Image from Kijiji. Raptors 2014 Playoff Tickets.
Below are ten things we feel any new Raptors fan will need in order to jump on the fan bandwagon for the remainder of their playoff games!
1) Playoff tickets
There’s nothing like seeing and experiencing a playoff game live in person. After all, they don’t come around that often. Be a part of BMO game day fans cheering on your home team. According to Ticketmaster, Raptors playoff tickets range from around $100 to over $4000. You can try your luck at purchasing tickets here. If they’re out, you’ll have to look at resellers such as StubHub.
Image from Raptors. Party in the Square.
2) Know where to party with the rest of the fans
Can’t see the game live in person? How about joining other fans to watch on the big screen and cheer for the Raptors on at Maple Leaf Square (unofficially renamed Jurassic Park). Bell’s Party in the Square starts 2 hours before tip-off for all home and away playoff games. Best of all, it’s free! Capacity is limited so it’s best to get there early. The time will pass by quickly with the live DJ and giveaways.
3) Know your players
A quick way to sound like you know what you’re talking about is to know the Raptor’s roster. More importantly, know how to pronounce their names properly. You can hear them say their own names here.
| Name | Pronounciation | |
|---|---|---|
| Coach | Dwane Casey | |
| 2 | Landry Fields | |
| 3 | Nando De Colo | NAHN-doe day COE-loe |
| 7 | Kyle Lowry | |
| 10 | DeMar DeRozan | de-MAR de-ROE-zen |
| 13 | Dwight Buycks | BIKES |
| 15 | Amir Johnson | uh-MEER |
| 16 | Steve Novak | |
| 17 | Jonas Valanciunas | YO-nas Val-an-CHOO-nis |
| 21 | Greivis Vasquez | GRAY-vess VASS-kez |
| 25 | John Salmons | SAL-mons |
| 31 | Terrence Ross | |
| 44 | Chuck Hayes | |
| 50 | Tyler Hansbrough | HANS-broh |
| 54 | Patrick Patterson | |
| 77 | Julyan Stone |
4) Raptors Jersey
Whether it’s the old school purple ones or the new red ones, wear your favourite player’s jersey.
Image from ebay.
Image from NBA Store.
Image from NBA Store.
5) Northern Uprising T-shirt
These limited edition OVO x RAPTORS 2014 Playoff Edition t-shirts were given to ticket holders of the first playoff game at the Air Canada Centre on Saturday April 19, 2014. Those looking to get an official t-shirt will likely have to check the classifieds for a reseller.
Image from OVO.
6) Car flag
There’s nothing like a little pride waving around on the streets. There are a variety of Raptors flag. The old purple dinosaur flag or the red claw flag.
Image from ebay.
Image from ebay.
Image from Raptors.
7) Know your hashtags
@Raptors
#BMOgetLOUD
#NorthernUprising
#Brita [Tweet of the Game gets a Brita prize pack ($200)]
Image from Raptors.
#Raptors
#RaptorsNation
#RTZ
#WeTheNorth
8) Know the latest gossip
From f-bombs to DUIs, it’s always easy to join the conversation when you’re up to speed on what’s going on in the Raptors’ world.
9) Brush up on your expletives and know when to use them
GM Masai Ujiri started it all with his $25,000 phrase “fuck Brooklyn” during a fan event in Maple Leaf Square and it hasn’t stopped since.
Image from RaptorsRepublic.
Image from Reddit.
10) Lint roller
Drake used one. So should you. Got to look your best on TV.
Image from Twitter.
