The Toronto Maple Leafs will host their annual Pride Celebration Game on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 as they take on the Vegas Golden Knights at 7 p.m. at Scotiabank Arena. Elements of the in-arena experience and digital experience for fans following along from home will be dedicated to proudly celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community who represent a valued part of Leafs Nation.   

“The Maple Leafs are proud to support diverse communities, including members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We are committed to promoting a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment within hockey – both in our arenas and beyond,” said Mark Fraser, Director, Culture and Inclusion, Toronto Maple Leafs. “We invite all fans to join us in creating an environment in hockey where everyone can feel supported and be their true selves.” 

Fans can expect the following special experiences:  

·                  Game Presentation 

o         Toronto Maple Leafs Pride logo to be incorporated on warmup apparel for players and team staff. 

o         In-game giveaway of Toronto Maple Leafs Pride-themed t-shirts.  

o         Special intermission performance and pre-game interview with Canadian Juno award winner Haviah Mighty. 

o         Creative signage and rink board takeover including all partner logos in progressive Pride colours. 

·                  Digital Platforms  

o         Behind-the-scenes content of the visit from youth from Friends of Ruby with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brock McGillis. Friends of Ruby is an organization dedicated to the progressive well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ youth through mental health services, social services and housing.  

o         Content showcasing the partnership between MLSE Foundation and The 519, an organization committed to the health, happiness and full participation of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Toronto.  

·                  Community Engagement 

o         Special guest attendees from Friends of Ruby, Sport a Rainbow, Pride Toronto, Women’s Hockey Club of Toronto, Toronto Gay Hockey Association and You Can Play. 

o         Donations from the game to benefit The 519 through the following mechanisms:  

·                  A Pride Game Auction going live on gameday when gates open featuring team autographed Pride-themed items at auctions.realsports.ca 

·                  20 per cent of proceeds from Leafs Pride t-shirt sales, available now online at shop.realsports.ca and at Real Sports Apparel stores on November 20. 

·                  Additional Celebrations  

o         Craig’s Cookies, a 2SLGBTQ+ owned bakery, to be made available at snack carts in both the 100L at section 118 and 300L at section 311 and to be integrated into game-day catering. 

o         Gender neutral washroom locations to be identified for fans at Gate 1 by the Fan Services desk outside Section 119.   

o         Toronto Maple Leafs Pride-themed matchday graphics. 

 For more information on the Maple Leafs Pride Celebration Game, visit Toronto Maple Leafs’ social media channels for up-to-date details. The Toronto Marlies will host their annual Pride Celebration Game on Sunday, November 24 at Coca-Cola Coliseum when they host the San Jose Barracuda.

Tickets

 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.