Scotiabank Arena stands as one of Canada’s premier sports and entertainment venues, located in the heart of downtown Toronto. This world-class facility serves as the home to two of the city’s most beloved professional sports franchises and hosts hundreds of events annually, drawing millions of visitors from across the globe.
Location and Address
The arena is situated at 40 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2X2, in the South Core neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. Its strategic location places it at the intersection of Bay Street and Lake Shore Boulevard, directly adjacent to Union Station, Canada’s busiest transportation hub. The venue is also connected to the city’s PATH underground pedestrian system, providing convenient access during inclement weather. The arena sits just steps from the waterfront and is surrounded by the Financial District to the north and the Entertainment District to the west.
Seating Capacity
Scotiabank Arena boasts a flexible seating configuration that accommodates various types of events. For Toronto Raptors basketball games, the arena seats approximately 19,800 spectators. When configured for Toronto Maple Leafs hockey games, the capacity is around 18,800. For concerts and other entertainment events, the venue can accommodate up to 20,000 guests depending on the stage setup and configuration. The arena features multiple levels of seating, including lower bowl seats, club seats, suites, and upper bowl sections, offering views and price points for diverse audiences.
Construction and History
The arena officially opened its doors on February 19, 1999, with its first event being a concert by Canadian icons The Barenaked Ladies and the Tragically Hip. Construction of the facility began in March 1997 and was completed at a cost of approximately $265 million CAD. The arena was originally named the Air Canada Centre, reflecting a 20-year naming rights agreement with Air Canada. In 2018, the venue was renamed Scotiabank Arena after the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) acquired the naming rights in a significant deal.
The arena was designed by architectural firm Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects in association with Populous (formerly HOK Sport). The facility was built on the former Canada Post postal delivery building site and incorporated the historic facade of the old building into its western exterior, blending modern design with historical preservation.
Home Teams and Sports
Scotiabank Arena serves as the home venue for two major professional sports franchises. The Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) have called the arena home since its opening in 1999, and notably won their first NBA Championship in 2019 during an unforgettable playoff run that culminated in victory celebrations at the venue. The Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL), one of the league’s Original Six franchises, also play their home games at Scotiabank Arena, having moved from Maple Leaf Gardens when the new arena opened.
The venue has also hosted various other sporting events over the years, including National Lacrosse League games when the Toronto Rock played there, WWE wrestling events, UFC mixed martial arts competitions, and the 2016 NBA All-Star Game. It has served as a venue for Olympic basketball during international competitions and has hosted numerous championship and playoff games across multiple sports.
Parking Information
Scotiabank Arena offers several parking options for visitors, though availability can be limited during major events. The arena operates an official parking facility directly beneath the building, accessible from Lake Shore Boulevard. This underground parking garage provides convenient access to the venue but typically fills quickly for popular events and can be relatively expensive, with rates varying by event type.
Alternative parking options are abundant in the surrounding area, with numerous privately operated parking lots and garages within walking distance. The Maple Leaf Square parking garage, located adjacent to the arena, offers additional spaces. Parking rates in the downtown core generally range from $20 to $40 CAD for event parking, depending on proximity to the venue and the type of event.
Given the arena’s excellent public transit connections, many visitors choose to use Toronto’s TTC subway, streetcar, and bus systems, or GO Transit regional rail services, all of which connect at Union Station. This option often proves more convenient and cost-effective than driving, especially during peak hours or major events.
Amenities and Features
The arena underwent a significant $350 million renovation from 2015 to 2018, modernizing its facilities and enhancing the fan experience. The renovation included the installation of state-of-the-art video boards and scoreboards, upgraded concourse areas, expanded concession options featuring local Toronto food vendors, and improved accessibility features throughout the venue.
Scotiabank Arena houses over 60 luxury suites, multiple club lounges, and premium seating areas including the Platinum Club and various restaurant-style seating options. The facility features dozens of concession stands and bars, including offerings from notable Toronto restaurants and food brands. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue, and numerous ATMs and merchandise stores are strategically located on each level.
Entertainment and Events
Beyond sports, Scotiabank Arena ranks among the world’s busiest entertainment venues, hosting over 200 events annually. The arena has welcomed some of the biggest names in music, including multiple residencies and performances by artists such as Drake, who has strong ties to the Raptors organization, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, The Rolling Stones, and countless others. The venue regularly hosts family shows, ice skating spectaculars, award shows, and corporate events.
The arena has been the site of significant cultural moments, including the Raptors’ championship parade celebration in 2019, which drew millions of fans to the downtown core. It has also hosted major awards shows, including the Juno Awards and the MuchMusic Video Awards, cementing its status as a cornerstone of Toronto’s entertainment landscape.
Sustainability and Community
Scotiabank Arena has implemented various sustainability initiatives, including comprehensive recycling and composting programs, energy-efficient lighting systems, and water conservation measures. The venue works with local food banks and community organizations to donate unused food and support charitable causes throughout the Greater Toronto Area. The arena is operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which also owns the Raptors and Maple Leafs franchises.