The Toronto Raptors are one of the most popular NBA teams, with a dedicated fanbase that packs Scotiabank Arena for every home game. Raptors tickets are always in high demand, but how much do they actually cost? The prices can vary widely depending on the type of ticket, where the seats are located, who the Raptors are playing, and when you’re looking to buy tickets. In this article, we’ll break down the different factors that influence Raptors ticket prices so you know what to expect when purchasing tickets for an upcoming game.
Ticket Prices by Seating Section
The Raptors play their home games at Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto. The arena has different seating sections, each with their own ticket price range. The sections closer to the court typically have higher ticket prices while the upper sections farther from the action have more affordable options.
Lower Bowl
The lower bowl at Scotiabank Arena is the closest seating section to the basketball court. It encompasses the floor seats and the lower deck. Lower bowl seats usually start around $125 per ticket for a marquee matchup against a top opponent like the Lakers or Warriors. Prices can exceed $600+ for courtside seats or other premium lower bowl locations.
Upper Bowl
The upper bowl at Scotiabank Arena refers to the upper deck seating. These seats are higher up and farther from the court than the lower bowl. Upper bowl tickets generally start around $30-60 per seat for low-demand games. For big games against rivals or top contenders, upper bowl tickets can still sell for $100-200+. The corners and ends of the upper deck tend to be cheaper than mid-court sections.
Suites
Scotiabank Arena has luxury suites that accommodate groups of people. Suite tickets for Raptors games include amenities like food and beverages. Suite tickets are sold in blocks for the full season and range from $200,000-$350,000 total. Individual suite tickets are not sold and only full season suite access is available.
Factors That Impact Ticket Prices
Several factors influence how much Raptors tickets cost on any given night. Prices fluctuate game-to-game based on variables like:
Opponent
The team the Raptors are playing has a major impact on ticket prices. Games against other top teams like the Warriors, Lakers, Celtics or division rivals like the 76ers typically command higher prices. Marquee matchups can drive prices up $20-50 from average. On the flip side, games against non-playoff opponents like the Magic or Pistons have lower demand.
Day of the Week
Weeknight Raptors games tend to be slightly cheaper than weekend games. Friday and Saturday night games are weekends and in high demand, so prices tend to be elevated around $10-20. Earlier weekday games can be cheaper for fans who can attend on a work/school night.
Time of Season
At the start of the season before a clear playoff picture emerges, Raptors ticket prices are more moderately priced. Demand and prices pick up during the playoff push and peak once the playoffs start. Playoff prices can be 50-100%+ higher than regular season games.
Purchase Time
When you buy tickets also affects pricing. Tickets purchased well in advance of a game are generally cheaper than last minute purchases. Waiting too long risks sellouts and having to buy from resellers at marked up prices.
Getting the Best Ticket Deals
There are ways to get cheaper Toronto Raptors tickets than paying face value prices:
Buy Upper Bowl Tickets
Opting for upper bowl seats instead of lower bowl will immediately cut costs. Upper deck tickets deliver big savings over lower sections.
Purchase Ticket Packs
Many ticket providers offer multi-game ticket packs at discounted per-game prices. These packs bundle together tickets for a half or full season schedule, which drives down the per-ticket costs.
Buy Tickets for Low-Demand Games
Target matchups against non-playoff teams on weekdays for the most reasonably priced tickets. Avoid premium opponents on weekends for cheaper deals.
Look on Resale Sites
Sites like StubHub and VividSeats have resellers listing Raptors tickets at prices potentially below face value. Be patient and watch for price drops closer to the event.
Average Ticket Prices by Seat Location
Below are average resale ticket prices at Scotiabank Arena for Raptors games this season:
Section | Row | Average Price |
---|---|---|
Lower Bowl Sideline | Rows 1-5 | $625 |
Lower Bowl Corner | Rows 15-25 | $250 |
Upper Bowl End | Rows 10-15 | $90 |
Upper Bowl Corner | Rows 20-25 | $45 |
As you can see, prices widely range based on proximity to court and seat location. Courtside tickets fetch big premiums while upper deck corner seats are the most affordable.
How Do Raptors Ticket Prices Compare to Other NBA Teams?
The Raptors have average NBA ticket prices relative to other teams. Below is how Raptors ticket prices compare to other popular contenders:
Team | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Los Angeles Lakers | $230 |
Golden State Warriors | $165 |
Boston Celtics | $140 |
Toronto Raptors | $120 |
Miami Heat | $100 |
The Lakers, Warriors and Celtics command higher premiums given their massive fanbases and star power. The Raptors fall more in the middle of the pack in terms of average ticket costs.
How Have Raptors Ticket Prices Changed Over Time?
Raptors ticket prices have increased substantially over the last decade as the team has ascended into one of the top NBA franchises:
Season | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
2013-14 | $52 |
2017-18 | $75 |
2018-19 | $90 |
2022-23 | $120 |
As you can see, average ticket prices have more than doubled over the past decade as the Raptors have built themselves into a perennial playoff and championship contender. The massive fan support has led to surging demand that continues driving up resale prices each year.
Conclusion
Raptors tickets can cost anywhere from $30 to $600+ depending on seat location, opponent, and timing of purchase. Courtside seats or plush suites will cost a premium. But upper deck tickets can still be had for affordable low prices. Flexibility on opponents and being open to lesser marquee games can yield savings. Raptors ticket prices have nearly tripled over the past decade, signalling their immense popularity across Toronto and Canada. Diehard fans continue snapping up tickets no matter the costs to cheer on their beloved Raptors!