The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the NHL Playoffs this year and going to a game can get pretty pricey for fans.
Whether you spend a fortune on tickets and want to save money at the game or get seats for cheap but still want to stick to a budget, we've got you covered.
There's also a way to attend games for free!
Here's what you need to know about attending a Toronto Maple Leafs playoff game for as cheap as possible.
Getting to the game
Walking: If you live in the downtown core, your cheapest option is to walk — or cycle if you have a bike — to the game since it's free.
Transit: If you don't live close enough to Scotiabank Arena to walk there, you can take transit.
The TTC costs $3.35 for a single fare or $3.30 if you're using PRESTO, credit or debit cards. So, you'll pay $6.70 or $6.60 to get there and back.
GO Transit costs from $3.70 to $21.15 for a one-way trip to Union Station depending on where you're coming from. That means you'll pay between $7.40 and $42.30 to get there and back.
Driving: If you're driving to the game, you'll have to find parking near Scotiabank Arena. Here are some parking lots:
- Maple Leaf Square Lot 402 at 15 York St. — $15
- MTCC Parking (south building) at 222 Bremner Blvd. — $27
- Harbourfront Centre Parking at 235 Queens Quay W. — $30
Some parking lots have event pricing which means it could be more expensive to park there during the Leafs playoff games so be aware.
Eating at the game
If you're looking to attend a Maple Leafs playoff game on a budget, eating at a restaurant before puck drop might not seem like the cheapest option.
But there are places to eat where you can save money before heading into the arena. That includes:
- Taco Del Mar — loaded nachos for $11.99 and a regular fountain drink for $2.39
- Kellys Landing — margherita pizza for $18.50 and sangria for $10
- SOCO Kitchen + Bar — brisket burger for $25 and a 750 millilitre San Pellegrino pop for $9
There are food stands at Scotiabank Arena but menu items can be a bit pricey.
Here are some of the food options available at the game:
- CHERRY ST. BBQ
- EDO SUSHI
- GRAINS AND GREENS
- HOGTOWN GOURMET HOT DOGS
- HOT STOVE CARVE
- MAC & CHEESE BOUTIQUE
- PIZZA PIZZA
- THE POUTINERIE
- TIM HORTONS
- WICKED CARIB
Drinking at the game
It's no secret that many sports fans like to imbibe at arenas and stadiums while watching their team play but it can get expensive.
So, if you're looking to drink at a Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Playoffs game, here are the cheapest alcoholic beverages at Scotiabank Arena for the 2023-24 season:
- Coors Light, tall can — $13
- Molson Canadian, tall can — $13
- Blue Moon, tall can — $14
- Heinekin, tall can — $14.50
- Don Julio Blanco tequila, one ounce — $17.50
- House wine, six ounces — $14.50
Buying merch at the game
If you want to be decked out in Leafs colours and be part of the blue and white sea in Scotiabank Arena, you can buy merch at the game.
Located at Gate 1 in Scotiabank Arena's Galleria, Real Sports Apparel offers all things Leafs including clothing, accessories, hats and more.
Jerseys are a bit expensive, with adult sizes starting at $199.99, but you can still get merch on a budget by choosing hats, shirts and sweaters instead.
Those items have prices like $24.99, $34.99, $47.49, and $69.99.
Also, flags are $8.99 and foam fingers are $9.99 if that's how you want to show your support for the Maple Leafs at the game.
Attending the game for free
You can go to a Maple Leafs playoff game for free if you don't want to spend money on tickets but still want the experience of attending a game.
Plus, you'll have money left in your budget for food and drinks!
Maple Leafs Tailgates are back for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024.
Located in Maple Leaf Square just outside of Scotiabank Arena, fans can watch every home and away game on the big screen.
There's also a live DJ, food and drink stands, merch pop-ups and more.
You need a mobile pass to enter Maple Leaf Square and those become available in the Toronto Maple Leafs app at 1 p.m. ET the day before each confirmed game.
Then, the tailgate starts two hours before the beginning of the game.
Maybe this will be the year the Maple Leafs finally win the Stanley Cup!
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Chantel and Vincent Andreacchi at their wedding. Courtesy Vincent Andreacchi