Rumour: Raptors to play pre-season game in Calgary

[calf]

https://twitter.com/JLew1050/status/770398663306870786

The Raptors will also play an exhibition game in Calgary this year (vs Nuggets Oct 3). Rest of pre-season schedule should be out soon.

[craigwd]

Nice!

[JiriHrdina]

Boy I remember going to a pre-season NBA game in the early 90s or late 80s. It was the Lakers and I want to say maybe the Bucks?

[nik-]

solidifying that Canadian fanbase. Nice move. Not sure if I'll go, but definitely interested.

[CofR]

I'll go for sure. Should be fun. I went to a preseason Grizzlies game here as a kid in the mid 90's

[corporatejay]

It's on tsn's broadcast sked.

[CofR]

Seems like Vancouver will be hosting a Raptors-GSW preseason game as well

[Dion]

I'd go for sure.

[DiracSpike]

YES!!!

Yes yes yes yes yes

Yes

Can't wait to see the dome transformed to an nba arena, even if it'll be mostly scrubs playing

[craigwd]

I loved going to Calgary 88s games in the Olympic Saddledome back in the day.

[DownhillGoat]

That's pretty cool. I still regret missing a game I could have gone to in LA. I'll definitely check this out.

Saw one of the (3?) Driller's games here. That was a fun time.

[craigwd]

It's too bad the Crush had to fold, they were fun to watch too.

[jayswin]

How much do you want to bet our local sports media don't even pick on this for a few days?

[Dion]

I loved going to Calgary 88s games in the Olympic Saddledome back in the day.

I loved watching Chip Engelland and his 3 point 'Chip' shots :whistle:

[Inferno]

Seems like Vancouver will be hosting a Raptors-GSW preseason game as well

I think it's a yearly thing now in Vancouver. I went a couple years ago when they played Sacramento just so I can say I've seen an NBA game live even if it's only exhibition.

[Magnum PEI]

Go Nuggets.

[lazypucker]

Hopefully they won't jack up the price just because it is the new hot s**t in town...

[Senator Clay Davis]

Tickets go on sale Friday. No word on prices yet.

[SuperMatt18]

Damn - would have loved to go but will be out of town.

[lazypucker]

One more thing just came to mind - why would the Raptors/NBA choose to come to a dump of an arena like Calgary whereas they can go to the mecca of new sports arena in Edmonton?

Maybe they know Edmonton = No Good?

[Resolute 14]

One more thing just came to mind - why would the Raptors/NBA choose to come to a dump of an arena like Calgary whereas they can go to the mecca of new sports arena in Edmonton?

Maybe they know Edmonton = No Good?

Katz probably wanted too much money.

I've never been to an NBA game, so will probably check this out. Assuming, of course, that they don't expect us to pay regular season NBA prices.

[hockey.modern]

Now Official:

Toronto Raptors to play pre-season game at the Scotiabank Saddledome
http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=891849

The National Basketball Association and the Toronto Raptors have announced they will play a pre-season game at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Oct. 3, 2016.

The Raptors will face Ontario product Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets in Calgary as a part of the fifth annual NBA Canada Series, which also includes a Raptors pre-season game against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 1. This year's NBA Canada Series features an expanded schedule of interactive fan events, NBA legend appearances, and NBA Cares community outreach programs in Vancouver and Calgary.

The games, which will air nationally on TSN, will mark the Raptors’ fourth appearance in the NBA Canada Series and the first for both the Warriors and Nuggets. NBA Canada Series 2016 tickets will go on sale Sept. 2. Visit ticketmaster.ca for more information.

[CroFlames]

Maybe they overlooked basketball setup at the new arena in Edmonton.

[Inferno]

I've never been to an NBA game, so will probably check this out. Assuming, of course, that they don't expect us to pay regular season NBA prices.

When I went a couple of years ago I payed $50 for a first row seat in the second level at Rogers Arena.

[Acey]

Maybe they overlooked basketball setup at the new arena in Edmonton.

Nah. 19,500 for bball and great sightlines. Edmonton is a dump but the arena looks solid... gotta say. It's a sparkling gem in a dump of a downtown with third world country quality roads.

[ClubFlames]

Pre-Sale tickets start at 5pm MST tonight for Flames Season ticket holders.

Price Range is $16-$190.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Pre-Sale tickets start at 5pm MST tonight for Flames Season ticket holders.

Price Range is $16-$190.

Did you get an email from the Flames? I have not yet and I am a Flames season ticket holder.

[Senator Clay Davis]

That's an interesting price range, I would assume $16 is PL. Still lower ticket prices than I was expecting which is good.

[ClubFlames]

Did you get an email from the Flames? I have not yet and I am a Flames season ticket holder.

No, just on ticketmaster.ca

[ClubFlames]

Also, limit of 4 tickets can be bought at a time.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Hopefully the Flames send the presale password soon.

[MacDaddy77]

Anyone not using their presale code mind giving it to me? My kids would love to go to this

[TheAlpineOracle]

Anyone not using their presale code mind giving it to me? My kids would love to go to this

Generally with Flames Season Ticket presales, it's linked to your season ticket account, so it's not always possible.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Still no presale code from the Flames on my season ticket. Emailed my rep and got no response.

[ken0042]

Just got the email from the Flames now.

[Hockeyguy15]

I don't think the code is account linked, the code I got was the same as the code my company got.

[calgarygeologist]

I went to the Naismith Cup (or whatever it was) in Calgary between the Vancouver Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors and it was pretty cool.

I don't watch a lot of basketball now and especially not pre season. Do the stars play in pre season games or is it just the bench guys?

[ClubFlames]

If the code is generic, can any of the Season Ticket holders mind sharing it? Or PM me? Thanks in advance.

[worth]

Would be grateful if a STH could PM me the code as well.

[octothorp]

I'd love a code too, if anyone wants to PM me.

[Inferno]

Do the stars play in pre season games or is it just the bench guys?

Yep, this is the box score for the game I went to a couple of years ago.

http://www.nba.com/games/20141005/SACTOR/gameinfo.html

[ken0042]

Anybody else getting tickets not available at this time?

[homestand]

Anybody else getting tickets not available at this time?

Same here.

[KirbyTran]

same, wtf.

[KidCanada]

Same

[Cantrader]

Can anyone get in yet?

[Jason14h]

Ditto

[ken0042]

Corrected link
http://click.tmclient.ticketmaster.com/?qs=5b3bd5ff179556a7e2e20864c2b925ac359325a00d541e 8c4cfad8de8c626a65477451880f60d424

[Weitz]

Could someone send me the code or is it too late?

[jkflames]

I'll take a code as well please if I still can.

Thanks in advance CP!

Edit: Any idea what time tickets would go on sale Friday? 10am?

[worth]

I have the code, PM me if you want it.

[jroc]

Did anyone find any seats that weren't on the ends? I'm wondering if they're waiting to release all the best seats to the general public, or if this is legit what's left?

Anyway, scooped up 4 tickets in section 204.

[worth]

I think the pre-sale was pretty limited in what they offered.

[ken0042]

I got section 224 row 4 last night. Looking later on I saw section 213 row 22. Makes me wonder if Ticketmaster decided that 224 row 4 was better than 213 row 5. We didn't have an option to see all of the seats that were available.

[TheAlpineOracle]

I'm in 211 row 3.

[jayswin]

I think the pre-sale was pretty limited in what they offered.

Gotta laugh at what pre-sales have morphed into over the years. It went from giving the dedicated fans a first Crack at great tickets to getting rid of the cooler selling seats at the beginning, lol.

[fundmark19]

Gotta laugh at what pre-sales have morphed into over the years. It went from giving the dedicated fans a first Crack at great tickets to getting rid of the cooler selling seats at the beginning, lol.

Ya I got some level 2 seats that are decent and going to try and get some floor or lower bowl tomorrow. I probably can't go but will be giving them to some clients so hopefully I can get closer

[Weitz]

Well, on sale at 10:00 am this morning.. Coudn't get any tickets.. But i Bet there there are a million for sale on stubhub

[fundmark19]

Well, on sale at 10:00 am this morning.. Coudn't get any tickets.. But i Bet there there are a million for sale on stubhub

Something shady is happening. When nobody can get prime tickets and those tickets aren't even for sale on secondary websites something is going on. There are only 4 Floor seats available on Stubhub and nothing that is the prime areas of the lower bowl.

I don't get it

[Freeway]

224, row 23 for me.

[GC91]

I was able to get tickets but can we also discuss how frustrating it is to deal with ticketmaster....2 tickets that should have cost me 54.00 (2 tickets at 27.00 as advertised) cost me 74.50....Seems redundant to charge me the service fee twice (8.50) on the same order and a 3.50 service fee on top of that. Just to assign me a seat to an event that I have to go print off on a piece of paper. To me they are just as frustrating and gutless as any scalper jacking the prices up

[johnnyrocket03]

Must have been nice to get through, I was on right at 10 and didn't get a single opportunity.

[RM14]

Why do teams need ticketmaster? Seems like they could cut the middleman at this point.

[Senator Clay Davis]

The thing about Stubhub is just be patient. Very often right around event date there's a ton of tickets left and the sellers need to unload or face getting nothing. I've actually gotten below face value for a few shows even.

[fundmark19]

The thing about Stubhub is just be patient. Very often right around event date there's a ton of tickets left and the sellers need to unload or face getting nothing. I've actually gotten below face value for a few shows even.

Absolutely. The weird thing is there are no good seats even on Stubhub right now. There were 2 sets of floor tickets with one now gone and nothing in the lowerbowl that would be prime seats.

[Weitz]

Not to mention the fees + 30% currency conversion on stubhub.

[RougeUnderoos]

Yeah, this is another Ticketmaster scam. They sold out the building in the pre-sale apparently, because they were no tickets available when they went on "regular" sale.

Crooks. Makes me sick that I wanted to buy something from these scumbags. But here we are. And I still probably will if the chance comes up.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Ticketmaster has a monopoly, and based on how they structure their contracts with venues, they will have a monopoly for many years to come. Basically no way to fight back against them.

[worth]

I don't see how the whole building could have been sold out in the presale. Did anyone on here get or see a 100 level ticket at all? There is something fishy for sure. I really don't think the building is sold out. There are just not tickets available like 80% of the building is not up for sale at all.

[RM14]

During the pre-sale, the only lower bowl I seen available was in the corners or stage end. But they were available.

I think they priced the game aggressively and it sold out quick. I got some in 2014 row 11 for the $27 FV. I think that's cheaper than roughnecks?

[Cecil Terwilliger]

I'd guess that most of the lower bowl is either part of ticketmasters ongoing scam and we will see them show up on ticketsnow or stubhub or they are all held back as part of other promos.

[RM14]

Do seats in the club section get 1st right of refusal on all events? Cause those would be unavailable automatically. That would leave 3 sections between the goal lines.. 13 rows X 20 seats x 3 sections is only leaves about 800 good lower bowl seats to the public.

[Addick]

Why do teams need ticketmaster? Seems like they could cut the middleman at this point.

The overhead costs generated by bringing ticketing in-house.

[Senator Clay Davis]

My favorite part of StubHub is seeing people looking for $200 each for press level. Dare to dream I guess.

Edit: And some fool is looking for $20,000 for floor lol.

[RougeUnderoos]

During the pre-sale, the only lower bowl I seen available was in the corners or stage end. But they were available.

I think they priced the game aggressively and it sold out quick. I got some in 2014 row 11 for the $27 FV. I think that's cheaper than roughnecks?

It can't sell out that quick. It can't sell out in a matter of seconds. There is some crookery going on here, no doubt about it.

I was able to find a (single) similar seat to yours for $76 a few minutes ago. What the hell is that about?

[RM14]

I was able to find a (single) similar seat to yours for $76 a few minutes ago. What the hell is that about?

Not sure where the pricing boundaries are. 214 is just behind the north basket. I bet 213 row 11 is higher priced.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I saw 215 row 1 single ticket for $27. This whole thing seems very poorly rolled out.

[calgarygeologist]

I'm hoping that American Express front of the line will have access to some tickets for the Calgary game. I'm pretty sure they usually have tickets to the Raptors games and they had tickets to the playoff games.

[Pontine]

I don't see how the whole building could have been sold out in the presale. Did anyone on here get or see a 100 level ticket at all? There is something fishy for sure. I really don't think the building is sold out. There are just not tickets available like 80% of the building is not up for sale at all.

My friend got 4 tickets in section 104 with my presale code. $27+fees for each seat.

[fundmark19]

104 isn't prime viewing section though. I haven't see anything yet 100 section in the middle of the court not behind a basket or in corner

[Nabber]

Edit: And some fool is looking for $20,000 for floor lol.haha, I saw that! How much were floor seats to begin with $190? No way I thought this game would sell like this.

[lazypucker]

And some fool is looking for $20,000 for floor lol.

Am I going to seat next to between Drake and Rihanna? Maybe worth it.

[GC91]

Anyone find on update on the rosters for tonight's game?

[Since1984]

Anyone find on update on the rosters for tonight's game?

I have been looking around all day and still haven't found it. Probably get one closer to game time.

[St. Pats]

Interesting first half. I'm just watching the rookies mostly.

[St. Pats]

Ross putting on a show / Siakam looks lost out there but his hustle is fun to watch. Bruno looks like his is still two years from being two years away.

[OzSome]

Among all the newbies I really Vanvleet play. He fooled me the other night because I thought he was Corey Joseph. They play similar except Joseph can shoot from 3-pointer. Poeltl I think still need some seasoning but he probably gets better playing more professional game. He'll probably make the team as JV's backup. Siakam looks like a hard working guy and might make the team. Bruno, i am not so sure he's ready for NBA yet. He looks timid and looks afraid at times. Others I did not notice much.

[St. Pats]

Good game for the Calgary fans to watch. Our two rookies ceilings looks like decent backups. Van Fleet looks like he could be a solid 3 string PG. Bruno actually looks worse than ever. Norm tried to do too much. The one guy who looks like he is actually making progress is Bebe. I actually think he is going to get minutes this year. How many is the question.

[CroFlames]

Was it a sellout?

[GC91]

If it wasn't it looked pretty close to it...it was a great atmosphere for an exhibition game and I imagine the raptors will view this game as a success. They did a great job with creating a fun environment in the dome tonight. I'll be looking to buy tickets again next year

[The Big Chill]

That was fun!

[M*A*S*H 4077]

That was a good time! Thoroughly enjoyed it, great atmosphere in the Dome

[jayswin]

Was it a sellout?

If it wasn't it looked pretty close to it...it was a great atmosphere for an exhibition game and I imagine the raptors will view this game as a success. They did a great job with creating a fun environment in the dome tonight. I'll be looking to buy tickets again next year

It sold out in 5 minutes when tickets went on sale.

[GC91]

It sold out in 5 minutes when tickets went on sale.

Yes I know that..i think he was indicating whether or not the seats were really full as there were still a lot of people trying to scalp tickets at ridiculous prices and some felt the tickets going in 5 minutes seemed sketchy. The dome was defiantly packed last night. And those who tried to sneak out early almost missed an amazing finish

[corporatejay]

That was great. Probably a fun atmosphere for the players too considering how meaningless preseason games are.

[DiracSpike]

I had a great time at the game last night. The NBA does a good job of turning every game into an entertainment spectacle, even preseason games. There were guest apperances from Dr J and mugsy which was awesome.

Definitely a bit of a different demographic from Flames games, the impression I got was it was a lot more of an "event", there were a lot more people flaunting money around.

I would agree with others that the player pushing for a spot that I was most impressed with was VanVleet. Jamal Murray for the Nuggets also looked really good.

[ClubFlames]

It was a fun game to watch, Raptors did really create a great atmosphere.

[Otto-matic]

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/basketball/nba/calgary-a-home-away-from-home-for-toronto-raptors-point-guard

As it turns out, though, Calgary might not be home for any of the emerging Canadian basketball stars, but for Cory Joseph, it’s awfully close.

“It’s great, it’s my home away from home,” said the Toronto Raptors backup point guard. “My whole mother’s side is from here, she’s from here, went to the University of Lethbridge with my father.”

Somehow, Joseph’s Calgary connection had managed to go completely unnoticed by everyone following and covering the team.

Add one more reason to cheer for Joseph.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I honestly think the NBA is building the foundation to be the future of sports in North America. With the rising concerns about concussions in hockey and football, plus the absurd cost of playing those sports relative to the very cheap cost of playing basketball, the opportunity is there. So when you have an event here and you bring out a legend like Dr. J to speak to the kids, that's just excellent planning by the NBA. Then you put on a great event even for a preseason game and it just brings more fans in. Raptors are doing a great job of building a true national fanbase, and the NBA is doing a great job of increasing exposure for the league and its players. It's a pretty exciting time to be a basketball fan.

[Addick]

I'm not a basketball fan and only went to the game because the tickets were cheap, however, I had a really enjoyable time. The crowd was younger, more diverse and livelier than those at Flames games. I enjoy watching live sports because of the non-scripted atmosphere so I loved seeing the entire lower bowl stand up for the last minute or so.

[Resolute 14]

^
Basketball is a horrible sport to watch on TV, but can be quite entertaining in person. It's the complete opposite of football, really.

Was it a sellout?

19,600 was the official attendance, so yes.

The Raptors and Jays both are really embracing the 'Canada's Team' concept. Wisely too. If you can draw 20,000 in the middle of the Prairies for a pre-season game, that can only translate into merchandise sales and higher TV ratings.

[corporatejay]

In my opinion basketball is the best live sport. That's not to say that I enjoy going to basketball games the most, but the difference between experiencing basketball in person v. basketball on TV is the greatest.

[redmile04]

I'm not a basketball fan and only went to the game because the tickets were cheap, however, I had a really enjoyable time. The crowd was younger, more diverse and livelier than those at Flames games. I enjoy watching live sports because of the non-scripted atmosphere so I loved seeing the entire lower bowl stand up for the last minute or so.

Basketball is what the cool kids are watching these days it seems lol, not the primary reason for anyone who does not watch it now to starting watching it but it does explain the younger crowd, all my younger nephews prefer the NBA to NHL, sure helps with the Raptors success. Hopefully not a 20 year wait again!

[Frequitude]

Had a blast last night. The NBA does a good job of putting on a show. The place was sold out and rocking.

That being said, the most boring part of the night was when the actual basketball was being played in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. 4th quarter was a blast though.

I just don't find it an entertaining enough product to get jazzed up about that middle stretch of the game. (to be fair, I feel the same way about hockey some of the time too these days). Different strokes for different folks I guess. Would still go again next year though.

[shermanator]

I don't have a shred of interest in basketball but got tickets for ####s and giggles, since I had never been to a live basketball game before. Have to say I was rather impressed by the product the Raptors put on, even if there were parts of the game where I didn't care for the product on the court.

The atmosphere was miles better than any Flames game I have been to. It really felt like a big deal.

[Wood]

I wish I went. I've been trying to get back into basketball the last couple years, mainly because NBA 2K is the best sports game out there

I've been to a couple games in Phoenix and also an All-Star game. NBA is great live, I'd go to any basketball game over a Stamps game easily

[Resolute 14]

The atmosphere was miles better than any Flames game I have been to. It really felt like a big deal.

Most special events are. If we had 45 NBA games a year as a matter of routine, an exhibition Calgary 88s game would be similar to an exhibition Calgary Flames game.

The special event nature is why I was sad I couldn't make it out last night.

[fundmark19]

All I wanted was the Raptor mascot to do a front flip dunk at half time. I left disappointed.

I really think Toronto should continue doing this each year as turn out was great and they put on a great show for the fans that came out!

[JD]

the difference between experiencing basketball in person v. basketball on TV is the greatest.
It's funny, many Americans I know say this about hockey. Can't follow it on TV for whatever reason, but they absolutely love it live.

No doubt the NFL (and football in general) is a made-for-TV sport.

[Flamenspiel]

nm