Great news! You don’t need to sell your kidney anymore to see the Toronto Maple Leafs take the ice. Now, there’s a chance to see them . . . for free.
Seeing the Toronto Maple Leafs in action is less than affordable. In fact, according to The Athletic, the most expensive tickets in the NHL are in Toronto. The average ticket price is a whopping $145.60 USD. For a family, the average cost is $697.75.
This weekend, there’s an opportunity to keep your wallet closed and still see the stars of the Leafs put their talent on display.
That’s because they won’t be practicing at their regular facility, the Ford Performance Centre. Instead, the Leafs will be outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square.
Toronto Maple Leafs Practice Saturday, Feb. 11
There is actually a great deal of fun to be had throughout the weekend. It all begins at 10 am on Saturday. The Leafs will have an area set up in Nathan Phillips Square they’ve named “Activation Alley”.
This is where prizes and giveaways will be found. Activation Alley is set to have food, beverages, and merchandise for sale along with the opportunity to meet Leafs legends. The alumni’s will begin signing autographs after broomball is over.
At noon on Saturday, Carlton the Bear, will be hosting a mascot broomball game. There will then be an open skate for the public. Carlton is planned to be a big part of the weekend festivities, including joining fans for photos and helping make the open skate more fun.
The Toronto Maple Leafs play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night. The game itself won’t be on the ice in Nathan Phillips Sqaure. However, Leafs fans can still put their jerseys on and watch the action from the square. It will be outfitted with a big screen, which can even be seen by those choosing to go for an evening skate.
Sunday, Feb. 12
Fans can continue rooting on the Leafs the following day when the team has their outdoor practice at the square. This won’t be just an ordinary practice. The team is planning to have a three-on-three exhibition in order to thrill and delight the crowd.
The practice begins at noon on Sunday and is scheduled to last an hour. Fortunately, that won’t be the only hockey on display.
The Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association (PWHPA), will be having a skills competition from 10:30 – 11:30 am on Sunday. The players who have been announced are some of the very best in the sport. Marie-Philip Poulin, Hilary Knight, and Brianne Jenner are all expected to be featured in the competition. They will also be signing autographs in Activation Alley following the Leafs practice.
If these events speak to you, be sure to get there early and find your spot. It’s being offered on a first come first serve basis.