@movernie
It’s been more than 1.5 years since my last in-person sports game at the Scotiabank Arena (Home of the Toronto Raptors). MoKenny & I went to the Raptors vs Bulls this past Monday evening.
For me, before entering inside the game, I was somewhat nervous but yet felt exciting at the same time. That’s coz I am not sure how the entire protocols work at the gate and inside the arena when 100% fans can attend the sporting event. We are talking about 20,000+ fans inside the building. You know how close the seats people are sitting around you.
Some of the questions that were on my mind included the following:
– Will the lineup to get inside be too long since everyone has to show their vaccination passport, identification, mobile tickets, people can struggle to provide all these documents on the spot.
– Will fans follow the guidelines when inside the arena? Will they wear their facemasks at all times?
– Will there be such a crowd to the point people are in contact of each other?
– What it’s like when people are sitting beside each other in their seats? We all know how tight these seats are at the arena.
All these are my thoughts and questions prior to attend the game. I know many of you had asked me how was it attending the Raptors game in person and what it’s like with 100% capacity.
Below are some of the highlights and key points that I hope you will feel more comfy to attend a live sports game in person and some of the things you should be aware so you can enter the gates a lot more easier and efficiently. If I didn’t answer any of your questions in this MoVernie BLOG, feel free to reach out and email me as I am happy to reply to you as best as I can.
MoVernie TIP: Did you know….Toronto Raptors no longer use hardcopy tickets. So…if someone offers to sell you hardcopy tickets, you know they are a scam and you should NEVER deal with them. Make sure you have mobile tickets as it gives you control to keep your tickets and go to the game yourself or you can transfer or sell your mobile tickets to someone else.
KEY POINTS BEFORE GOING TO THE GAME:
– Don’t bring any backpacks or bulky stuff. Scotiabank Arena no longer allows people to bring large bags or backpack for safety reasons. They only allow a small purse for ladies. Since I don’t need to bring anything bulky to the game, I wouldn’t know if they have a locker or a station where you can leave your backpack and then redeem it after. You should reach out to them and inquire. But honestly, I recommend you not to bring any big backpack to the game.
Please be aware of the venue rules regarding COVID-19 protocols such as a strict no backpack policy, mandatory face masks and proof of vaccination requirement for entry. To learn more, please click here.
– Make sure you have your Raptors app to download your mobile tickets coz ONLY mobile tickets are the only mode of entry into the game. If you are bringing a friend or client or family member, perhaps transfer the mobile tix to them ahead of time so you don’t have to wait for them to arrive before going to the game. Besides, it’s better they each have their own mobile tix for their own individual entries but also in case the usher asks, he/she has their own tickets on their app to show.
For a step by step guide on how to access and use your mobile tickets click here.
– Wear facemask before entering the gate and wear it at all-times if you can. If you are drinking a beer or munching on your food, that’s the only time you can pull off the facemask and eat and drink.
– To get through the gate more efficiently and quicker, try to have all of your documents prepared at the gate. First, a staff will ask you to show them your vaccination passport and your identification (driver’s license, health card or passport will do). Once that is complete, you walk through another section, that’s when they do the usual metal detector checking your smartphones, wallets, house/car keys, etc. Then, you pass that, you let the staff scan your mobile tickets. Yes! That’s how much more you have to do before successfully entering the game. Thus, it’s extremely important that you are as prepared as possible to have all of these stuff ready.
MoVernie TIP: Since entering any sporting events require your vaccination passport and your mobile tickets, it is highly recommended that you charge your smartphone to 100% or as full battery level as possible. Imagine you are low on battery and the only way to show the staff is your vaccination passport on your smartphone and mobile tickets to your smartphone?
– If you want to purchase food and beer, make sure you bring your debit card or credit card, coz the concession stands no longer accept cash.
– When you are sitting at your seats, be considerate to others around you. Try your best to wear your facemask at all times, unless you are drinking a beer or eating.
Summary – Overall Experience:
Overall, my experience at the game was a good one! I felt more comfy sitting beside other fans as many were wearing their facemasks, they were super respectful and courteous. I think many peeps’ mentality was to be considerate and behave so that we can continue to enjoy life and enjoy more in-person live games. If people are not behaving and mess it up, we shut down again and then there will be no fun going to in-person events. I think that’s what most people are thinking. The only time I felt a bit of anxiety was when we walked through crowds in the corridor to go to the washroom. Otherwise, everything was as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
I do wish there were more hand sanitizer stations around the arena. For example, when we ordered our beer at the concession stands, it requires us to use the keypad to punch in the credit card code. Well…everyone is punching the codes and used the keypads right? There weren’t any hand sanitzer beside the keypad terminal or the kiosks, so that’s the only unfortunate part.
It felt great to be back at the Raptors game again, seeing players LIVE, hearing fans cheering and listening to the announcements and in-game dance pak and the mascot. It’s an incredible feeling!
If you are not yet ready, take your time and when you are ready, go enjoy the game! This is NOT a race, everyone has their own comfort level. We just have to respect each other’s space and time.
For the entire Raptors NBA schedule, please click here.
