The Best Places to Watch Sports in Toronto

Toronto sports teams are some of the best in the world! Sure, you can watch the games at home, but it’s just not the same as cheering on your favourite team as part of a crowd. Whether you’re in the stands of a live game at one of our Toronto sports stadiums, or watching on a big screen at a Toronto sports bar surrounded by friends and fellow fans, there’s something special about sports that bring people together.

UP Express makes it easy for you and your family or friends to get to and from the game or sports bar as a group — so you can keep rehashing those fouls and penalties on the ride home. At just $12.35 for standard adult fare from Pearson Airport, and about $5 from Weston and/or Bloor to Union Station with PRESTO, it’s an affordable and comfortable way to get around the city. 

March is a great month for sports in Toronto, so read on to find out the best places around the city to watch the sports that YOU love, and cheer on your favourite teams!  

It’s impossible to talk about sports stadiums in Toronto without mentioning Scotiabank Arena. Located just steps from UP Union Station (you don’t even need to walk outside!), this 665,000 square foot sports and entertainment complex is the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team and the Toronto Raptors basketball team.

Scotiabank Arena has multiple restaurants and concession stands, offering a diverse selection of food and beverages. Remember, if you choose to enjoy a few drinks, you’ve got a safe ride home with UP Express.

You’ll also find family amenities such as baby change tables in all washrooms and small urinals for children. Since children aged 12 and under travel free on UP Express, catching a game at Scotiabank Arena is a great outing for the whole family.

Toronto Raptors Home Game Schedule - March 2023

Catching a Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena this month will be a slam-dunk, especially when you save up to 20% off ticket prices with PRESTO Perks. We The North!

• Tues Mar 14 @ 7:30 pm - Raptors vs Denver Nuggets
• Thurs Mar 16 @ 7:30 pm - Raptors vs Oklahoma City Thunder
• Sat Mar 18 @ 7 pm - Raptors vs Minnesota Timberwolves
• Wed Mar 22 @ 7:30 pm - Raptors vs Indiana Pacers
• Fri Mar 24 @ 7:30 pm - Raptors vs Detroit Pistons
• Sun Mar 26 @ 6 pm - Raptors vs Washington Wizards
• Tues Mar 28 @ 7:30 pm - Raptors vs Miami Heat

Toronto Maple Leafs Home Game Schedule - March 2023

Watch the Leafs take the ice at Scotiabank Arena for Canada’s National Winter Sport at these home games this month:

• Wed Mar 15 @ 7 pm - Leafs vs Colorado Avalanche
• Fri Mar 17 @ 7 pm - Leafs vs Carolina Hurricanes
• Wed Mar 29 @ 7:30 pm - Leafs vs Florida Panthers

If you want to watch a live hockey or basketball game at a Toronto stadium, you definitely need to visit Scotiabank Arena. Just head downstairs in Union Station and follow the signs right into the arena.

If you’re looking for outdoor sports venues in Toronto, BMO Field is the place to go! Located at Exhibition Place, it’s a quick and relaxing GO train ride from UP Union Station.

BMO Field is home to Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC. If you haven’t experienced the atmosphere of a live match, you need to go check out the action!

BMO Field is also home to the Toronto Argonauts who play in the Canadian Football League. The Argos are the current Grey Cup champions and regular season home games begin in June.

Toronto FC Home Game Schedule - March 2023

Toronto FC will be going for goals at a couple home matches this month.

• Sat Mar 18 @ 7:30 pm - Toronto FC vs Inter Miami CF

The Rogers Centre is an iconic feature of the Toronto skyline and the Toronto Blue Jays stadium. If you’re visiting Toronto during baseball season, catching a game at this retractable roof stadium is a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening.

Tip: If you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or attending your first game, you can visit any Fan Services location and pick up a commemorative certificate on behalf of the Toronto Blue Jays.

You’ll find plenty of concession locations for food and beverages at the Rogers Centre, including the classic ballpark hot dog. UP Express is the safe way for you and your friends to get home after having a few beers at the ballgame.

If you’re bringing small children to a game (it’s a great family experience!), it’s good to know that you can find booster seats for kids at all Fan Services locations. However, they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Jr. Jays Activity Zone for kids ages 14 and under is in Section 237. There are also baby change tables in all washrooms and an infant feeding room in Section 240. 

The Toronto Blue Jays home opener is on Tuesday, April 11 at 7:07 pm and the Jays will play the Detroit Tigers.

Coca-Cola Coliseum

The Coca-Cola Coliseum is located at Exhibition Place, making it an easy GO train ride from UP Union Station. Toronto’s AHL team, the Toronto Marlies, play most of their home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum, and a few at Scotiabank Arena. The Marlies were the Calder Cup champions in 2018.

You’ll find several food and beverage concessions at Coca-Cola Coliseum, as well as The Blue Line shop, where you can pick up some Marlies merch. The Coca-Cola Coliseum is now a completely cashless venue.

Toronto Marlies Home Game Schedule - March 2023

Be there when the puck drops this month! Use PRESTO Perks to save up to 20% off Toronto Marlies’ home games.

• Fri Mar 17 @ 1:30 pm – Marlies vs Charlotte Checkers (@ Scotiabank Arena)
• Sat Mar 18 @ 4 pm – Marlies vs Charlotte Checkers
• Wed Mar 22 @ 7 pm – Marlies vs Milwaukee Admirals
• Sat Mar 25 @ 4 pm – Marlies vs Cleveland Monsters
• Wed Mar 29 @ 11 am – Marlies vs Hershey Bears

FirstOntario Centre Hamilton

The FirstOntario Centre isn’t actually in Toronto, but since lacrosse is Canada’s National Summer Sport, it’s worth the trip to Hamilton to see our local team, the Toronto Rock.

From UP Union Station, you can hop on a GO train or bus to Hamilton GO Centre and then it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the FirstOntario Centre.

The Toronto Rock was the first Canadian franchise in the National Lacrosse League and they are members of the North Division of the NLL.

Lacrosse has a long history within Canada and is special to the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island. 

Maybe you want to watch an away game or you couldn’t get tickets to watch live, or maybe you just love the vibe of a crowded sports bar. Hanging out with a bunch of friends and celebrating wins or commiserating over losses with everyone else at the bar — it can be just as much fun as sitting in the stands!

Toronto has plenty of great sports bars where you can cheer on your team while watching on the big screen, and lots of them are located close to UP Express stations so it’s easy to get there and back safely and affordably.

Sports Bars Near UP Union Station

You have lots of options for sports bars near UP Union Station, and you’ll be close to plenty of other Toronto attractions if you want to plan a day out before you hit the bar in the evening.

Real Sports is located right next to the Scotiabank Arena, caters to all sports fans, and features Toronto’s largest screen. They post their TV schedule on their website, so you’ll know when to show up to see your favourite sports games.

Hoops Sports Bar & Grill features many flat-screen TVs, with some in private booths, and a 126-inch infinite plasma screen for big events. You’ll see major league sports, international soccer, UFC matches and more.

The Rec Room is located in The Roundhouse on Bremner Blvd. In addition to the games you can watch on their big screens, you can also play pool, shuffleboard, ping pong, and video games. Note: The Rec Room is an all ages space until 11 pm daily.

At the Amsterdam Brewhouse, you can sit inside and watch the game, and then when it’s over, grab a spot on the patio for a beautiful view of the lake.

King Taps is the place to go if you want a more upscale vibe while you watch the game. This two-storey bar and restaurant has plenty of room for you and all your friends.

Sports Bars Near UP Bloor Station

If you’d rather venture out of the downtown core, take the UP Express to UP Bloor Station and explore the hip Roncesvalles neighbourhood and Bloor West Village.

The Dizzy on Roncesvalles Ave is a casual spot to watch sports while enjoying a few drinks. If you like a more laid back and relaxing environment, head to this pub to see the game.

Shakey's Bar & Grill was originally owned by Mike "Shakey" Walton, a former Toronto Maple Leafs player who won a Stanley Cup with them in 1967. The bar has since had many different owners, but it’s still a fantastic place to enjoy good food and watch a game with some friends.

Upcoming Sports Events to Watch

What are some upcoming events that you’ll want to watch at those sports bars? Well, that depends on which sports are your favourites!

Basketball

If you’re a fan of college basketball, you probably already know that the 2023 NCAA March Madness will be taking place from March 14 - April 3.

Baseball

While you’re waiting for that home opener at the Rogers Centre, you can watch televised Spring Training games.

Cricket

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will happen later this year, but you can watch matches in the CWC Super League and the CWC League 2 to keep track of standings and find out which teams will qualify!

Go, Toronto, Go!

Whether you’re flying into Toronto for a March Break vacation or a weekend getaway, catching a game during a long layover in Toronto, or just looking for the best way to travel within the city, UP Express makes it easy to get to all the Toronto stadiums. So bring your face paint and team jerseys and get ready to cheer!