As Air Canada Centre prepares to open the 2015-16 Toronto Maple Leafs season with a pre-season game against Ottawa on Monday, MLSE outlined a number of changes in and around the arena today to help ensure an easy and enjoyable experience for fans entering the building. With the implementation of magnetometers (walk-through metal detectors) for both NHL and NBA games, and the closure of the Bay Concourse as part of the Union Station revitalization, Air Canada Centre has implemented a number of changes including extra staffing, additional signage and earlier opening of gates ahead of events.
Closure of Union Station Bay Street Concourse
As part of Union Station’s ongoing renovations, the Bay Concourse will be closed for approximately two years as they expand the concourse area, create better access to the PATH, and build new shops and restaurants. Many of our fans use the Bay Concourse to access Air Canada Centre after taking public transit. With the closure, fans are asked to use either the Bay Street Teamway (for access to gates 1, 2, 3 and 4) or the York Street Teamway (for access to gates 1, 5 and 6) to walk down to Air Canada Centre from Union Station.
(Courtesy of Metrolinx)
Magnetometers (walk-through metal detectors) at Air Canada Centre gates
In accordance with new National Hockey League and National Basketball Association security policies, magnetometers (walk-through metal detectors) have been installed at Air Canada Centre gates for all Maple Leaf and Raptors games to ensure the safest environment possible for all of our patrons.
Air Canada Centre management has adopted best practices from the many sports and entertainment venues across North America already using magnetometers to make entry to the building efficient including extra staffing, additional signage and earlier opening of gates ahead of events. Fans are advised to remember the following tips when attending a game:
- Give yourself extra time when heading down to Air Canada Centre this season, especially early in the season. Air Canada Centre gates for Maple Leafs and Raptors games will now open 90 minutes prior to game time to give you extra time entering the building.
- Please be observant of building signage and staff offering direction for items to be removed from your pockets before walking through the metal detectors.
- Please share these instructions with your guests or anyone who might be using your tickets to a game. Providing your guests with these instructions in advance will help ensure they also have the best experience possible at Air Canada Centre.
“Our priority at Air Canada Centre is to ensure our fans have not only the most enjoyable experience possible, but also the safest,” said Wayne Zronik, Vice President, Facilities and Live Entertainment for MLSE. “With the introduction of walk-through metal detectors at most sports and entertainment venues, fans have already become quite familiar with the process but we are taking extra steps, including opening our gates earlier, to make sure that the process is as smooth as possible. We appreciate the support and cooperation of all our fans as we introduce these new security measures.”
The Toronto Maple Leafs will open their 99th NHL season on Monday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. with a pre-season match against Ottawa ahead of their regular season opener on Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. against the Montreal Canadiens.
The Toronto Raptors will play two pre-season games at Air Canada Centre on Monday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sunday, October 18 at 6:00 p.m. vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers before opening their regular season at home on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. vs. the Indiana Pacers.