What is most important to most fans when planning to attend a Leafs game? The cost. Let’s take a closer look at seat pricing at Scotiabank Arena.
Why so expensive?
High ticket pricing can be due to many factors, such as increased demand and popularity, who the opponent may be on any given day, special pre-game ceremonial acknowledgments, and also possible team activity like big moves or trades. Interested potential ticket holders should also keep in mind that ticket prices fluctuate from the time they are on sale until puck drop on game day. Ticket prices can range from $70-$600 CAD at any given regular season game. The lower priced tickets can get you access to “standing room” views that have an obstructed view but are still enjoyable. The 600s and the 300s are areas with good views as well, and the atmosphere is more intense in the higher bowls. Ticket holders in more elevated bowls may spend less money, but it can be argued that they are the truest of Leaf fans. Many of the suites are reserved for friends and family of players or supporting/sponsoring companies.
The lower bowl, closest to the ice level and the action, has the highest ticket price, and most are owned by season ticket holders. That said, season ticket holders can sell their tickets as they choose. Reselling via Ticket Master would be the safest option to avoid being scammed. If you want to buy tickets at a reduced price, please avoid any social media platform and use a trusted, credited website.
Chances To Win!
Located high up in the rafters at the visitor’s end of the ice is home to the FORD FANATIC FAN DECK. They hold game day challenges blasted on social media, and anyone participating has a chance to WIN tickets to a Leafs game and the “FORD FAN EXPERIENCE.” The “experience” includes two tickets to the fan deck, a chance to mingle with other ticket winners, photo booth opportunities, free popcorn and drinks, goodie bags, and maybe even a visit from Carlton. Ford has 150 tickets per home game to give away. Don’t forget to follow them on all their socials for a chance to win!
In addition, there is also a slew of radio stations, restaurants, and sports bars that run regular ticket giveaway contests. Instagram is an excellent resource for that. If you’re interested, check out @toptorontodeals, among many others accounts on Instagram.
Accessible Seating Prices
Accessible seating is located in a couple of areas at Scotiabank Arena. There are a few sections in the 300s and sections 105A and 116A of the 100s that are also designed to accommodate fans with mobility devices. Pricing for accessible and companion seating is exceptionally high compared to regular seat prices. For example, for a game when the Maple Leafs play the New York Islanders, a regular seat in section 105 was $99.00. A wheelchair-designated seat in the same section was $225.00. More than double the cost of a regular ticket. As a very passionate Leafs fan and wheelchair user, this is very unfortunate and unfair. I pay double the cost and sit in my own wheelchair for the game. Equality is something that I know to be very important to MLSE and Scotiabank Arena. I am constantly receiving so much assistance and support from Fan Services during my time attending games. There are countless elevators, braille signage, automatic doors, and accessible washrooms. Some EMTs have offered assistance when needed. With all that being said, the one thing MLSE can work on is communicating to fans the reason for the difference in pricing. A fan who uses a mobility device or maybe just needs extra space should be presented with tickets costing an equal amount as regular seating.
Fun For Free!
If fans can’t afford to attend a live game in person but still wants to experience an engaging, fun atmosphere in a social environment with other Leafs fans, Twitter is a great source to connect with a like-minded community. Often, there are invites to game watch parties at restaurants or sports bars near you. You can even plan one yourself if you choose. Of course, during playoff season, there’s always Maple Leafs Square. Every year, Scotiabank Arena and MLSE transform the outside of the arena into the ultimate Leafs fan’s paradise. It is free to attend. There’s a stage with a DJ and hosts for pre-game festivities. Sometimes Carlton will make an appearance, and even some Maple Leafs Alumni. You could win prizes and get free TML swag. There are food vendors, and alcohol is served in a safe and legally controlled environment. There is accessible, higher platform seating for people using wheelchairs. The best part of it all is the gigantic screen that the crowd watches from. Bonds are formed, the community is built, and memories are made in the Passion That Unites Us All.
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One thing I noticed going with a wheelchair user was the amount of able body people in the section not with a person with a disability not sure why these seats aren’t only for people with wheelchairs, scooters mobile users and there guests thank you for bringing this to the for front as like you die hard leaf fans we want everyone to pay same price also most of these people are on assistance so this is a treat for them .
Thank you!! I am hoping to reach out to other fans who use the accessible section of the arena. Id like to shine a light on more fans experiences.
Hi I read your article with great interest as I am wondering about the way the accessible seats are set up in Scotiabank arena having never before been there😌Also to address the prior comment perhaps some of the able-bodied people had a hidden disability? Myself I have MS which plays havoc with my sense of balance and makes negotiating stairs and the like extremely difficult so that is why I need accessible seating—I also have to have a companion to assist me in navigating the venue. So my specific query was are the seats in the accessible section that are marked with a W actually seats or simply spaces that are wheelchair accessible?
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for your comment.
The accessible seating is set up with foldable, portable chairs that can be removed to make space for a mobility device or whatever is needed. When you arrive to an accessible area an usher will escort you to your seat and move the seat if that is needed.