Toronto team offers a cultural and entertaining experience
To someone who isn’t really into basketball, or just isn’t a fan of the Raptors, the whole experience of a game at the Air Canada Centre may not seem important. However, the entirety of the “We the North” experience, which is exactly what it is—an experience—is what sets the Toronto team apart, and makes it something to remember.
As early as selecting tickets and dates, it all begins. With the multiple events and specialized nights that are incorporated into the season, you can scroll through the schedule and choose which game suits you the best. Whether this is a regular season game, Drake Night, a Toronto Huskies tribute game, or the Chinese New Year game, they all come with extra features, special swag, and overall excitement.
Then there is the anticipation and the arrival. By following the lead up to the game on Instagram stories and Snapchat, you can see the players and coaches warming up, being interviewed, and sneak peeks at what is to come. You can do all this while hanging out in Jurassic Park just outside the ACC, or heading inside and taking in all the centre has to offer. Inside the ACC, you can pick out limited edition gear for the night, participate in games for prizes, or grab a drink from the bar or a vendor.
Finally, it’s time to take your seat and enjoy the game. But first there are the introductions, music, dancers, and, oh yeah—the screaming fans. Depending on the night, that can include some familiar faces, for example, the likes of Drake himself on his special night.
In addition, branded videos, cheers, and chants get everyone out of their seats to dance for a prize, to kiss their neighbours, and have a great time.
Though going to a Raptors game means going to a professional basketball game, it is so much more than just a game. To me, it is akin to a cultural experience that shows that Canada’s and Toronto’s identity is very much alive and thriving, and that even if you don’t like basketball, you are likely to enjoy the experience.
Photo by Kylie Armishaw.