Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is one of the finest sports and entertainment venues to be found anywhere, home to great hockey, great music and much more every year. The 665,000 square foot building is a mainstay of the Toronto skyline, with its connection to the Air Canada Tower and the adjacent office tower.
Built with a focus on acoustics and audience comfort, Air Canada Centre's construction is thought to have stimulated billions of dollars in additional economic activity for the city. A key milestone in the history of this venue was the acquisition by Maple Leaf Gardens in 1998. The Gardens management purchased Air Canada Centre and professional sports team, the Toronto Raptors. The first Maple Leafs hockey game was played on centre ice in 1999. The first basketball game was played between the Raptors and the Vancouver Grizzlies the next night. The first concert, by The Tragically Hip, was held the night following the basketball game.
Air Canada Centre staff continue to focus on customer service, making the arena experience positive for all ages. Features of the centre that are subject of conversation among regulars include the food and drink choices, including the tradition of ordering one of Air Canada Centre's 9-inch hot dogs during a game. In addition, sushi has become a fan favorite at the arena.
Located at 40 Bay Street in Toronto, Air Canada Centre is owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. Seating capacity is 19,800 for basketball and 18,800 for hockey. A theatre that is part of the complex seats 5,200. Air Canada Centre also has an in-house brewery.
