The Toronto Raptors have long had one of the most rabid and supportive fanbases in the league, with their 2019 Finals matchup against the mighty Golden State Warriors putting that passion on display for the world to see. Unfortunately, extenuating circumstances have made it tough for “Jurassic Park” to rise up once again.
On top of the fact that the Raptors missed the postseason last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made gathering in large crowds less than ideal. However, with the vaccination rates high and things starting to open back up, it looks like this outdoor convergence of diehards will rise again.
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment announced that Jurassic Park will return for the 2022 postseason. Maple Leaf Square will be partitioned off to create the space. This setup will also exist for the Maple Leafs now that they have clinched a postseason spot.
“What I love about it is that there are so many other fans, who are huge Raptors and Leafs fans,” Stephania Scott said to the Toronto Star. “It’s really great because of that excitement, it’s just amazing. The energy is there and everyone loves our city and there’s just so much to celebrate.”
MLSE announce that for Jurassic Park for Raptors playoff games, fans must register for free mobile passes. Idea is to decrease lineups & wait times, and manage capacity.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) April 12, 2022
You can get free Jurassic Park passes here: https://t.co/JvclS1EhHU
Jurassic Park is returning for the Toronto Raptors’ postseason run.
Fans will need to register online to receive their Jurassic Park pass. In addition to gaining access to the watch party, fans will be able to partake in game ticket giveaways, a DJ, and music performances. If you have the means to get a pass, it sounds like a real good time.
Much like 2019, the Raptors will face off against some much-hyped competition. Taking down a 76ers team led by Joel Embiid and James Harden four times in seven games is not going to be easy, so this team will need every bit of emotional support it can muster to win this one.
NEW: Maple Leaf Square is BACK for Raptors and Maple Leafs playoffs games. MLSE says Jurassic Park will return on Saturday for the Raptors' playoff game against the 76ers. Gates will open 2 and a half hours before the game, and FREE passes for the Raptors game are available now.
— Paul Ross (@RealPaulRoss) April 12, 2022
While the Maple Leafs started showing playoff games on a large outside screen in 2013, a 2014 playoff series against the Nets (which you might remember from Masai Ujiri’s NSFW thoughts on Brooklyn), gave birth to a Canadian sports tradition unlike any other.
The Raptors might not take down the 76ers in this series, but they will give it everything they got after getting charged up by a rabid fanbase. That vibrant energy that was on display during the title run is what makes this fanbase unique, and the larger NBA media landscape will be reminded of that once again.