Leafs, Raptors to prioritize season ticket holders with capacity cut to 50 per cent

TORONTO — The company that owns the Maple Leafs and Raptors will prioritize season ticket holders through mid-January at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena following the Ontario government’s announcement capacity is being capped at 50 per cent in response to the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment says all holders of non-season seats will be refunded for NHL and NBA games scheduled at the venue over the next month. The same goes for non-season tickets purchased for individual games on the secondary ticket market.

Ontario announced Wednesday that beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday indoor venues with a capacity greater than 1,000 people — including sports facilities, theatres and concert venues — will move to 50 per cent use following a sharp rise in coronavirus cases across the province.

MLSE says season seat holders for both teams will be divided into two groups to ensure “equitable access” to games beginning Saturday when the Raptors host the Golden State Warriors.

Tom McDonald, MLSE’s vice-president of ticket sales and service, told The Canadian Press the aim is for the Leafs and Raptors to play in front of 10,000 fans when including private suites.

The Leafs have averaged 18,819 spectators through 17 home dates this season, while the Raptors have averaged 19,777 in their 15 contests. The province’s move to cap capacity is also impacting the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, two American Hockey League teams, the Ontario Hockey League and the Raptors’ G League affiliate Raptors 905. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2021.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press