Quick Answers
Getting Toronto Maple Leafs tailgate tickets can be tricky, as they are a hot commodity for Leafs fans. The best ways to get tailgate tickets are to find season ticket holders willing to sell their passes, look on resale sites like StubHub and Ticketmaster, and join Maple Leafs fan groups on Facebook where people often sell extra passes. Being flexible on dates and acting quickly when tailgate tickets become available will also help your chances. Expect to pay a premium, with tailgate tickets normally going for $100-300 each depending on the opponent and demand.
As one of the most passionate fanbases in the NHL, Toronto Maple Leafs fans are always eager for ways to enhance the live game experience at Scotiabank Arena. One increasingly popular option is tailgating, where fans gather in the parking lots around the arena before and after games to eat, drink, play games, and soak up the electric atmosphere. For many diehard supporters, tailgating has become an essential pre-game ritual.
The iconic Maple Leaf Tailgate parties take place in the Scotiabank Arena parking lots starting 4 hours before puck drop. Fans with tailgate tickets can enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, hockey games, and of course plenty of drinks. There’s nothing quite like hanging with thousands of fellow Leafs fans to get amped up for the action on the ice.
However, the tailgates have become so popular that tickets are extremely limited. The team only sells a couple hundred passes per game to season seat holders and premium clients. This means that for the average fan, scoring tickets can be a big challenge. But fear not – with some persistence and ingenuity, you can find a way into the event.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get your hands on those coveted Maple Leafs tailgate tickets.
Buy From Season Ticket Holders
As mentioned, the main source of tailgate tickets is the Toronto Maple Leafs season ticket holder base. Each season seat holder is allowed to purchase a limited number of passes for the tailgate parties, equivalent to about 10% of their game tickets. Many STMs (season ticket members) end up with extra tailgate tickets, especially for less desirable weeknight games. This creates an opportunity for regular fans to buy them second-hand.
The best way to find STMs with tailgate tickets for sale is to connect with them directly. Here are some tips:
– Join Maple Leafs fan groups on Facebook – STMs often post when they have extras to sell
– Look for STMs selling on Twitter and Instagram using hashtags like #LeafsTailgate
– Hang around the tailgate lot before less popular games and ask around
– Attend Leafs viewing parties at bars – chat up STMs and ask if they have any for sale
– Post in Leafs forums and Reddit requesting to buy tailgate passes
When buying directly from an STM, expect to pay at least face value ($100-$300 depending on the game) but likely more for high-demand matches like home openers or rivalry games. The key is building relationships with STMs so you become someone they contact when they have last-minute tickets to sell.
Use Resale Sites
Ticket resale sites have also become a popular place for STMs to sell their extra tailgate passes. Sites like StubHub, Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats and Gametime frequently have Leafs tailgate tickets posted for sale. This gives you access to a wide selection, though often at inflated prices for bigger games. Some tips for going the resale route:
– Check sites leading up to the tailgate for last-minute deals as sellers scramble to unload tickets
– Filter for the cheapest ticket options and keep monitoring for price drops
– Opt for less popular games on weeknights when demand is lower
– Set up price alerts to get notified when tickets hit your target range
– Make sure to buy through reputable sites to avoid counterfeits
Buying through trustworthy resale platforms ensures you get valid e-tickets transferred securely. Just be prepared to pay a premium on top of face value. Resale tailgate tickets typically range from $150 up to $500+ depending on the matchup.
Join Maple Leafs Fan Groups
In addition to Facebook, Maple Leafs fan forums and groups are a great source for tailgate tickets. Popular fan sites like Pension Plan Puppets have active buy/sell forums where people frequently post tailgate tickets for sale. Leafs Reddit groups like r/Leafs and r/LeafsTickets are also worth monitoring.
The advantage of buying through fan communities is you may find slightly better prices from sellers who are real fans. You’ll also have people vouching for sellers, giving you confidence they are legitimate. Things to keep in mind:
– Sort forums/groups by new and check often for latest tailgate listings
– Don’t hesitate to contact sellers when you see a post, as tickets go fast
– Ask moderators/admins to vouch for sellers when possible
– Use PayPal Goods & Services to pay for protection from scams
– Meet in person before the game when feasible to complete the exchange
While not risk-free, buying through fan sites is an option that can pay off with alerts, quick responses, and fair prices compared to resale sites. Just use common sense precautions when completing transactions.
Purchase a Season Ticket Package
If you’re a diehard Maple Leafs fan who attends multiple games each season, the ultimate move is to become a season ticket member yourself. Full and half season ticket holders are given access to purchase tailgate tickets before they are sold to the general public. However, the minimum requirement is at least a 13-game Flex Pack which is quite an investment.
Here are some things to consider if going the season ticket route primarily for tailgate access:
– Expect to pay around $3,500+ for a 13-game Flex Pack
– You can likely recoup costs by re-selling unwanted game tickets
– Perks like presale tailgate access may be worth the upfront cost
– You can potentially split packs with friends who also want tailgate tickets
– Compare costs to simply buying tailgate passes second-hand
While not feasible for everyone, becoming a ticket member unlocks the VIP presale advantage along with other team perks. For devoted fans committed to multiple games, it could very well provide the most reliable tailgate access over the long-term.
Win Contests and Giveaways
Keep an eye out for contests and giveaways from the Maple Leafs, sponsors, and sports radio stations. While less common than in years past, they do still occasionally run promotions awarding tailgate tickets:
– Enter official team contests on site and on social media
– Follow sponsors like Molson Canadian who give them away
– Listen to Sportsnet 590 The Fan and TSN 1050 for ticket contests
– Follow Maple Leafs bloggers/vloggers who get tickets to share
– Keep tabs on Instagram and Twitter hashtags leading up to games
– Leverage any personal connections who may have access
It’s hard to count on winning freebies, but with persistence, you might luck out especially for low-profile midweek games. Turn on those post notifications so you don’t miss any short-lived giveaways.
Arrive Early and Ask Around
If you don’t mind showing up to the arena without guaranteed tickets, you can always try mingling with tailgaters to find last-minute deals. Some strategies:
– Hang around entrances and politely ask if anyone has extras
– Bring a sign saying you’ll pay cash for tickets
– Talk to scalpers working outside the gate – some do get tailgate tickets
– Offer to buy leftover passes off STMs as late as when tailgate starts
– Keep monitoring fan forums/groups for sellers en route to game
Essentially you are counting on luck and the kindness of strangers. But it has been known to work, especially for single tickets. Pack your Leafs gear, get there very early, and don’t be shy about asking fellow fans. You never know who might hook you up.
Conclusion
Landing coveted Maple Leafs tailgate tickets involves effort, ingenuity and often money. But for Leafs Nation members who consider tailgating an essential pre-game ritual, the hunt is well worth it. Following the tips in this guide gives you a strategic blueprint to gain access to the hottest event outside Scotiabank Arena. Monitor fan sites, build STM relationships, leverage resale platforms, enter contests and arrive early to maximize your chances. With persistence and flexibility on dates, you should be able to party with Leafs fans at a future tailgate. Just be prepared to pay a premium and act quickly when tailgate tickets become available. Go Leafs Go!
Tips for Buying Maple Leafs Tailgate Tickets
Method | Pros | Cons |
Buy from season ticket holders | – Direct fan-to-fan transaction – Establish relationship for future access – Often face value pricing |
– Limited selection – Need connections |
Use ticket resale sites | – Large selection of tickets – Reputable sellers |
– Significant markups – High demand = high prices |
Join Leafs fan communities | – Access to fans re-selling – Admins help validate sellers – More fair pricing |
– Still limited supply – Need to act quickly |
Become a season ticket member | – Guaranteed presale access – Perks like exclusives, discounts |
– Expensive upfront costs – Long-term commitment |
Enter contests and giveaways | – Chance to win for free | – Unpredictable – Low probability |
Arrive early and ask around | – Potential last-minute deals | – Highly uncertain – Need to be proactive |
Maple Leafs Tailgating FAQs
What time do Maple Leafs tailgates start?
Tailgates officially begin 4 hours before puck drop, so gates open at 3pm for 7pm games. Fans start lining up 1-2 hours before tailgate start to ensure entrance.
What happens at a Maple Leafs tailgate?
Tailgates feature live bands, ball hockey, food trucks, drinks, games like cornhole, and endless partying with thousands of Leafs fans. The live music stage has performances from local bands to keep energy high.
How much are Maple Leafs tailgate tickets?
Face value prices from season ticket holders are around $100-$300 depending on the opponent and demand. On resale sites, tailgate tickets can be $150 up to $500+ for high profile games.
Where do Maple Leafs tailgates take place?
Tailgates take over Lot 1 and Lot 2, the main surface parking lots adjacent to Scotiabank Arena’s entrance at Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd.
Can you bring alcohol to Maple Leafs tailgates?
Outside alcohol is officially prohibited at the tailgate, but discreet plastic flasks are common. There are beer tents set up by Molson Canadian serving $6 beers inside.
What food is available at the tailgates?
There are a variety of popular Toronto food trucks onsite including pizza, poutine, sausage, and dessert vendors. People also often bring their own grills and potluck foods to tailgate with.
How early should you arrive for Maple Leafs tailgates?
To ensure entrance before capacity is reached, plan to arrive 1-2 hours prior to the official tailgate start time 4 hours before game time. Some fans show up even earlier to reserve prime spots.
Can you bring grills and chairs to the Maple Leafs tailgate?
Yes, grills and outdoor folding chairs are permitted. Tailgaters often bring pop-up tents as well. Just be prepared to carry all gear out after the event ends.
Do the Maple Leafs interact with fans at the tailgate?
Players and coaches do not make appearances, but the Maple Leafs Ice Crew and mascot Carlton the Bear frequently visit the lots to engage with fans.
Can kids attend Maple Leafs tailgates?
Yes, the tailgates are family-friendly events. However, adult supervision is recommended given the party atmosphere.
What is the capacity for Maple Leafs tailgates?
Capacity varies by game but typically falls in the range of 2,000-4,000 fans. Once lots fill up, tailgating ends to clear space for arena arrival.