Scotiabank Arena
Home of the Toronto Raptors on Bay Street in downtown Toronto.
via Wikipedia: Scotiabank Arena · see source
Scotiabank Arena, formerly known as Air Canada Centre (ACC), is a multi-purpose arena located on Bay Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario. Opened on February 13, 1999, it was built at a cost of $288 million ($499 million as of 2022) to replace the outdated Maple Leaf Gardens. Owned and operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE), the venue serves as the home for the Toronto Raptors (NBA) and Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL). It also hosts occasional games for the Toronto Marlies, Raptors 905, and Toronto Sceptres. Beyond sports, the arena welcomes concerts, political conventions, and video game competitions.
- Opened
- February 13, 1999
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The site's history began long before the first basketball hoop was raised; by 1858, it sat between Rees Wharf and Tinnings Wharf as part of Toronto's inner harbour. After infill expanded the land southward, the location became home to the Toronto Postal Delivery Building in 1941. Designed by Charles B. Dolphin in an Art Deco style with limestone bas relief carvings by Louis Temporale Sr., it served Canada Post until 1989. Following a failed redevelopment attempt in the recession of the early 1990s, the building was acquired by the Toronto Raptors' ownership group in December 1994. Construction began in March 1997, nearly two years before the February 1999 opening, and in 1998, the project was absorbed into Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE). The venue debuted on February 13, 1999, with a concert by the Tragically Hip, followed by the Leafs playing the Montreal Canadiens on February 20, and the Raptors taking on the Vancouver Grizzlies on February 21.
In Their Own Story
The narrative of this arena is rooted in its transformation from a functional mail hub to Canada's busiest sports venue. In 1993, when the NBA awarded the expansion franchise to Professional Basketball Franchise Inc., the team required a suitable downtown home. While sites at Exhibition Place and Bay Street were considered, the existing Postal Building was chosen for its strategic location near Union Station and the PATH system. PBF purchased the property for CA$60 million. After the Raptors played their first two seasons nearby at SkyDome (now Rogers Centre), they moved into the new facility in 1999. By 2018, Scotiabank Arena had become the 13th busiest arena globally and the most photographed location in Canada on Instagram according to BuzzFeed, cementing its status as a central hub for both athletic competition and cultural events.
Reader's Guide
Visitors arrive at Scotiabank Arena via Union Station, which connects directly to the arena's railway, subway, and regional bus services through the PATH system. The building is situated in downtown Toronto on Bay Street, surrounded by skyscrapers and hotels that rose during the late 1980s real estate boom. While the exterior features historic limestone carvings depicting transportation history, fans should note that salt spray from the nearby Gardiner Expressway has accelerated their deterioration. Inside, the arena is a massive 61,780.5 square metres (665,000 square feet). Whether attending an NBA game, NHL match, or concert, guests can expect a venue that once hosted political conventions and video game competitions alongside its primary tenants.
Did You Know?
- The arena opened on February 13, 1999, with a concert by the Tragically Hip; the Toronto Maple Leafs played their first game on February 20 against the Montreal Canadiens, and the Toronto Raptors played their first game
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Scotiabank Arena located?
The arena sits on Bay Street in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ontario, making it a central landmark in the city's sports and entertainment district.
What was Scotiabank Arena originally called?
The venue opened in 1999 under the name Air Canada Centre before later rebranding to Scotiabank Arena. It was built to replace the aging Maple Leaf Gardens.
When did Scotiabank Arena first open its doors?
The arena welcomed its first fans on February 19, 1999, and has served as a major Toronto venue ever since.
Who owns and operates Scotiabank Arena?
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. holds ownership and day-to-day operations of the facility. It is the same parent organization behind both the Raptors and the Maple Leafs.
What teams call Scotiabank Arena home?
The Toronto Raptors (NBA) and Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) are the primary residents of the arena. It also occasionally hosts games for the Toronto Marlies, Raptors 905, and Toronto Sceptres.