raptors jurassic park toronto

Jurassic Park is back in Toronto this week for the Raptors play-in game vs the Bulls

Jurassic Park is back this week for the Toronto Raptors play-in game vs. the Chicago Bulls.

The sports playoff frenzy is about to arrive in Toronto, and fans will return en masse to Maple Leaf Square outside Scotiabank Arena to cheer on the Leafs and Raptors in their 2023 postseason campaigns.

The Leafs will conclude their regular season on April 14 and embark on another push to actually make it out of the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Raptors will compete in the NBA play-in tournament against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday for the chance to compete for the 8th seed versus either the Miami Heat or Atlanta Hawks.  

Tailgates at Maple Leaf Square — also known as Jurassic Park during Raptors games — will offer a range of entertainment, including special guests, giveaways, and a live DJ.

Like in previous years, fans can expect a packed crowd with limited availability, so here's how to score a spot in the action.

How to attend a tailgate for the Raptors or Leafs

Fans looking to attend this year will be required to register for a free mobile pass using the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors mobile apps, which will be made available the day before each game.

A limit of four passes will be available per person, but like previous years' tailgates, you can expect demand to be through the roof.

Anyone living within the province can register for early access to passes by signing up to be a Maple Leafs and Raptors Insider using the teams' apps.

Gates to Maple Leaf Square will open two hours before each game, closing at the end of the second intermission for Maple Leafs games and at the end of the third quarter for Raptors games.

The Raptors will tip off against the Chicago Bulls at Scotiabank Arena on April 12 at 7 p.m..

A first-round playoff schedule has not yet been released for the NHL, but the playoffs will begin on April 17, and the Maple Leafs, holding second-seed over the third-seed Tampa Bay, will host the first game of the series at home on or soon after that date.

Lead photo by

Lauren O'Neil


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