Scotiabank Arena Parking Tips in Toronto

The Toronto Raptors of the NBA play their home games throughout the season at Scotiabank Arena. To figure out where you are going to park at this venue for an upcoming game, use the guide below. 

This detailed Scotiabank Arena parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official Scotiabank Arena parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near Scotiabank Arena you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Toronto
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Toronto Raptors events
• Other valuable Scotiabank Arena parking tips to save time and money

Parking can be a hassle at big events, but it doesn’t have to be. Prepare yourself with a plan and enjoy a wonderful outing!

Official Scotiabank Arena Parking Lots

There are no official parking lots associated with Scotiabank Arena. While some parking is below the building, those lots are used privately and unavailable for public purchase. 

Main Parking Lots 

As mentioned above, there is no official parking at this venue, so there are no main parking lots to highlight. If you are attending an event here, your primary options will be to book third-party parking through the SpotHero app – more on that below – or use another form of transportation.

Quite a few parking lots and garages are found within walking distance of the arena, and booking a spot in advance is recommended as this is a very busy part of the city. 

EV Parking at Scotiabank Arena

Charging your electric vehicle before heading to an event at Scotiabank Arena is recommended. There are a few chargers in the area, including a couple of ChargePoint Charging Stations close to the venue, but you don’t want to be struggling to find an available plug while you should be enjoying your night out on the town.

Make it a priority to charge up in advance, and then you’ll be free to use any available standard parking space. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

Although there are no official parking lots on the property of Scotiabank Arena, the facility does have four parking spots that can be reserved by guests with disabilities.

You’ll want to call the Fan Services line for the arena to inquire about the availability of one of these spots for the event you will be attending. Otherwise, be sure to check the availability of accessible parking spots with any third-party lot or garage you may use. 

Third-Party Parking Options at Scotiabank Arena

Using SpotHero to reserve third-party parking is one of the best options when attending an event at Scotiabank Arena. There are many different lots and garages to pick from within walking distance, so you can sort through the possibilities and pick the right one for your needs.

One option that offers a good balance of value and convenience is the Citigroup Place Garage. It’s only a 7-minute walk to the gates from here, yet the parking prices are commonly under $30. If you want a deal and don’t mind walking farther, you could choose the lot at 106 Front Street E. From here, it will take about 15 minutes to get to the arena, but you might be able to park for less than $10. 

Free Parking at Scotiabank Arena

You can forget about the notion of finding free parking at Scotiabank Arena. This is a huge metropolis, and the real estate in Toronto is very valuable. There is rarely a free parking spot is available.

If you don’t want to pay the going rate for parking, it’s best to use another form of transportation to get to the area around the arena. 

Public Transportation to Scotiabank Arena

Public transportation to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, is plentiful and convenient, thanks to the arena’s central location and proximity to Union Station. Here’s a detailed look at your options:

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Subway

TTC Streetcar System

The streetcar system in Toronto is another convenient way to get to Scotiabank Arena. Specifically, you’ll want to look for routes 509 or 510. Both of these lines serve Union Station and the surrounding area, leaving you steps away from the arena’s entrance.

GO Transit

Union Station is also the main hub for GO Transit, which operates commuter trains and buses in the Greater Toronto Area. If you’re coming from outside the city, you can use GO Transit to get to Union Station, and from there, it’s an easy walk to Scotiabank Arena.

Via Rail

Check out Via Rail if you’re coming from farther away than downtown Toronto. Union Station is a major Via Rail hub, so it’s possible to take a train from another city and arrive at the arena’s doorstep.

Biking and Walking

For those who prefer to bike or walk, the area around Scotiabank Arena is pedestrian-friendly, and there are many bike lanes and paths that lead to the venue.

Ridesharing to Scotiabank Arena

While it’s possible to use a rideshare service to get to and from Scotiabank Arena, it might not be the smooth experience you are hoping for when you pull out the app to request a ride. Given the extreme congestion common on the surface streets around the arena, getting a ride from Scotiabank Arena can take a long time. Plus, some drivers will refuse the request because of how long they know it will take.

If you are going to use a rideshare service, the best plan is to be willing to walk at least a few blocks to get out away from the congestion, where you can either get in or out of your Uber or Lyft and then make the rest of the journey on foot. 

Scotiabank Arena Events

Whether it’s a basketball game, hockey game, a concert, or something else, an exciting event is always happening at Scotiabank Arena. Use the table below to secure some great seats for an upcoming date.

Bars and Restaurants near Scotiabank Arena 

As a huge, international city, Toronto never lacks great dining options. That holds true in the area around Scotiabank Arena, so you might want to think about getting here early to track down a tasty meal before you head through the gates. 

While plenty of upscale, high-end establishments are in the area right around the arena, you might be in the mood for something faster and more casual before taking in a basketball game. If that is the case, Real Sports on York Street just across from Scotiabank Arena is perfect. This sports bar offers a lively atmosphere and is an ideal place to get ready for the excitement that is to come. 

Scotiabank Arena Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Attending an event at an NBA arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Sometimes, however, traffic and transportation issues get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare.  

Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Scotiabank Arena.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

Ensure the notorious Toronto traffic doesn’t interfere with your game day experience. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Simply check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

Scotiabank Arena has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around Scotiabank Arena. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Take Security Measures

You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security.

Have a Backup Plan

Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.

Conclusion

Navigating parking at Scotiabank Arena for a Toronto Raptors game or any other event can be a smooth and hassle-free experience with the right approach. This comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights into various parking options, including third-party lots, accessible spaces, and public transportation choices.

While official arena parking around Scotiabank Arena is limited, utilizing platforms like SpotHero can simplify the process. Planning ahead, arriving early, and knowing the venue’s policies are key to a stress-free outing.

Whether you opt for convenient nearby garages or utilize public transit options like Union Station, a well-prepared strategy ensures you can fully enjoy the excitement of your event at Scotiabank Arena.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Scotiabank Arena (FAQs)