a first game goodie bag from the Maple Leafs website for a special touch. Reddit While the arena is exciting, be mindful of the high cost of concessions, so packing snacks or eating beforehand can help manage expenses. Reddit+1

For younger fans, the arena tours offer a unique opportunity to see behind-the-scenes, which can be more engaging than just watching a game. TikTok Ensure you check the bag policy to avoid any issues at entry, as large bags are not permitted. Reddit Public transit via Union Station is a convenient way to get to the arena, which can be less stressful than driving and parking with children. Reddit+1

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, Scotiabank Arena requires some strategic planning. The most significant cost savings can be found by eating and drinking before you arrive. The food court at Union Station offers much more affordable options than the arena's concessions. Reddit+1 Consider purchasing standing room only tickets if available, as these are typically the cheapest way to get into an event, though they offer no guaranteed seat. Reddit

Utilizing public transportation is key. The arena's direct connection to Union Station makes it easily accessible via TTC or GO Transit, saving on expensive downtown parking fees. Reddit+1 If you must drive, look for cheaper parking options like the Green P lot at 2 Church Street or parking further out and taking transit. Reddit Keep an eye out for promotional offers or less popular seating sections when buying tickets, as prices can vary significantly. Reddit

🎤 Concert Goers

Concert experiences at Scotiabank Arena can be amplified with a few tips. For assigned seating, there's generally no need to arrive hours early unless you're keen on merchandise. Doors usually open 60-90 minutes before the show. Reddit+1 However, if merchandise is a must-have, plan to arrive earlier as popular items sell out fast. Reddit

To manage costs, pre-event dining at Union Station's food court is a smart move, as arena food prices are high. Reddit+1 Post-concert, be prepared for crowds. Ride-sharing can be expensive and have long wait times; consider alternative transportation or pre-arranged pick-up spots away from the immediate venue. TikTok+1 Familiarize yourself with the bag policy to ensure smooth entry. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Scotiabank Arena: A Fan's Guide

Scotiabank Arena, formerly known as the Air Canada Centre, is a premier entertainment venue in Toronto, home to the NBA's Toronto Raptors and the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs. It also hosts a wide array of major concerts and other sporting events. Understanding its layout and policies can significantly enhance your visit. For instance, the arena is a cashless venue, meaning all transactions for food, drinks, and merchandise are conducted via credit or debit cards. This streamlines the process but requires visitors to be prepared. Reddit

When planning your arrival, consider that bag policies are quite strict. Large backpacks are typically not allowed, so check the arena's official website for current dimensions for permitted bags, usually limited to small purses or clutch-style bags. Reddit To avoid the longest queues, arriving a bit earlier than the scheduled door opening can be beneficial, especially if you plan to purchase merchandise. Many visitors recommend eating and drinking before entering the arena due to the high cost of concessions inside. Reddit+1

For those looking for a more immersive experience, consider the Scotiabank Arena tours. These tours offer a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes, visit the locker rooms, and get courtside or rinkside access, providing a different perspective on the venue and its history. TikTok The arena's direct connection to Union Station makes it incredibly accessible via public transportation, a major plus for avoiding downtown traffic and parking challenges. Reddit+1

Scotiabank Arena Seating: Finding Your Perfect Spot

Choosing the right seats at Scotiabank Arena can greatly impact your experience. For basketball and hockey fans, the lower bowl sections (often referred to as the 100-level) offer the most immersive experience, putting you close to the action. Sections like 109 and 118 are frequently mentioned for good views. TikTok+1

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Platinum and VIP sections provide premium seating with enhanced amenities, including better views and access to exclusive lounges and dining options. TikTok+1 If you're on a tighter budget or looking for a different perspective, the upper bowl (300-level) can still offer good views, especially in the first few rows. However, be aware that the seating becomes quite steep as you move higher up, which might not be comfortable for everyone. Reddit Some Redditors advise caution for specific sections like 313 and 317, as higher seats in these areas can have obstructed views of the nets. Reddit

For a unique experience, consider the standing room only options in the back of the upper bowl, which are typically the cheapest tickets but offer no guaranteed seat. Reddit During warmups for Maple Leafs or Raptors games, fans can often get close to the glass to see players up close, regardless of their ticketed seat location. Reddit

Concert Survival Guide for Scotiabank Arena

Attending a concert at Scotiabank Arena can be an incredible experience, but a little planning goes a long way. For major tours, like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, understanding the logistics is key. Many attendees recommend checking emails from the event organizers for specific venue information, as these often contain crucial details about entry, amenities, and special experiences. TikTok+1

When it comes to entry, unless you have General Admission (GA) floor tickets, there's usually no need to arrive excessively early for assigned seating shows. Doors typically open 60-90 minutes before showtime. Reddit+1 However, if snagging merchandise is a priority, arriving earlier is advisable, as popular items can sell out quickly. Reddit For those looking to save money, consider the food court at Union Station for more affordable pre-concert meals and snacks, as arena concessions are notoriously expensive. Reddit+1

Navigating the crowds post-concert can also be a challenge. While ride-sharing services like Uber are available, expect significant surge pricing and long wait times due to the sheer volume of people leaving at once. TikTok Some attendees suggest exploring alternative transportation or pre-arranging pick-up points away from the immediate arena vicinity. TikTok+1

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