First Time at Scotiabank Arena? Here Is What to Know
A first-timer's guide to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto — how to get there, where to eat before the show, how to pick seats, and the small details that make a big difference.
Scotiabank Arena is the busiest arena in Canada and the home of both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors. For first-timers, it can feel a little overwhelming. This guide covers the fundamentals plus the small things most blogs skip.
Getting there
The arena sits directly above Union Station, which is the best part of its entire design. If you are anywhere in the GTA, the GO Train, VIA Rail, UP Express from Pearson Airport, Toronto subway line 1, and streetcar lines all connect into Union. The walk from the train platform to the arena concourse is indoor, which is a gift in a Canadian winter.
Driving in is possible but not recommended on event nights. Downtown lots around Front Street and Bremner Boulevard run 30 to 60 Canadian dollars, and post-event traffic on the Gardiner Expressway is miserable. Stick to transit.
Pre-show food
The immediate area around the arena is packed with options. Maple Leaf Square has a handful of quick-service restaurants built for the game-night crowd. A five-minute walk takes you to the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood, the Distillery District edge, or the restaurants along King Street East. For sit-down dinners, book a reservation — walk-in waits on event nights can hit 90 minutes.
If you want to eat inside the arena, concessions have improved a lot in recent years. Expect classic arena food plus a few Toronto-specific vendors. Prices are, of course, arena prices.
Bag policy
Scotiabank Arena enforces a small-bag policy. Personal items and small clutches are fine, backpacks and larger bags are not permitted. If you bring a bag that does not meet the policy, you will be redirected to a nearby paid bag check.
Seat selection
Scotiabank Arena is laid out in a traditional lower bowl, club level, and upper bowl configuration. For most concerts, a few principles apply:
- Lower bowl 100s in the corners are excellent value — close to the stage for end-stage setups, without the premium of centre ice.
- Club level offers in-seat service and lounge access. Worth the premium for longer shows or for parents who want a calmer environment.
- Upper bowl 300s are not as steep as newer arenas like Rogers Place, so sightlines can feel further from the stage than the section number suggests. The best upper bowl seats are the first few rows of sections directly facing the stage.
For Leafs and Raptors games, lower bowl seats behind each bench are a fan favourite because you get to watch the team up close during line changes or timeouts.
Doors and entry
Doors typically open 60 to 90 minutes before the listed event time. Mobile ticket entry is the standard — add your ticket to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before you leave home to avoid network issues at the gate.
Inside the building
Concourses are wide but get crowded before doors and during intermission. The 100-level concourse has the most variety. The 300-level concourse is quieter and has shorter lines at every concession. If you are on the upper bowl and want faster service, go up instead of down.
Bathrooms are plentiful but lines can form between periods. Plan to go during the last five minutes of a period or the first five minutes of the next one.
Merch
The Real Sports team store on the north side of the arena is massive and worth a visit even if you do not plan to buy anything. For concerts, tour merch is usually sold on the main concourse near the entry gates. Buying before doors or before the show is almost always faster than after.
Accessibility
The arena is fully accessible. Elevators connect every level, accessible seating is distributed through the bowl, and entry from Union Station is step-free. Request accommodations through the box office in advance for the best experience.
The exit
Post-event, Union Station is almost always the fastest exit. Even when it looks packed, the flow moves quickly because trains run frequently. If you plan to take a rideshare, walk a few blocks north before calling — surge pricing is brutal directly outside the arena, and the apps will find a driver faster from a less crowded pickup zone.
A few final tips
- Bring a reusable water bottle if allowed by the venue policy on the night.
- Dress in layers. The arena can feel warm during a sold-out Leafs game and cold during a quiet weekday concert.
- Arrive early. Union Station is fun to explore, and rushing in is never worth it.
- Save your ticket screenshot as a backup in case the app fails.
Scotiabank Arena is one of the most important rooms in Canadian sports and music. First-time visits are memorable; a little planning makes them great.