ACC vs. The Sports Cafe
There's nothing like a Leafs' playoff run. Games every other night, sudden death over time. People wandering into traffic because the horn honking has left them sleep deprived. Don't you wish it could be like that all the time? I do, and I'm here to help.
Let's be honest, the Air Canada Centre is awful. It's in a great location, the arena is nice enough, and it offers terrific sightlines throughout, but the aforementioned points are off set slightly by the completely absurd ticket prices. I was actually considering buying seasons tickets until the realization that I'd likely be parting ways with one of my kidneys. Whatever. I can put up with all that.
What I can't put up with is the atmosphere in the building. Personally, I'd rather stand in the line-up for parking permits at city hall.
So basically, with the exception of the rare occasion when someone in a platinum chair blatantly brings an escort to the game, you're not in for much excitement.
Counter-act that with the atmosphere of The Sports Cafe at Yonge & St. Clair. The only mistake that you can make at this place is telling some of the regulars that they're not actually at the game. People yell obscenities at the referee. Start random "Go Leafs Go" chants mid-period and have the distinct advantage of celebrating a goal without worrying that they'll spill their $22 beer.
Not a Leafs fan? That's ok. If there is a televised sporting event on the continent, chances are it's showing on one of the 1,463 televisions surrounding the bar; with the exception, of course, of professional soccer.
Now don't get me wrong. If someone offers me a pair of free tickets I'm not going to turn them down. But I'd be interested to know: Whether you're a die-hard or just a casual fan, would you rather spend 50 bucks at The Sports Cafe or $275 (per-person) at The Air Canada Centre?
The Sports Cafe - 49 St. Clair Avenue West, 416.928.9525
Comments (8)
While I agree with everything you've said, I think it needs to be qualified. Your point is written too generically for something that should be talking about leaf games only. You are correct that all the platinum seats for Leaf game are filled with business people who don't care about the game. However, if you were to buy tickets for the Toronto Rock (also at the ACC), you would find the complete opposite. For $50 you can get a platinum seat and every single person in the building is a fan of the game. The atmosphere is unbelieveable, and they average over 17 thousand fans a game. I love the SportsCentre Cafe, but would never choose it over seeing the Rock live. 5 championships in the last 7 years, and much much more to come! GO ROCK GO!!!
P.S. If you've never seen a Rock game, and don't believe me, I'll take you to a game sometime, then you can write an article about the best professional sports team in Toronto.
Sports Centre Cafe unlike The "ACC" is always packing in knowledgeable fans. Now with some reno's and new ownership they seem to be heading in the right direction.
I love the "SCC" (Sports Centre Cafe), and with the recent renovations they have made, it is a great place to watch any sports. They also recently got SANTANA, so you can watch weirdo Euro sports, as long as it isn't important or live (for that, you'll have to go to Scallywags).
Plus, waitresses are HOT.
Cheers,
Greg
the bad: bad food, dirty taps, still no mirrors in the washrooms etc. it calls itself a sports bar but the management is clueless about what's on and when.
the good: hot waitresses, good location, nice atmosphere for toronto playoff games.
SCC is the BEST! Reno's are almost done,,,,its only been 3 years in the making! Food is good, atmosphere....well if you want to drink with the bottom of the barrel guys from society have fun. Ladies, you would think a sports bar attracts HOT guys...not this place. Accept for the odd guy in a suit who wanders in from across the street.
If you truely enjoy sports this is the bar to go to in Toronto.
Yes, for the record the waitress's are HOT! Just take away the fake boobs, loads of make-up and fake hair.
M
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