Scotiabank Arena Pregame Guide
Toronto Raptors · Toronto, ON
Scotiabank Arena sits on the northwest corner of Lakeshore Boulevard West and Bay Street, in the densest part of downtown Toronto, and the pregame here is the city rather than a lot. The parking answer is Maple Leaf Square's underground garage, open 24 hours with indoor access through the retail concourse and directly into the arena — entrances off York Street and Bremner Boulevard. The rule to check before leaving home is the bag policy: nothing larger than 16.5 by 11.5 centimetres gets in, MLSE would rather you brought nothing at all, and anything oversized costs C$25 to check in the galleria across from Gate 1.
Tips & Fan Reports
Park under Maple Leaf Square if the weather is bad — it connects indoors to the retail concourse and the arena without going outside.
The gate printed on your ticket is a suggestion, not a requirement — the arena tells you to join the shortest line at any gate.
Coming off the Gardiner from the west, the Spadina exit and a left onto Bay Street is the route the arena itself gives.
The bag limit is 16.5 by 11.5 centimetres, and anything larger costs C$25 to check in the galleria opposite Gate 1.
Where to Go Before the Game
Maple Leaf Square underground parking
The public garage beneath Maple Leaf Square, open 24/7 with indoor access to the retail concourse and straight into the arena. Entrances are off York Street and Bremner Boulevard.
Known for Indoor access to the arena · Open 24/7 · York St and Bremner Blvd entrances
Lakeshore Boulevard West at Bay Street
The arena sits on the northwest corner of the two, which is the landmark every driving route ends at — off the Gardiner at Spadina from the west, or down Lake Shore Blvd East from the Don Valley Parkway from the north.
Known for Northwest corner · Gardiner and DVP approaches
The galleria bag check, across from Gate 1
In the galleria across from Gate 1, where anything over the size limit goes at C$25. The arena admits only small purses, clutches or fanny packs under 16.5cm x 11.5cm, and MLSE’s stated preference is that you bring no bag at all.
Known for C$25 per bag · Across from Gate 1 · Over 16.5 x 11.5cm
Rules to Know
What Scotiabank Arena allows, and what it does not.
- Scotiabank Arena is on the northwest corner of Lakeshore Blvd. West and Bay St. in downtown Toronto.
- Underground public parking is available at Maple Leaf Square, open 24/7, with indoor access to retail and to the arena. Entrances are off York Street and Bremner Blvd.
- Only small purses, clutches or fanny-pack type bags smaller than 16.5cm x 11.5cm (6.5" x 4.5") are permitted, and MLSE strongly encourages fans to bring no bag at all.
- Bag check is available for C$25 for items that do not meet the size requirement, located in the galleria across from Gate 1.
- The preferred entry gate is listed on your ticket, but fans may enter through the shortest line at any gate.
- SpotHero is recommended for booking surrounding lots in advance, at rates below the drive-up price.
What to Bring
- A bag the gate will accept
Only small purses, clutches, and fanny packs smaller than 6.5 x 4.5 inches are permitted.
- Only the outside food and drink the rule allows
Outside food and beverages are prohibited except for allergy or medical needs confirmed with Fan Services.
- A card or a phone wallet
Scotiabank Arena is fully cash-free and accepts debit cards, credit cards, and major contactless payment methods.
- Your tickets on a charged phone
Raptors tickets are delivered digitally and can be accessed in the Raptors app, Ticketmaster, or an Apple or Android wallet.
- A coat for the walk in
January lows average 19°F between the lot and the door at Scotiabank Arena.
- A poncho for the walk in, not an umbrella
Umbrellas are on Scotiabank Arena's prohibited list, and April averages 4.1 inches of rain.
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How We Checked This Page
Every section below names the source it was read from and the day it was read. Where we could not reach a published figure, the page says so rather than presenting an estimate as a checked fact.
- Pregame
Scotiabank Arena official site: Getting Here, Plan Your Visit FAQ, and Bag Policy
- Venue policies
Current Scotiabank Arena FAQ, bag-policy, customer-service, arrival, and mobile-ticket pages reviewed for Toronto Raptors game-day policies.
- Weather
NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals