The cost of Toronto Raptors tickets can vary significantly depending on the type of seat, where the seats are located, and the demand for that particular game. Prices are generally highest for marquee matchups against top teams and superstar players. Here is an overview of Raptors ticket prices and factors that affect the cost.
Average Ticket Prices
According to data from secondary ticket marketplace TickPick, during the 2021-2022 NBA season the average price for Raptors tickets on the secondary market was $123. This was 17th highest out of the 30 NBA teams. For comparison, the average secondary market ticket price across the league was $118.
The most expensive average ticket price was for the Golden State Warriors at $240, while the cheapest was the Detroit Pistons at $44.
| Team | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | $240 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | $226 |
| Boston Celtics | $181 |
| Toronto Raptors | $123 |
| Detroit Pistons | $44 |
On the Raptors primary ticket marketplace Ticketmaster during the 2021-2022 season, the average ticket price for all games was $199. However, this average is skewed higher by premium tickets like courtside seats and luxury boxes. The median ticket price, meaning half were more expensive and half were cheaper, was $73.
The cheapest available single tickets started around $16-$25 for upper level corner seats during lower demand games. The most expensive regular tickets topped out around $1,000 for premium lower bowl seats for marquee games.
Factors Affecting Ticket Prices
Several key factors affect Raptors ticket prices on both the primary and secondary market, leading to big variations in costs depending on the game.
Opponent
The opposing team for a game has a big impact on prices. When popular championship contenders like the Warriors, Lakers, or Celtics come to town, demand skyrockets. For marquee opponents, average resale prices typically start at $150-200 and can exceed $300.
On the opposite end, average prices can dip below $80 when less popular teams like the Orlando Magic or Oklahoma City Thunder play in Toronto. This represents a 100%+ swing in average ticket costs based purely on opponent.
Day of Week
Like most live events, Raptors tickets cost more for weekend games. The average price on TickPick was $140 on Fridays and Saturdays compared to $109 on weeknights. Weekend games are more appealing to families and those traveling from out of town.
Time of Year
As the NBA season progresses, costs trend up for Raptors tickets on the secondary market. Early regular season games in October and November have lower demand. Prices peak in March and April as teams jockey for playoff positioning and home court advantage.
The highest demand period is the playoffs, especially if the Raptors make a deep run. The average resale price jumped to $226 during the 2019 championship run compared to $117 during the regular season.
Matchup Novelty
Raptors ticket prices also see a bump for games against former stars like Vince Carter or DeMar DeRozan when they return to Toronto. Nostalgia creates higher demand to see old fan favorites back in familiar surroundings.
The first time exciting young stars like Zion Williamson or Ja Morant visit is also more expensive. Fans want the first chance to see up-and-comers expected to dominate the future.
Promotions and Giveaways
The Raptors frequently run ticket promotions to fill seats for lower demand games. This includes student and military discounts or deals like “Kids Day” with free giveaways that appeal to families. When the team releases cheap ticket packs or deals, secondary prices tend to drop as well.
Where to Buy
The major options for purchasing Raptors tickets include:
Primary Marketplace
Ticketmaster is the official source for Raptors tickets straight from the team. It has the widest selection, but typically carries premiums over the secondary market outside of high demand games where resale prices soar higher.
Secondary Marketplaces
StubHub, SeatGeek, TickPick, and Vivid Seats are leading secondary marketplaces for reselling Raptors tickets originally purchased from Ticketmaster. Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, sometimes dropping below face value for lower demand games.
Ticket Brokers
Brokers buy large blocks of seats directly from the Raptors for the purpose of reselling them on the secondary market. They list inventory on sites like StubHub and also sell directly to customers. Broker pricing is variable but sometimes undercuts the public secondary market.
Scalpers
In person scalpers may hawk tickets outside Scotiabank Arena before games. This is an extremely risky source in terms of authenticity and reliability. Deals are possible but scams are common. Buyer beware purchasing on the street.
When to Buy
Timing your Raptors ticket purchase optimally depends on the game you want to attend:
High Demand Games
Marquee matchups versus superstar teams tend to sell out completely on primary. To avoid getting shut out, buy high demand games a month or more in advance when some tickets are still available for resale.
Regular Games
Lower demand regular season games have more ticket availability lasting closer to tip off. Waiting until 1-2 weeks beforehand lets you shop for deals on the secondary market as prices drop while brokers and scalpers scramble to offload extra inventory.
Last Minute
The day before or day of a game can produce the cheapest ticket prices from desperate sellers trying to dump extra seats. But this is very high risk in terms of availability. Often these games already have very limited options left unless purchasing single seats.
Seating Locations
Scotiabank Arena has different main seating levels, ranging from the most to least expensive:
Lower Bowl (Sections 1-14)
The lower bowl comprises the majority of regular seats in the arena located below the mid-level luxury suites. The Raptors bench and scorer’s table are on the west side while the visitor bench is on the east side on the 100 level. Lower bowl provides the best overall sightlines.
Upper Bowl (Sections 301-323)
The upper bowl seats are above the lower sections, farthest from the court. They are the cheapest full season ticket locations. Upper corners like behind the baskets have high elevation but are still good value options.
Floor Seats (Sections FL1-FL10)
Floor seats literally sit courtside right by the action surrounding the playing surface. They are ultra-premium with huge price tags to match, starting around $1,000.
Theater Boxes (Sections 201-236)
Theater boxes are mid-level club seats separated from regular upper deck. They have premium amenities and visibility for prices between lower and upper levels.
Luxury Suites
Luxury suites with food and beverage service occupy a separate luxury mid-level ring. These mega premium corporate group suites run tens of thousands per game and up into the millions for a full season.
Best Value Seating Zones
For fans looking to balance great sightlines with affordability, consider targeting these sweet spot value seating zones when buying Raptors tickets:
Corners (Sections 101-102, 317-318)
Lower and upper level corner baseline seats offer a straight on central view from the corner angle. Prices are discounted versus neighboring sideline seats.
Behind Baskets (Sections 105-108, 311-314)
While lacking side views, the head on look from directly behind the hoops provides great bang for the buck. Fans also get a great vantage point for dunks.
Upper Sideline (Sections 303-307, 319-323)
Upper level sideline seats are much cheaper than lower sides while still keeping fans reasonably close to the action without extreme elevation like corners.
End Stage (Sections 110-114, 116-120)
End stage seats behind the basket avoid higher costs for centercourt while allowing fans to get close on the diagonal for unique player interactions before substitutions and timeouts.
Conclusion
Raptors ticket prices offer something for every fan’s budget. With careful shopping, you can find great deals even for big games with high demand. Focus on lesser known value zones, and time your purchase strategically around the market to lower your costs. Vivid Seats, TickPick, and Gametime tend to have the cheapest last minute deals on quality seats. Finally, buy from an authorized broker or marketplace to make sure your tickets are guaranteed legitimate.
