The Toronto Raptors will have support from fans all across Canada during their quest for the franchise’s first NBA championship.
Raptors fans have become well known for their enthusiastic support for the team. The crowd outside of Raptors’ arena during playoff games often rivals the intensity of those who purchased tickets and are inside. The area outside has become affectionately known as “Jurassic Park.”
Across the country, there could be a similar feel during this year’s NBA Finals. The city of Vancouver is exploring a viewing area for fans to watch Toronto’s games against the Golden State Warriors in the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza.
“We’re expecting a full square. We’re going to have television screens, food, it’s going to be an all-ages event, free to the public,” Vancouver Councilman Michael Wiebe told Global News.
This year’s NBA Finals will be a big stage for Canada. The Raptors won the Eastern Conference title for the first time by beating the Milwaukee Bucks four straight games after losing the first two games of the series. That means the nation will be the center of the basketball universe for the first two games of the Finals and potentially four of the seven games. Not only will there be an opportunity for Toronto to show how it supports the Raptors, but there may be one for the entire country of Canada as well.
