Game 5 of NBA Finals to be televised at Leon’s Centre

With rain in the forecast for the whole night, plans have changed for those in Kingston wanting to take in what could be history in the making.

The City of Kingston has partnered with the Leon’s Centre to secure a place for Kingstonians to view the Raptors vs. Warriors Game 5 — the game that could be the final one if the Raptors secure the win.

The City has been showing the NBA Finals live on a big screen in Springer Market Square until this point, thanks to a partnership between the City, the Downtown Kingston BIA, Tourism Kingston, Cogeco, and YourTV. According to those with the City, the cost of showing the games has been minimal, and is being covered out of the already-existing operating budget.

All of that means anyone in Kingston is able to watch the games surrounded by other local Raptors fans in downtown Kingston. And to ensure those viewing parties continues, tonight’s game will be shown on the floor of the Leon’s Centre.

“We are thrilled to bring Game 5 to the Leon’s Centre,” said Jaclyn Grimmon, manager of recreation programs for the City of Kingston. “We have been monitoring tonight’s weather forecast, and opted to move the broadcast event indoors so that basketball fans can still watch and celebrate together.”

The doors at the Leon’s Centre will open at 7 p.m. with the tip off at 9 p.m. Downtown Kingston will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the Partners in Mission Food Bank, so bring an item or two along to help support the community while you support the Raptors (click here for a list of the most needed items at the food bank).

“Residents are encouraged to dress in their favourite Raptors gear to cheer on the team to what could be a historic win for the NBA franchise. Air Canada, the preferred airline of the Toronto Raptors, will be at the event with a special surprise for one lucky fan,” the City said in a press release.

The following are some tips from the City for those who want to take in Game 5 tonight, Monday, Jun. 10, 2019.

Plan your evening:

•  Residents should enter through Gate 4. Doors will open at 7 p.m.
• The venue floor will be available — bring your own lawn chair. Limited seating is also available in the bowl of the Leon’s Centre.
• Residents are reminded that the Leon’s Centre is a smoke-free space.
• Concessions will be open.
• Outside alcohol is not permitted.
• The broadcast will be closed captioned.

How to get to Leon’s Centre:

• Plan your trip with Kingston Transit, which will be running on its regular weekday schedules. Youth 14 and under travel for free with Kingston Transit. See KingstonTransit.ca for route information.
• Driving to Leon’s Centre? Plan to carpool, and check available surface parking lots at CityofKingston.ca/Parking

 The broadcast of the 2019 NBA Finals in Springer Market Square kicked off on Friday, May 31 2019, and approximately 1,000 fans have attended each of the live broadcasts, according to the City of Kingston.