Toronto's Sporting Life: Teams, Events, and Opportunities

Toronto is a city where sports play an important role not only in the lives of locals but also attract tourists from around the world. Here you'll find teams representing various sports, from hockey to basketball, as well as numerous sporting events that take place year-round. In this article, we'll tell you about the main sports teams and arenas in Toronto and the atmosphere at the games.

Hockey in Toronto

When it comes to sports associated with Toronto, it's undoubtedly hockey. The Toronto Maple Leafs, founded in 1917, is not just a sports club but a cultural symbol of the city. Playing at Scotiabank Arena, the Maple Leafs draw a huge army of devoted fans. Although tickets to Leafs games are often quite expensive, starting from $100 CAD (~$73 USD), the atmosphere at the matches is unforgettable.

You can buy ickets for Toronto Maple Leafs games on their official website or on Ticketmaster.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the hockey atmosphere at more affordable prices, games of the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs' minor league affiliate playing at Coca-Cola Coliseum, are an excellent option. The Marlies also offer a chance to see future NHL stars early in their careers.

Tickets for Toronto Marlies games are available on the team's official website and on Ticketmaster.

If you want to learn more about hockey, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto; here you can get close to sports legends and even see the original Stanley Cup.

Basketball in Toronto

Basketball has won the hearts of Toronto residents since the Toronto Raptors were founded in 1995. The Raptors gained particular popularity after winning the NBA championship in 2019. Their fans, known as "We The North," create an incredible atmosphere at home games in Scotiabank Arena. Tickets for Raptors games start at 45 CAD (~$33 USD), making them more accessible compared to hockey.

Tickets for Toronto Raptors games can be purchased on the team's official website or through Ticketmaster.

For those who can't make it to the game, Jurassic Park, the fan zone outside Scotiabank Arena, is an iconic place to watch games, especially during playoffs. Hundreds of fans gather here to support the team live on big screens, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of unity.

Additionally, you can attend games of the Raptors' G League affiliate team, Raptors 905, playing at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Their games offer a chance to see rising basketball stars in a more intimate and family-friendly atmosphere.

Baseball in Toronto

The Toronto Blue Jays, Canada's only MLB team, play at Rogers Centre; it is a stadium with a unique design and retractable roof. At a Blue Jays home game, you can feel the spirit of Toronto, especially on summer days when the roof is open and the view of the city's skyscrapers becomes part of the experience. Tickets for Blue Jays games start at just $20 CAD (~$14.5 USD), making baseball one of the most affordable sports in the city. The team's history includes legendary World Series victories in 1992 and 1993, which remains one of the brightest pages in Toronto's baseball history.

Where to buy tickets: Tickets for Toronto Blue are purchased on the team's official website or at the box office at Rogers Centre.

Soccer in Toronto

Photo taken from torontofc.ca

Toronto FC is a soccer team that plays in Major League Soccer (MLS). Although soccer in Canada doesn't have the same level of popularity as in Europe, Toronto FC fans are known for their dedication and create an unforgettable atmosphere at matches at BMO Field. Tickets for matches start at $35 CAD (~$25.5 USD), making soccer a great choice for family outings and affordable entertainment. The team has won the Canadian Championship multiple times, and their matches against rivals from Montreal traditionally draw full crowds.

Tickets for Toronto FC matches can be purchased on the team's official website or on platforms such as Ticketmaster.

Canadian Football

The Toronto Argonauts football team, one of the oldest professional teams in North America, was founded in 1873. Argonauts games are held at BMO Field, and this sport, although different from classic American football, has its loyal fans. Matches against longtime rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats are especially popular and often sell out.

Tickets for Toronto Argonauts games can also be found on their official website or on Ticketmaster.

Additional Sports in Toronto

Women's Hockey in Toronto

Toronto continues to be an important center for women's hockey thanks to the new Toronto Sceptres team, one of the six founding members of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). The team was created in 2023 after the dissolution of the Toronto Six, which previously represented the city. Now, the Toronto Sceptres are the main force in professional women's hockey in Toronto.

An important moment for the team was setting attendance records. In February 2024, a record attendance of 19,285 was set at a match against PWHL Montreal at Scotiabank Arena, which became an important milestone for the entire women's hockey league. Later, a match in Montreal broke this record, drawing 21,105 spectators.

The Toronto Sceptres play their home games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, and they continue to attract many fans. The team has quickly won the hearts of hockey enthusiasts in Toronto and plays an important role in promoting women's sports in the city.

Lacrosse and Rugby

Photo taken from rugby.ca

The Toronto Rock, representing the city in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), is one of the league's successful teams. Although their home games are held in Hamilton at the FirstOntario Centre, the team still represents Toronto and keeps its name.

As for rugby, the Toronto Wolfpack competes in the North American Rugby League, offering exciting matches at Lamport Stadium.

Horse Racing and Motorsports

Photo taken from indycar.com

For horse enthusiasts in Toronto, there's Woodbine Racetrack, one of Canada's largest racetracks. It hosts famous races like the King's Plate, as well as other events for fans of the sport.

If you're more into speed, the Honda Indy Toronto offers an exciting street rally on a track running through the Exhibition Place area. It's one of the country's most prestigious motorsport events.

Cricket and Quidditch

Photo taken from quidditchcanada.com

Toronto is a city where cricket's popularity is growing. The Toronto Nationals compete in the Global T20 Canada League, and their matches can be watched at the CAA Centre in Brampton.

For fans of something unusual, there's a chance to watch quidditch matches, or more accurately, quadball — a sport inspired by quidditch and the Harry Potter universe. The Toronto Raiders is a team that plays this sport. Their games are held at L'Amoreaux Sports Complex and attract fans of both fantasy and sports.

Amateur Leagues and Sports Clubs

Toronto is not just a city of professional sports but also a great place for those who want to play themselves. There are many amateur leagues and clubs in the city, such as JamSports Toronto, where you can join soccer, baseball, or flag football games. Both seasonal leagues and individual games are available year-round, even in winter.

The Importance of Sports for Toronto Residents

Sports in Toronto are not just about high-level competitions, but an integral part of city life. Regardless of match results, sporting events are always a topic of discussion in cafes, bars, and on city streets. Toronto takes pride in its teams, and whether it's victories or defeats, sports here are a way of bringing people together and expressing their love for the city.