Tonight the Raptors have their first of three opportunities to close out their series with the defending champion Golden State Warriors and bring the first NBA championship north of the border.
For those without tickets to the game yet, as of noon today, tickets were being sold on StubHub with prices ranging from $1482 to $81000 USD.
For those without Drake money, Jurassic Park, just outside Scotiabank Arena has served as the primary gathering point in the city for fans wanting to cheer on their team. However, with the Raptors on the verge of winning it all on home soil, Jurassic Park has become increasingly difficult to get into, with fans lining up days in advance of Game 5 to ensure their spot.
Fortunately, much like the Jurassic Park movies, Jurassic park the party has spawned numerous sequels and spinoffs, and pretty much every bar in the city is sure to have their TVs tuned to the game tonight, ensuring there are no shortages of spots to watch the Raps put an end to the Warriors dynasty.
These are the best spots to watch the game by neighbourhood.
Scarborough
Jurassic Park Scarborough will be taking place tonight (and for game 6 and 7, if necessary) at Albert Campbell Square at Scarborough Town Centre. Scarborough Town Centre will be keeping the food court and washrooms open past 9 p.m to accommodate Raptors fans.
Roncesvalles/Parkdale
Friends of Sorauren Park are encouraging you to bring your lawn chairs, snacks, friends and neighbours for a free outdoor viewing party at Sorauren Park, located on Sorauren Avenue, in the Dundas Street West and Lansdowne area.
North York
The Warehouse Event Venue at Downsview Park will be hosting what they are calling “Jurassic Park North York”.
The Beaches
“Jurassic Beach” will be taking place rain or shine at Woodbine Park, at 1590 Lakeshore Blvd E.
Mississauga
As Raptors fandom is not confined to the city limits, Mississauga has its own version of Jurassic Park. Billing itself as “Jurassic Park West”, Mississauga’s (hopefully aptly named) Celebration Square will be showing game 5 tonight, and will also feature pre game entertainment and the chance to shoot a few hoops of your own before tip-off. With space for 30,000 people, this might be the biggest gathering in the GTA. Great news for those currently looking out the window, this one will happen rain or shine.
Brampton
Raptors fans in Brampton should make their way to Garden Square, where a 24-foot outdoor screen will be showing Kawhi and the boys trying to put the Warriors away.
Vaughan
“Jurassic Park Vaughan” will be taking place in the Vaughan City Hall Courtyard, at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr. The event will take place rain or shine, and food vendors will be available.
Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill will be showing the game, weather permitting, at Richmond Green Park, at 1300 Elgin Mills Rd. E.