Playoff basketball is back in Toronto, and the Toronto Raptors are bringing back one of the city’s most recognizable fan traditions.
Raptors Tailgates, presented by Tangerine, will return for every playoff game at Jurassic Park, just outside Gate 6 of Scotiabank Arena.
The team secured its playoff spot with a win over the Brooklyn Nets and will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in Round 1. Game 1 is set for April 18, with the tailgate opening two hours before tip-off.
The atmosphere is expected to feel familiar. Large watch parties, live programming, giveaways, and appearances from team personalities are all part of the plan. Maple Leaf Square will once again turn into a gathering spot, with nearby roads closing during game times.
Beyond the tailgate, the Raptors are adding more ways for fans to get involved. A kickoff event called Full Court Press will bring DJs, food, and giveaways inside the arena’s concourse. There will also be digital avatar experiences and in-arena moments like the “Red Takeover,” where fans light up the building in team colours using their phones.
How to get tickets?
Fans now need a free mobile pass to get in, available through the team’s app – Raptors App.
For fans hoping to attend, the process is straightforward but time-sensitive. Entries for up to two passes per game open at 9 a.m. ET the day before each confirmed matchup and close at noon. Selected fans are notified by 1 p.m. that same day. Space is limited, and areas closest to the arena fill up first.
Trip Planning – Raptors Tailgate
What: NBA Playoffs, Toronto Raptors v Cleveland Cavaliers Tailgate
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Where:
Maple Leaf Square, 15 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 0A3
The entrance to MLSQ Tailgates is located at York St. and Bremner Blvd.
How Much: Free
A mobile pass is required to access the tailgate.
Tickets via Toronto Raptors App








