'Fake fans' called out for leaving blowout Toronto Raptors home opener early

The Toronto Raptors made franchise history with their biggest season-opening win on Wednesday, but the conversation after the game wasn't just about the team's blowout victory.

As Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes checked out midway through the fourth quarter, so did much of the Scotiabank Arena crowd, leaving the building looking empty as Toronto had a demanding 135-92 win over the Chicago Bulls.

Photos and videos of the sparse crowd quickly spread across social media, with reporters and fans questioning why so many people had left the team's first game of the season.

"Scotiabank Arena is basically empty now with the Toronto Raptors' blowout win against Chicago. Is the traffic that bad in this city?" one reporter wrote on X.

Scotiabank Arena basically empty now with the Toronto Raptors blowout win against Chicago. Is the traffic that bad in this city? https://t.co/GojJLesAym

— Libaan Osman (@libaanstar1) October 22, 2026

"Toronto traffic is horrendous. But still, if you're paying that kind of money to watch an NBA game, how do you seriously leave early?" another questioned.

Raptors fans even chimed in, calling the opening night crowd "fake  fans."

Several fans responded to the posts by citing early work schedules, the need for sleep and, perhaps most obviously, the desire to beat Toronto traffic.

The crowd was officially sold out at 19,800, and according to TicketData.com, prices on third-party resale sites had climbed to $220 per ticket just two hours before tip-off.

Still, considering the cost to get in the door, it's fair to question why fans would leave early, especially with the hype around the Raptors and Leonard's return.

A video shared by a Raptors fan shows the lower bowl stands empty with just under four minutes left in the home opener. (@fat_guy_poor_form/Instagram)

For those who stuck around, Leonard delivered a heartfelt message after the game, thanking fans for the warm welcome.

"I couldn't ask for a better welcome-back game," he said to Sportsnet's Danielle Michaud.

"Just thank everybody for coming out. We're gonna try to make a special season. Hopefully we can keep this rolling, and the best is yet to come."

Leonard finished the night with 23 points in 23 minutes, along with six rebounds and four steals.

The Raptors will hit the road for their next two games before returning to Toronto next week for a pair of matchups against the Orlando Magic.