What you need to know as the Maple Leafs return to Scotiabank Arena
On Wednesday, Toronto Maple Leafs’ fans will become the first to take part in a full-capacity NHL hockey game at Scotiabank Arena since the beginning of the pandemic.
The Leafs will open their 2021-2022 season by facing off against the Montreal Canadiens at the Scotiabank Arena at 7 p.m. The team hopes to make up for last year’s disappointing post-season in which they were eliminated in Game 7 in the first round after a 3-1 loss to the Habs.
But before you gear up and head downtown, there are a few COVID-19 protocols and added rules in place that you should know about to ensure safety at the arena.
Here is what you need to know before you head to the game:
Scotiabank Arena will be at full capacity Wednesday night, but all fans aged 12 and up attending the game must be fully vaccinated in order to enter the facility. Proof of vaccination as well as proof of identification will be required.
A negative COVID-19 test will not be accepted as a replacement to proof of vaccination.
Masks must be worn over both the nose and mouth at all times while in the arena, except when a patron is eating or drinking. A neck gaiter will not be allowed as a substitute for a three-ply mask.
Gates will open 90 minutes prior to the start of the game instead of the usual 60 minute time frame in order to allow fans to go through the new COVID-19 safety protocols.
Fans will be required to enter at a certain gate, which will be listed on their ticket above the barcode.
All tickets will be delivered digitally and will scanned prior to entry in order to maintain a contactless experience. For more on how to download your mobile ticket click here.
Fans are expected to self-screen for COVID-19 prior to coming to the game.
Attendees will not be allowed to bring bags with them. Exceptions will be made for “small purse type bags smaller than 16.5 centimeters by 11.5 centimeters” with or without a handle or strap.
Fans carrying bags will not be allowed to enter the arena.
Scotiabank Arena will be a cashless venue, in keeping with their contactless COVID-19 protocols. In order to purchase food, drinks or other memorabilia, fans will need to use a debit or credit card.
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ next home game will be on Oct. 18 against the New York Rangers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.