Let's Go Raptors!
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A little rain isn’t going to stop local fans from gathering to watch the Toronto Raptors potentially make sports history.
With a forecast calling for thunder and lightning on Monday afternoon, city officials decided to move a viewing party of Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Raptors and the Golden State Warriors from Harmony Square to inside the civic centre.
Lori-Dawn Cavin, the city’s manager of community recreation development, said city staff made the call around noon to relocate the event indoors.
The weather forecast, she said, made it “problematic for setting up electrical equipment” in the downtown square.
“Although the weather is supposed to be clear once the game starts, it was interfering with our set up.”
A giant inflatable screen was taken Monday to the civic centre, where fans were invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and snacks and watch the game from the arena floor.
The Raptors’ quest to become the first Canadian team to win the NBA championship has fans across the country cheering them on.
If a Game 6 is required, it will be screened on Thursday in Harmony Square.
With the excitement growing, the city quickly put together a plan to show Game 4 last Friday in Harmony Square. Cavin said between 500 and 600 people turned up.
The Raptors gave the fans reason to cheer by beating the Warriors 105-92 and take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The downtown square became Jurassic Park Brantford as the city hosted its first We The North viewing party with the game broadcast on the giant inflatable screen.
The community celebration attracted Raptors fans, young and old.
For Rich McKenzie and his five-year-old son, Lincoln, it was about passing down a passion for basketball.
“We’re such a hockey town so it’s awesome to do something like this and see the basketball fans come out,” said McKenzie.
Lincoln, on the other hand, was more interested in staying up past his bedtime, assuring his dad he could “definitely stay up and watch the whole thing.”
David and Lindsey Stuckless have taken their sons Logan, 7, and 10-year-old Carter Lee to a few Raptors games over the past three years.
“For them, it’s their first time watching a team in Canada do really, really well and that they can be here to cheer them on,” said Lindsey Stuckless of her sons.
“I think it’s just a really fun way for everyone to get together.”
John Volpe said he has been a diehard Raptors fan since the team joined the NBA 24 years ago. He predicted that a Game 4 victory will mean the Raptors will “wrap it up on Monday night.”
According to a council resolution, the broadcasts are conditional on the city receiving at least $3,000 in donations in advance of each game. The money will cover costs for police and other security and equipment rental, including washrooms.
“I’m a fan of the positive experience in the community gathering in our downtown square,” said Cavin, who calls herself a part-time Raptors fan.
She said the atmosphere at Harmony Square for Game 4 was great.
“The vibe was amazing.”
If a Game 6 is required, it will be screened on Thursday in Harmony Square.
Ahead of Game 5, Cavin suggested fans wear their Raptors gear or red clothing to the civic centre.
“It’s going to be a party,” she predicted.
Donations from businesses and individuals can be made by contacting the city at 519-759-4150. Information about how to donate also is available on the Harmony Square page on the city’s website at brantford.ca/HarmonySquare.
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