Jurassic Park

It’s been exactly two weeks since the conclusion of the NBA finals, and all I can say is wow, what a ride!  Two months of NBA playoffs were nothing short of action-packed gut-wrenching drama that made my heart stop on multiple occasions, and I wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything in the world.

A lot of us in Raptors nation waited 25 years for this moment to come, and some of us maybe even thought it never would.  The reality for most Raps fans was that tickets to watch our boys live were unattainable due to the egregious price it cost to see them bring home our first NBA title. But that’s fine because there was an alternative way to watch the games that still delivered a grade A viewing experience.

In all my years of attending sporting events, Jurassic Park was something I’ve never been apart of. A thousand plus people waiting hours in line just to watch the game on a screen, coming together to create an atmosphere so electric you would think that you are actually at the game. Strangers to one another, people come from across the country congregate together in and around this small area to root on Canada’s team.

Inside Maple Leafs Square where the main Jurassic Park was (there were another three sectioned off areas down Bremner Boulevard), there was no shortage of entertainment, food and retail options to keep fans busy during commercial breaks and intermissions. The main stage was where the action was, with live performances that included signing and dancing, an MC to pump up the crowd, as well as contests and t-shirt tosses. There were a variety of food and drink vendors, where one could enjoy anything from a hot dog and water to a cold beer or cider.

Whether you’re a die-hard Raptors fan or somebody who just genuinely enjoys being part of an electric atmosphere, Jurassic Park is the place for you.  There is no better example of this then the 50 or so Jurassic Parks that opened up from coast to coast during the finals.  So next year when our beloved Raptors are making another run for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, I encourage you all to experience a different way to watch the game.  Jurassic Park is officially Atmosphere approved!