Tonight, it is all about the Toronto Raptors versus the Brooklyn Nets. Looking for a ticket, you might be out of luck. The game is sold out, and tickets are going for nearly $200 through ticket agencies such as Stub Hub. Even diehard fans might think twice about splurging on seats. But, it is often better to view sporting events from the comfy and, well, affordable confines of a well-equipped bar. But, not all sports bars are built the same. Here are our five top choices for tonight’s game:
HOOPS Sports Bar and Grill
There use to be an incongruous but useful location of this chain near Trinity-Bellwoods. Now the Yonge Street location is the only one serving the downtown. It will certainly fulfil your A/V fantasies with its 126-inch infinite plasma screen. If you’re more of a booth person, HOOPS might also be a good choice. There are 19 beers on tap. The advantage to getting there early is that Hoops is giving away 10 Bell VIP Entrance passes to Maple Leaf Square (458 Yonge St.).
When to get there: Management says people begin arriving around 4:30 so plan on showing up a couple hours before showtime to get a good seat.
Hurricanes Roadhouse Restaurant
If you’re looking to avoid the core and maybe the public transit glut near the Air Canada Centre this is a great place to take in the game in the Bloorcourt Village. It attracts a fairly diverse crowd and has all the TVs you could possibly require as well as a wide assortment of affordable beers on tap (you don’t see Coors Banquet on tap everywhere). Wednesday is usually a karaoke night, but don't worry, they don't start it until the game is done (963 Bloor St. W.).
When to get there: Hurricane’s fills up quickly due to large groups, so plan to arrive 30 minutes before tip-off
Sports Centre Cafe
If you’re really not in the mood to downtown, this a fairly accessible location. It’s got a bevy of screens as well as booths with personal TVs. You can also enjoy the access to game machines and billiards if the pre-game show drags a little too long. They gave away Raps tickets during the previous game and tonight there’s a 32-ounce MGD special ($10.50) if you’re looking for volume (49 St. Clair Ave. W.).
When to get there: Reservations are already on the list for huge parties so if you want to secure a spot get there more than hour before tip off.
Wayne Gretzky’s
It’s sure to congested this close to the arena but if you need a spot to watch the game with the youngsters this would be a prudent choice for all its memorabilia offerings. There’s a dedicated sports bar with more than 30 TVs that should sate sports fans of all ages. It’s also Wayne’s Wine Wednesdays which means a 6-ounce glass from the Great One’s own winery for $6 (99 Blue Jays Way).
When to get there: They’re expecting a busy night but expect to be able to seat people on arrival.
Real Sports Bar and Grill
It’s huge and it glows. It will be packed but it has a great atmosphere. Real Sports boasts an incredible 39-foot HD screen and a serious beer menu with 36 selections from 114 taps. And, when the Raptors win, feel free to run into the streets and party with the throng gathered at Maple Leaf Square (15 York St.).
When to get there: Well, they have been taking reservations for weeks now, so if you’re one of the lucky ones who planned ahead have a great time, otherwise you have to hope for cancellations.
