James AllenIf you’re an avid concert goer or a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors, then chances are, you’re already familiar with Scotiabank Arena. After all, this is where a good chunk of concerts and sports events (especially basketball and hockey) are held!
I am one of those people who have gone to this arena numerous times, so I know my way around. But I can also understand newcomers who are intimidated by this arena. It is pretty big, with several suites, clubs, restaurants, and more.
If you’re attending an event at Scotiabank Arena soon, here’s a detailed guide with everything you need to know.
Things to Know
Address: 40 Bay St.
Contact Number: +14168155500
How to Get Here
By Subway: If you prefer to use the public transportation system, your best bet is to take any line and alight at Union Station, which is directly connected to the arena. It only takes a few minutes to get there on foot.
By Car: The arena has two levels of parking beneath the building, but it’s only available for private suite holders (and office tenants). So, if you choose to drive, I recommend finding a different parking space, and thankfully, there are a lot of options nearby. Check out SpotHero’s website and reserve your parking space ahead of time.
Arena Code of Conduct
To make sure that your time inside the Scotiabank Arena is seamless, be sure to follow the arena’s code of conduct. This code is pretty extensive, but here are the most important things to remember:
- Avoid displaying signs, symbols, flags, and banners that are considered vulgar, discriminatory, or disrespectful.
- Smoking—both cigarettes and vapes—is prohibited inside, except in the specifically designated areas.
- Avoid throwing objects of any kind at the playing surface or performance area.
- Don’t bring any of the prohibited items, such as
- Any bags larger than 6.5” x 4.5”
- Weapons of any kind, including but not limited to knives, pepper spray, stun guns, and firearms
- Fireworks of any kind, including but not limited to flares, smoke bombs, incendiary devices, and pyrotechnics
- Illicit drugs or harmful chemicals
- Laser pointers
- Noisemakers, including but not limited to whistles and horns
- Selfie sticks
- Inflatable items
- Aerosol cans or pressurized containers
Events Held at Scotiabank Arena
Concerts
– From: scotiabankarena
Scotiabank Arena is mostly known as a concert venue. Usually, when an artist announces a tour stop in Toronto, this is their go-to choice. And the best part is that both the established and upcoming artists do this!
One of my favourite concerts ever held here is the GUTS World Tour by Olivia Rodrigo, which was such an electric experience from start to finish. Other artists who held concerts here include Shakira, Barry Manilow, and Tyler, the Creator.
From my experience, this arena has a concert or two (or even more) every month, so be sure to check out the events page often so that you won’t miss out on anything.
Sports Matches
– From: mapleleafs
Scotiabank Arena is more than just a concert venue; it’s also home to the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). In other words, during the NBA and NHL seasons, there will definitely be sports matches here.
If you can’t get a seat inside the arena, don’t worry because there’s actually a Maple Leaf Square outside, equipped with a 30-by-50-foot video screen. This screen broadcasts the match live, so you can still watch and be updated about everything.
Other Sports
– From: scotiabankarena
Occasionally, the arena hosts matches for other types of sports. In recent memory, I can recall seeing Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) matches, and even lacrosse games!
Video game competitions often use the arena as a venue as well. One of the most notable events is the sixth season of the Summer North American Championship Series of League of Legends (LoL), which was held on August 27 and 28, 2016. That one was the first-ever professional LoL competition in Canada!
Premium Seating
MNP Pass Social Club
– From: thegarlandcanada
Looking for the best experience during your time inside the Scotiabank Arena? Then, you might be interested in joining a social club! One club you can join is the MNP Pass Social Club.
As of writing, this club is the newest addition to the arena, and it’s arguably the most premium of all options. For one thing, it offers the best seats, since it covers the first 10 rows. As such, it’s the perfect spot to be if you love watching sports matches.
The club’s position also puts you close to the locker room! So, you can catch glimpses of your favourite players (just don’t be a creep, okay?).
Aside from the premium seats, this social club boasts a sleek, contemporary space and an elegant à la carte dining experience! I hear that the menu features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, so I’m thinking of fresh seafood!
Mastercard Lounge
– From: mastercardca
Another great club to join if you want a memorable experience is the Mastercard Lounge. This one is located on the 200 level, so it’s best suited for people who prefer a bird’s-eye view over everything. It’s also pretty small, giving off cozy and intimate vibes.
At the Mastercard Lounge, you can experience a 5-star dining experience—oh, and it’s all-inclusive as well! So, while the game is getting heated below, you can feast on carved prime Canadian beef roast, artisanal pasta, charcuterie and cheese, and more.
Sher Club
– From: sdgcca
Sher Club is a members- and invite-only club, and I have to admit its exclusive nature makes it all the more compelling. From what I hear, even though this club has a sprawling 4,000 square feet of space, the atmosphere is still intimate.
The interior is also super swanky. The chandeliers are made with 2,500 hand-blown glass balls, and the inner room boasts white leather, mirrors, a super large TV, and bottles of Dom Pérignon lining the walls.
The membership allegedly costs a whopping C$7,000 a year, so it’s truly a club for elite guests!
Air Canada Signature Club
– From: interiordesignmag
Air Canada Signature Club strikes me more as a fine-dining restaurant. This club is situated below the Platinum sections 107–109, which is a wonderful location because it’s not too close and not too far from the main action.
The food here is always presented wonderfully, almost like works of art. The steak, in particular, is a standout. It’s always a premium USDA Prime steak, so it’s guaranteed to be juicy, tender, and savoury.
Platinum Club
– From: bjorndobz
Established in 1999, the Platinum Club is undoubtedly the oldest club inside Scotiabank Arena. It has soft lighting, rich colours and textures, and exceptional food. You’ll truly feel like a premium guest here!
The main highlight of this club is the wine cellar at the centre, which holds floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with 3,000 wine bottles of Sterling Three Palms Merlot! If you’re in the mood to splurge, be sure to order a glass of wine.
As for the food, the bestseller is their steak, but they also offer other options like burgers and seared black cod.
Scotia Club
– From: scotiabankarena
While most other premium clubs have that cozy, intimate atmosphere, Scotia Club is more on the bright, lively side. This one is for members only if the event is a sports match, but if it’s a concert, all ticket holders are eligible here.
What makes this club stand out to me is the fact that the menu changes depending on the event, so every dining experience is different! That said, I really liked the braised lamb shank that I ate here once. The lamb meat was rich and savoury, and it was also so tender that it was falling apart.
Suites
200 Level Mastercard Executive Suites
– From: scotiabankarena
Another way to get the best experience is to take a seat inside one of the suites. The great thing about suites is that there’s no need for a membership; you just have to book your spot ahead of time.
The Mastercard Executive Suites are some of the most popular options, which makes sense because they’re strategically located along the 200 Level. As such, the view is Goldilocks-level great—not too close, not too far, just the right amount of distance.
The suites are also wonderfully equipped. The flooring is made with hardwood, the countertops are porcelain, and the seats are upholstered barstools and premium chairs with wood armrests. There are even large TVs and phone charging stations!
500 and 600 Level Theatre Suites
– From: scotiabankarena
If you prefer an aerial view of the match below, then the 500 and 600 Level Theatre Suites are for you. These suites can also hold up to 14 people each, so they’re perfect if you want a more intimate space for a group.
Another great thing about booking a 500 or 600 Level Theatre Suite is that you get a two-hour early access for Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors events, so you can see players going inside locker rooms and even warming up on the court or rink.
Also, while waiting for the event to start, you can lounge on the comfortable chairs and watch something on the en-suite HD widescreen TV. How comfortable!
Gondola Suites
– From: beyond_virtualtours
Gondola Suites are absolutely massive; they can accommodate up to 114 guests! Because of this, these suites are the go-to for big events like corporate gatherings or even hangouts with family if you’re close with all your aunts, uncles, and cousins.
What I like about these suites is that booking one already comes with your very own host or hostess, and, of course, food and beverage. So, while watching the game below, you can have a party above. Sounds like a fun way to spend the time if you ask me!
Concert Fan Suites
– From: frizztina
Don’t like getting squeezed by the crowds during concerts of your favourite artists? Or maybe you just want the extra space to dance around? If your answer to both questions is yes, you’ll like the Concert Fan Suites.
These suites are pretty small compared to the others, so they’re great for a close-knit group. They also come with bar stools and a sofa, so you can sit down and rest if you’re tired of dancing around.
Oh, and if you’re hungry, don’t worry because there will also be catered food (usually light snacks like pastries and salads).
Suite Catering
– From: scotiabankarena
Some of the suites already come with food and drinks when you book them, but others don’t. Fortunately, though, you can book suite catering, so you and your guests will have something to eat during the event.
For catering, you can choose from a slew of themed packages. The last time I came here, I was with my family, and my parents (who paid for the catering) chose The Pinnacle, which was the most expensive option.
This package came with premium dishes, such as prime striploin steaks, truffle mac and cheese, and a burrata and prosciutto board.
Where to Eat
Real Sports
– From: realsports
Address: 15 York St, Maple Leaf Square Condos
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Sunday—11:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14168155983
Real Sports is one of the most boisterous sports bars ever—and I say that as a compliment! That’s why I love coming here both before and after the event; the level of energy is simply unmatched.
It also helps that the food is great here. You can expect to find classic pub fare like chicken wings and sliders, but there are also filling entrées.
My personal favourite to order is the steak frites. The steak is savoury and rich, and it’s pretty big, at 10 oz, so it’s perfect for sharing. Meanwhile, the fries are thick and perfectly salty.
e11even
– From: e11eventoronto
Address: 15 York St, Maple Leaf Square Condos
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—4 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14168151111
Technically, e11even is also a sports bar, but it’s definitely cozy enough that I also treat it as a brunch spot.
My go-to order is the pasta mafaldine, which is made with basil oil, zucchini, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and lemon ricotta. It’s creamy, citrusy, and tangy, and the tomatoes add a strong punch of acidity.
If you love dessert, you can’t go wrong with the sticky toffee pudding. It’s utterly decadent, with its rich caramel flavour and mellow vanilla ice cream.
Hot Stove
– From: scotiabankarena
Location: Floor 200, Scotiabank Arena
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14168155983
Calling all steak lovers! You have to stop by Hot Stove, a premium steakhouse that’s been operating since 1963!
Here, you can treat yourself to all the steaks you desire. I love the striploin because it’s massive at 18 oz! For the sauce, I stick to the classic steak jus, which is rich and savoury, but if I want something that packs a bit of heat, I go for the peppercorn sauce.
Pizza Pizza
– From: pizzapizzaltd
Location: Floor 300, Scotiabank Arena
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday—11 am to 2 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14169671111
Is it just me, or does pizza taste even better when you eat it after a concert or a sports match? Maybe it’s all the adrenaline that makes me crave the greasy, salty goodness of a pizza. Fortunately, there’s a pizza shop in the arena, aptly named Pizza Pizza.
The buffalo chicken pizza is what I always get because I love the combination of smoky, salty, and sweet flavours. There’s also a spicy version of this pizza if you want your taste buds to tingle with every bite.
Food Concessions
– From: chungchun.ca
If you’re just looking for a snack, then you’re in luck because there are many food concession stalls inside the arena. The best part is that these stalls are operated by well-known F&B brands, such as Aloette, Cherry Street, and The Poutinerie!
I’m happy to find a stall by Chungchun Rice Dog, which is one of my favourite places to grab snacks in the city. They specialize in Korean-style hot dogs, and my go-to is the gamsung hot dog, which has potato chunks on the outside, so the texture is extra crunchy. Inside, the savoury beef and chicken sausage has a nice bite.
Where to Shop: Real Sports Apparel
– From: scotiabankarena
Location: Floor 300
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 7 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14168155746
Real Sports doesn’t just sell food, but it also has its very own shop: Real Sports Apparel. This shop is kind of like a mecca to the fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, and Toronto Marlies because it offers all sorts of team merchandise!
Jerseys are undoubtedly the best sellers here, so be sure to grab one with your favourite player’s number. Hats and sneakers are also available, and I’ve even spotted pieces of jewelry here. The options are endless!
