All About the Toronto Raptors

Whether you're a lifelong basketball fan or simply looking for an exciting way to experience Toronto, catching a Toronto Raptors game is an unforgettable addition to any visit to the city. The Toronto Raptors are Canada’s only NBA team and one of Toronto’s biggest sports attractions, bringing fans from across the country and around the world together for every home game. 

From the energy of the crowd and exciting on-court action to the food, entertainment and atmosphere surrounding game day, a Raptors game offers much more than just basketball. It’s an opportunity to experience one of Toronto’s most passionate sports communities in the heart of downtown Toronto. 

For travellers flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), getting from the airport to the action is easy with UP Express. Travel between Toronto Pearson and Union Station in just 28 minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes. Once you arrive at Union Station, you’ll be right in the heart of downtown Toronto and just steps away from Scotiabank Arena, where the Raptors play their home games. 

Whether you’re visiting Toronto for a weekend, planning a longer stay or looking to add a game to your itinerary, here’s everything you need to know about the Toronto Raptors.

Where do the Toronto Raptors Play? 

The Toronto Raptors play their home games at Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto. Located in one of the city’s busiest and most exciting neighbourhoods, Scotiabank Arena is home to some of Toronto’s biggest sporting events, concerts and live entertainment throughout the year. 

One of the best things about attending a Raptors game is how easy the arena is to reach. Scotiabank Arena is located right beside Union Station and is directly connected to the station, making it especially convenient for visitors travelling through Toronto. 

UP Express arrives at Union Station, meaning you can travel directly from YYZ to downtown Toronto and then make the short walk to the arena. Once you arrive at UP Union Station, simply follow the signs toward Scotiabank Arena and you'll soon find yourself surrounded by fellow fans heading to the game. 

The arena’s downtown location also makes it easy to plan a full day or evening around a Raptors game. Before tip-off, you can explore the best restaurants, attractions and waterfront destinations. After the game, you’ll be within walking distance of some of Toronto’s most popular neighbourhoods, such as Kensington Market and Chinatown, as well as entertainment options. 

For more information about getting to the arena, check out UP Express’s guide on how to get to Scotiabank Arena.

When Does the Raptors’ Season Start? 

The Toronto Raptors season typically follows the NBA calendar, with the exact schedule changing from year to year. The 2026–27 home opener takes place on October 21 at Scotiabank Arena. The best place to find the latest information about upcoming games, dates and opponents is the Toronto Raptors website, where the team’s current schedule is published in advance. 

An NBA season generally includes several different stages, beginning with preseason games. Preseason gives teams an opportunity to prepare for the year ahead before the regular season begins. The regular season is where the majority of games take place, with teams competing throughout the year for a place in the playoffs. 

For basketball fans, the NBA playoffs are one of the most exciting parts of the season. The best-performing teams compete in a series of elimination rounds for the chance to win the NBA championship. Playoff basketball can bring an entirely different level of intensity to the arena, with passionate crowds and high-stakes games creating an electric atmosphere. 

Because the Raptors schedule is released ahead of time, it can be easy to plan a trip to Toronto around a game. If there’s a particular team you’d like to see play or you're hoping to experience a Raptors home game during your visit, check the schedule before booking your trip and see what games line up with your travel dates. 

Toronto is a great city to visit throughout the year, and a Raptors game can be a fun addition to an itinerary during basketball season. Whether you’re travelling solo, visiting with friends or planning a family trip, spending an evening cheering on Canada’s NBA team is a memorable way to experience the city.

How Much Are Raptors Tickets? 

Toronto Raptors ticket prices can vary depending on several factors, including the opponent, the date of the game and where you choose to sit inside Scotiabank Arena. This means there are often different ticket options available for a range of budgets. 

Games against especially popular opponents may have higher demand, while weekend games and games later in the season can also attract plenty of interest. Seat location is another important factor. Tickets closer to the court generally cost more, while seats farther from the court may offer a more budget-friendly way to experience the game. PRESTO cardholders can also save 20% off select Toronto Raptors home game tickets through PRESTO Perks, making it more affordable to catch a game during your visit. Check the offer details for eligible games and instructions on how to redeem.

No matter where you're sitting, attending a Raptors game gives you the opportunity to experience the excitement of live NBA basketball. The energy inside the arena, the entertainment between plays and the enthusiasm of Raptors fans all contribute to the overall experience. 

If attending a game is an important part of your Toronto trip, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Popular matchups and postseason games can be in high demand, so checking the schedule and ticket availability early can give you more options. 

Planning ahead can also help you organize the rest of your game day. Once you know when the game starts, you can decide when to arrive in downtown Toronto, where you’d like to eat near Union Station and what else you'd like to see before or after the game. 

How Long is a Raptors Game? 

If you’re planning your first Raptors game, you may be wondering how much time to set aside for the experience. The Raptors follow the standard NBA game format, with four quarters of basketball played during each game. 

However, the overall event lasts longer than the actual time shown on the game clock. There are timeouts, breaks between quarters, halftime and other stoppages throughout the game. The exact length of a game can also vary depending on how the action unfolds. Close games, reviews and overtime can all add extra time to the experience. 

Because of this, it’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time when planning a Raptors game. Arriving early means you can find your seat, explore the arena and take in the atmosphere before the game begins. You may also want to leave time after the game to make your way through the arena and enjoy the excitement as fans head back into the city. 

A Raptors game is about more than just the action between tip-off and the final buzzer. There’s entertainment, music and fan experiences throughout the event, making the entire evening part of the fun. 

Since Scotiabank Arena is located beside Union Station, getting from your UP Express train to the game is easy. You can arrive in downtown Toronto and be just steps away from the excitement. 

Who Owns the Raptors? 

The Toronto Raptors are owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, commonly known as MLSE. MLSE is one of Toronto’s most recognizable sports and entertainment organizations and is involved with several major sports teams in the city. 

The Raptors are an important part of Toronto’s sports landscape, alongside the city’s other professional teams and major sporting events. Toronto is known for having passionate sports fans, and Raptors games bring together people from across the Greater Toronto Area, Canada and beyond. 

The team’s presence has also played an important role in growing the popularity of basketball across the country. Since the Raptors joined the NBA, generations of Canadian fans have had the opportunity to cheer for a home team competing on one of basketball’s biggest stages. 

Today, attending a Raptors game has become a classic Toronto experience for many visitors. Even if you're only in the city for a few days, seeing the excitement around a home game can give you a glimpse into Toronto’s energetic sports culture.

What is a Raptor? 

The name “Raptors” has a prehistoric connection. When Toronto’s NBA franchise was established in the 1990s, dinosaurs were enjoying a major moment in popular culture. The team’s name was inspired by the dinosaur craze of the era, helping create one of the most recognizable identities in professional basketball. 

A raptor is commonly associated with certain types of dinosaurs known for their speed, agility and predatory nature. The name was a natural fit for a professional basketball team looking to establish a bold and memorable identity. 

The dinosaur theme quickly became a central part of the Raptors brand. From the team's name and logos to its famous mascot, The Raptor, the prehistoric connection has remained an important part of the franchise’s personality over the years. 

The Raptors’ mascot has become especially recognizable among fans. Whether entertaining the crowd during breaks in the action or interacting with fans around the arena, The Raptor is a familiar part of the game-day experience. 

The dinosaur identity also helped the team stand out when it entered the NBA. At a time when basketball fans were becoming increasingly familiar with new teams and franchises, the Raptors created a distinctive look and personality that immediately connected with the era. 

Over time, the team’s visual identity has evolved, but the Raptors name has remained at the heart of the franchise. Today, the dinosaur connection is instantly recognizable to basketball fans in Toronto and across Canada. 

For visitors attending their first game, keep an eye out for The Raptor and other entertainment throughout the arena. The game-day experience includes plenty of energy both on and off the court, making it enjoyable for dedicated basketball fans and newcomers alike. 

When did the Raptors win a Championship? 

The Toronto Raptors won their first NBA championship in franchise history in 2019, creating one of the biggest moments in Canadian sports history. 

The championship was incredibly significant for Toronto, the Raptors organization and basketball fans across Canada. The team’s playoff run captured the attention of the country, with fans gathering to watch games and celebrate the Raptors' success. 

Winning the championship was especially meaningful because the Raptors became the first Canadian team to win an NBA title. The victory demonstrated the growth of basketball in Canada and gave fans across the country a moment they could celebrate together. 

The championship run also helped bring even more attention to the sport. For many fans, the Raptors’ success became an important part of Toronto’s sports history and helped create lasting memories of the city coming together to support its team. 

Today, the 2019 championship remains a defining moment for the franchise. It represents the Raptors’ journey from a relatively new NBA team in the 1990s to reaching the highest level of success in professional basketball.

Experience Raptors Basketball in Toronto 

Whether you're a dedicated basketball fan or simply looking for something exciting to do while visiting Toronto, a Raptors game is an experience worth adding to your itinerary. 

Travelling to the game is easy with UP Express. If you're arriving at YYZ, you can travel to Union Station in just 28 minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes. From there, Scotiabank Arena is located right beside the station, making your journey from the airport to game day simple and convenient. 

So, if you're planning a trip to Toronto during basketball season, check the Raptors’ schedule and see if you can catch a home game. Whether it’s your first NBA game or your hundredth, there’s nothing quite like being in the arena when the crowd gets loud and the Raptors take the court. 

From airport to tip-off, UP Express can help you get closer to the action.