Raptors home opener FYI: Get there early

Along with everything else that has come with the Raptors’ championship win, there is yet another first for us all to experience next week. The NBA season is set to tip-off this Tuesday night with Toronto playing host to the New Orleans Pelicans. Sadly, as has already been reported, Zion Williamson will not play — but the Raptors and their fans will have plenty to celebrate regardless.

That’s because, yes, the Raptors are going to raise their 2019 NBA championship banner to the rafters of the Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday. What’s more, the players on the team will be presented with their title rings, a little slice of history. All in all, it’s going to be glorious. But before we lose our minds to the spirit of victory, some housekeeping.

We’ve been advised that fans coming to the arena should get to there by 7:15pm to get comfortable. The banner and ring ceremony are set to begin at 7:25pm. The game itself will tip-off at 8pm, so it’s critical to show up well before then to get in on the celebration.

To further entice the 19,800 or so fans destined to attend: MLSE and the Raptors will be giving out replica championship rings to all in attendance. I repeat: you will get a replica championship ring to commemorate the Toronto Raptors and their NBA title. Unreal!

This is one of those times I wish I was walking into the arena with a ticket in hand (rather than sitting up in the rafters, Phantom of the Opera-style). In any case, let’s have a good night everyone — Tuesday can’t get here soon enough.

Oh yeah, and let’s go Raptors.