Raptors get approval to host games in Toronto again
FILE–Toronto Raptors fans celebrate during the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images/AFP
The Raptors will take the court in Toronto for the first time in more than 19 months when preseason play starts in October.
A team spokesperson confirmed to Canada’s Sportnet that the team has gotten the necessary approvals to return to their home court.
The team played its 2020-21 home schedule in Tampa, Florida., and has not hosted a game at Scotiabank Arena since Feb. 28, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions.
The number of fans who will be allowed to attend has yet to be determined, however.
“We are optimistic regarding our ability to host full capacity events,” the spokesperson said Friday.
Toronto’s home preseason schedule begins with an Oct. 4 game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors open the regular season at home against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 20.
It was announced last month that fans attending games at Scotiabank Arena for the Raptors and the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs will be required to produce proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test result.
