Unless you were born under a rock this spring, you saw footage of the Toronto Raptors winning their first ever NBA championship, and the craziness it brought to this city. Over a million people turned out for the victory parade. Downtown was essentially shut down for the day. The run reinvigorated sports in this town and we’re seeing increased interest in every team here. If you’re in town and want to join the party, here are your options.

Hockey

Toronto Maple Leafs — Scotiabank Place

They rule the city, and tickets are impossible to get. But if you love hockey and you have the money to hit up a scalper for seats, you have to see the Leafs play at home. It helps that they’re not laughing-stock awful anymore, and that they have one of the best young cores in the game. SEPT – APRIL

Toronto Marlies — Coca-Cola Coliseum

The Leafs’ minor league affiliate play on the CNE grounds in the southwest corner of the city. Tickets are available and affordable. The arena is intimate. And the players are all fighting for a shot at the big leagues, so they’re working extra hard. SEPT – MARCH

Baseball

Toronto Blue Jays — Rogers Centre

Hard to beat “a dog and a drink and the umpire’s call” on a gorgeous summer night. And when the Jays are good, it’s one of the best atmospheres in the major leagues. You can usually walk up and get a ticket. APRIL – OCTOBER

Basketball

Toronto Raptors — Scotiabank Place

Of all the major sports in Toronto, basketball is the most fun to watch live. It’s fast-paced and the crowd is always into it. The in-game announcer is the best in the biz. And you might get to see Drizzy. NOVEMBER – APRIL

American Football

Toronto Argos — BMO Field

It’s actually Canadian football, which is like its NFL counterpart but with more scoring. The stadium is also on the CNE grounds, and it was designed to perfection. The vista is gorgeous from any angle. Summer night games are the best. JULY – NOVEMBER

Football

TFC — BMO Field

Soccer fans in North America know that a TFC game is the #1 atmosphere in the game, and has been since the team’s inaugural season. The pre-game and post-game party in Liberty Village is a blast, with red scarves and war chants everywhere. MARCH — OCTOBER

Three things about live sports in Toronto

1. Toronto fans respect visiting fans. That’s not to say we don’t give them a hard time, but we keep it light, clean and good-hearted.
2. Of course you expect to pay more for food, drinks and swag at a game, but not as much as you’d pay at Toronto sports events. Most locals will buy a street dog before the game. Look for carts that sell local Shopsy’s dogs.
3. We do sports stylishly in Toronto. All our teams have well-designed uniforms. It makes getting a jersey, shirt or hat easier because you can actually wear it. All the stadiums we mentioned above have pro shops.

Enjoy the city, the game and (hopefully) a win.