The Toronto Maple Leafs are giving away 1,000 free tickets to fans for their home opener and are also rewarding their season ticket holders with free tickets for that game.
The tickets will be given away through various promotions leading up to the game on Jan. 21, the team announced after a public skate Thursday.
A “blue and white” crew will scour the city over the next four days looking for fans wearing Leafs paraphernalia and showing some team pride. The crew will then award tickets at random to fans at certain locations. They’re asking people to follow them online for clues on the locations where the crew might show up.
“We’re excited to be back on the ice and believe our fans deserve a very special thank you for the time we were away,” said Maple Leafs Senior Vice-President and General Manager David Nonis. “Giving back a game to the fans is the right thing to do and we can’t wait to see Air Canada Centre full of our passionate fans on Monday night.”
About 15,000 season seat holders will benefit from free tickets, according to the organization.
The team will try to make the home opener a memorable one for fans by giving attendees a free commemorative scarf. There will also be prizes and giveaways throughout the evening.
On opening night, the ice rink at Nathan Phillips Square will pay homage to the Leafs. As well, the Maple Leafs will cover the cost of skate rentals for the public that night.
CP24 Breakfast will also be giving away tickets to the Leafs home opener on Friday.
Road trip viewing party
The Maple Leafs will also try and drum up some spirit on Saturday Feb. 23 at the Air Canada Centre with a viewing party and free food for those who want to watch the Leafs battle the Senators in Ottawa.
Fans attending the viewing will have a chance at giveaways and autographs with Leafs alumni, the team said in a press release Thursday afternoon.
“Leafs Nation has the greatest fans in the world. These initiatives are designed to thank as many fans as possible for their patience and loyalty and to welcome them back in style,” said Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment President and C.O.O. Tom Anselmi. “By hosting a road game viewing party, it is another way for as many fans as possible to see a game at Air Canada Centre.”
