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Raptors to allow a limited number of fans at home games in Tampa

Arun Srinivasan
Contributing Writer
·2 min read

It certainly won’t have the same feel as a packed Scotiabank Arena, but for now, the Toronto Raptors will try their best to replicate the home-court feel for the upcoming season.

The Raptors announced on Tuesday that they will be selling a limited number of tickets for home games at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, where the team will be playing the first half of the season.

There will be fewer than 3,200 tickets available for a Dec. 18 preseason game against the Miami Heat, and fewer than 3,800 tickets available for the Raptors’ first 11 home games.

“As the Raptors call Tampa home for the start of the NBA season, the team looks forward to the opportunity to thank the community for their support while continually emphasizing the important steps required of all of us for a full return of fans when it is safe to do so,” Tom McDonald, MLSE vice president of ticket sales and services, said in a statement.

The Raptors were forced to relocate to Tampa after the Canadian federal government rejected a proposal in November that would’ve allowed the team to host games again in Toronto.

The Toronto Raptors will have fans in the stands to start the season. (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors will have fans in the stands to start the season. (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

It’s been established that the Raptors’ crowd is one of the most engaged, raucous environments in the NBA and while the citizens of Tampa Bay are unlikely to match Toronto’s energy, at least there’s an approximation in place, even if we all know it won’t be the same.

Tickets will go on sale Thursday morning.

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