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Scotiabank Arena Guide

NBA · Toronto · 19,800 capacity

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Last updated: 3/4/2026

Scotiabank Arena is one of North America's easiest road trips thanks to a direct underground connection to Toronto's Union Station transit hub. You can take a train from Pearson Airport and walk indoors to the game and your downtown hotel without needing a rental car. Be aware of the strict bag policy, which only permits items smaller than 6.5” by 4.5”.

At a glance

Cashless
Cash accepted in some areas
Re-entry
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 1 hr before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
Scotiabank Arena is directly connected to Union Station via an underground walkway known as the PATH.
Family friendly
Children 24 months and under may enter without a ticket but must sit on the lap of an accompanying adult.
Capacity
19,800
Home teams:Toronto RaptorsToronto Maple Leafs

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Where to stay for Scotiabank Arena

Downtown Toronto, particularly the area around Union Station and Scotiabank Arena, is considered an ideal neighborhood for hotels due to its accessibility via public transit and proximity to attractions.

Entertainment District / Downtown Core

This central neighborhood is ideal for sports fans due to its direct proximity and walkability to Toronto's major indoor sports venues. It offers a wide array of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it a vibrant hub for a sports weekend.

The area is directly connected to Union Station, a major transit hub for the TTC (Subway Line 1, 509 Harbourfront, 510 Spadina streetcars) and GO Transit. Scotiabank Arena is adjacent to Union Station with an underground passage, and Rogers Centre is a short walk or streetcar ride away.

Harbourfront

Situated along the Lake Ontario waterfront, Harbourfront offers a slightly quieter downtown base with scenic views while still providing excellent access to major sports venues. It's a great choice for those who appreciate lakeside strolls and easy access to cultural attractions.

From Union Station, it's about a 15-minute walk south down York Street or accessible via the 509 Harbourfront streetcar and 510 Spadina streetcar.

Queen West

This trendy neighborhood is known for its arts and culture scene, independent boutiques, and diverse food options. It offers a lively environment and good connectivity to sports venues, particularly BMO Field, and can serve as a vibrant base for exploring the city.

Queen West is served by the 501 Queen streetcar, providing access across the city. It offers access to BMO Field via a short bus or streetcar ride, and downtown venues can be reached by streetcar or a longer walk.

The Annex

The Annex offers a bohemian and academic atmosphere, with plenty of independent shops, cafes, and bars. It's known for its excellent transit connectivity, making it a convenient base for reaching various sports venues while enjoying a distinct neighborhood feel.

The Annex boasts direct access to both TTC Subway Line 1 (Yonge-University) and Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) via multiple stations (e.g., Spadina, Bloor-Yonge). This allows for efficient travel to downtown venues.

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Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Scotiabank Arena is directly connected to Union Station via an underground walkway known as the PATH. Union Station serves as a major transit hub for Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway, streetcar, and bus services, as well as GO Transit trains and buses, and UP Express, offering convenient access to the arena.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated rideshare (Uber/Lyft) pickup and drop-off zones are located along Bremner Boulevard and York Street.

Parking: It is recommended to book convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero. Scotiabank Arena has two levels of parking beneath the building primarily used for private suite holders and office tenants. Public underground parking is available at Maple Leaf Square (15 York Street), which offers indoor access to the arena and has a flat fee of $50.00 on event nights. Four on-site accessible parking spaces are available and can be reserved in advance by calling Fan Services.

After the event

Real Sports Bar & Grill, located adjacent to the arena in Maple Leaf Square, is a popular spot and likely open late. Other downtown bars and pubs near the arena that could serve as post-game late-night options include The Loose Moose, Firkin on Harbour, Jack Astor's Bar & Grill, and The Fox.

Works well with these Toronto venues

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Scotiabank Arena is located in Toronto's South Core district, within downtown Toronto, at the northwest corner of Lakeshore Blvd. West and Bay Street, and is a central part of Maple Leaf Square.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is not permitted. Nearby parking garages are not suitable for tailgating, and downtown bars are suggested as pre-game alternatives.
  • Signature food: Popular game-day favorites include gourmet hot dogs and poutine. Specifically highlighted items are the bacon-wrapped hot dog and the prime rib sandwich.
  • Pregame institution: Real Sports Bar & Grill (15 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 2Z2, Canada)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Real Sports Bar & Grill
    15 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 0A3 · Downtown Core

    The ultimate sports viewing destination with a massive 39-foot HD screen and over 200 HD TVs, offering an immersive and electric atmosphere for major sporting events. It's known for its 'stadium-level energy without the ticket' and is a go-to for pre- and post-game gatherings.

    What to order: Top Cheddar Burger, wings with spicy blue cheese sauce, deep-fried Oreos, a wide selection of local tall cans, pints, schooners, and cocktails.

  • The Loose Moose / Antler Room
    146 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1G2 · Entertainment District

    A Toronto staple since 1989, known for its vibrant atmosphere, impressive beer selection (one of the city's largest with 50+ taps), and a lively buzz especially during major games. It’s a reliable spot for pre- or post-game gatherings, offering a relaxed vibe in the main bar and a more intimate setting for late-night cocktails upstairs.

    What to order: Hearty pub fare, a wide array of pub-style meals, ballpark-style bites like burgers and snacks, and $7 beer duos.

  • SOCO Kitchen + Bar
    75 Lower Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 3A6 · Harbourfront District

    Located just steps from the Scotiabank Arena, it's described as the 'perfect spot' to enjoy food and drinks during big sports games. It features diverse dining options and offers pitchers of beer, making it suitable for groups.

    What to order: Pitchers of beer, alongside a diverse menu of food options.

Postgame spots

  • The Rec Room
    255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9 · Downtown / South Core

    A sprawling arcade bar perfect for those who can't make it to a live game or want to extend the game-day fun. It offers a lively and upbeat atmosphere with numerous entertainment options like arcade games, sports simulators, pool, and shuffleboard, alongside food and drinks.

    What to order: Burgers, poutine, pizza, and Canadian fare from The Shed or Three10, along with signature cocktails.

  • King Taps
    100 King St W, Toronto, ON M5X 1E1 · Financial District

    Brings big energy to Toronto's Financial District with a two-level space that fills up fast on game nights. It balances upscale dining with a high-energy fan zone, and the vibe remains lively long after the final buzzer, making it ideal for groups.

    What to order: Wood-fired pizzas, creative snacks, and an impressive selection of local brews.