Where Scotiabank Arena Is and How to Get There

Scotiabank Arena sits at 40 Bay Street in downtown Toronto, right at the corner of Bay and Lake Shore Boulevard West. The building is a five-minute walk from the Harbourfront streetcar stop and sits directly above the Loblaws grocery store and the St. Lawrence neighbourhood. If you are driving, there is paid parking in the building itself and in several lots within a few blocks — expect to pay $15 to $25 depending on the event and time of day.

The closest subway station is St. Andrew, which is about a ten-minute walk north. Union Station, Toronto's main transit hub, is also walkable at roughly fifteen minutes. Most people arriving by transit use the streetcar or walk from Union, since the area is flat and well-lit in the evening.

What the Seating Layout Looks Like

Scotiabank Arena has about 19,800 seats divided into lower bowl, club level, and upper bowl sections. The lower bowl wraps around the ice and is where most single-game tickets are sold. Club level seats sit between the lower and upper bowls and come with access to private lounges and better food options — these are usually season-ticket territory or corporate seats. The upper bowl runs all the way around and offers a full view of the ice from a distance.

Seat numbers run in different directions depending on which side of the arena you are on, so check your ticket stub or confirmation email before you arrive. The corners offer different sightlines than the sides, and some upper-bowl seats behind the net can have obstructed views if you are in the very back rows. Most ticket sellers will note this in the listing.

Getting Tickets and Understanding Pricing

Single-game tickets for Maple Leafs home games are sold through Ticketmaster, the official ticket vendor, and through resale sites like StubHub and Kijiji. Ticketmaster's website is ticketmaster.ca, and tickets usually go on sale about two weeks before the game. Prices vary wildly depending on the opponent — games against Original Six rivals like Montreal or Boston cost more than games against teams with smaller fan bases in Toronto.

Resale tickets are often cheaper than face value early in the week but can spike as game day approaches, especially for weekend games. If you buy from a resale site, make sure the seller has good reviews and that the ticket is transferable before you complete the purchase. Scotiabank Arena does not allow printable tickets for most games — you will need to show the ticket on your phone or pick up a physical ticket at the box office before the game.

What to Bring and What Is Not Allowed

You can bring a small bag (roughly the size of a purse or small backpack), a phone, a wallet, and keys. You cannot bring outside food, outside drinks, or alcohol of any kind. Cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed, but phones and small point-and-shoot cameras are fine. Umbrellas, large bags, and weapons of any kind are prohibited.

The arena has bag checks at the entrance, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before puck drop if you are bringing anything that needs to be inspected. Food and drink inside the arena are expensive — a hot dog runs about $15 to $18, and a beer is typically $12 to $14. Many people eat before arriving or during intermission at nearby restaurants on the Esplanade.

Parking, Food, and Getting Around Inside

Scotiabank Arena's parking garage is accessed from Bay Street and costs $25 for standard parking on most game nights. Arrive early if you want a spot close to the elevators — the garage fills up quickly on popular game nights. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighbourhood but can be hard to find within walking distance.

Inside the arena, concession stands are scattered throughout all levels and sell hot dogs, pizza, nachos, popcorn, and drinks. The food is standard arena fare and prices are high. If you want something different, the club level has better options, but access is restricted to club-level ticket holders. The arena has gender-neutral bathrooms on each level, and lineups for women's bathrooms are typically longer during intermission.

What Happens During the Game and When It Ends

Games start at 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. on most weeknights and at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., or 7:00 p.m. on weekends, depending on the broadcast schedule. There are two intermissions of 15 to 20 minutes each. During intermissions, the scoreboard shows replays, there is live entertainment on the ice, and the concourse is packed with people buying food and using bathrooms.

Games typically last two hours and 20 minutes to two hours and 45 minutes from puck drop to final buzzer. After the game ends, expect crowded exits for about 15 to 20 minutes as people leave. If you parked in the building, you will wait in line to exit the garage — leaving when ready after the final buzzer means a 10 to 15 minute wait. Many people wait 10 or 15 minutes for the crowd to thin before heading to their car.

Key Takeaways

  • Scotiabank Arena is at 40 Bay Street in downtown Toronto, accessible by streetcar, subway, or car with paid parking in the building.
  • Single-game tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and resale sites, with prices varying based on the opponent and how close the game is to game day.
  • You can bring a small bag and phone but no outside food, drinks, or cameras with detachable lenses.
  • Food and parking inside the arena are expensive, so eating before you arrive or during intermission at nearby restaurants can save money.
  • Games last about two hours and 20 minutes to two hours and 45 minutes, and parking garage exits are crowded for 15 to 20 minutes after the final buzzer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into Scotiabank Arena?

No. Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the arena. You can eat at restaurants in the Esplanade or nearby streets before the game or during intermission, then return to your seat for the second half.

What time should I arrive before the game starts?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before puck drop. This gives you time to park, go through bag checks, find your seat, and settle in before the opening face-off. On very popular game nights, arriving 45 minutes early is safer.

Is there accessible parking for people with mobility issues?

Yes. Scotiabank Arena has accessible parking spaces in the garage and on the street nearby. You will need a valid accessibility permit. Contact the arena directly at 416-815-5500 to reserve an accessible spot in advance.

Can I take photos or videos during the game?

You can take photos and videos with your phone or a small camera. Cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed. Be aware that some of your video may have broadcast restrictions if it is shared online.

What happens if the game goes to overtime?

Overtime adds 5 to 20 minutes depending on whether it is regular season (5 minutes) or playoff (20 minutes). The game ends as soon as one team scores. Plan for the possibility that the game will run longer than the standard two hours and 20 minutes.