Everything you need to know about the Raptors championship banner-raising game tonight

Tonight’s season opener is sure to be a memorable one for the Toronto Raptors.

Playing their first meaningful game since they lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in Oakland last spring, the Raptors open the season against the New Orleans Pelicans at Scotiabank Arena.

Prior to the game, players will receive their championship rings and the team will raise a banner to the rafters.

• See also:
  • Raptors are giving out replica championship rings to fans on opening night
  • There’s a huge tailgate party for the Raptors home opener this week
  • Activist group giving away shirts supporting Hong Kong at Raptors home opener

Here’s what you need to know:

You won’t find it televised on the main Sportsnet or TSN channels

If you don’t have a ticket to the game, note that it won’t be on the main Sportsnet or TSN channels.

Due to the World Series, the Raptors game will be broadcasted on Sportsnet One. So if you don’t have that channel, you’d better find someone that does.

Pre-game festivities start well before tip off

The game is scheduled for 8 pm ET (5 pm PT), but you’ll want to tune in well before that.

The free tailgate party outside Scotiabank Arena begins at 5 pm, with doors to the arena opening at 6 pm, and the Raptors encouraging fans to be in their seats by 7:15 pm.

Sportsnet’s championship ceremony coverage begins at 7.

Tonight's times⌚️

– Tailgate: 5:00pm
– @ScotiabankArena doors: 6:00pm
– 𝐁𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐒: 7:15pm

See you soon. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/VWFYyoE84f

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 22, 2019

Free stuff!

Fans attending the game will receive these beautiful t-shirts, which are already waiting for them on their seats:

Golden Touch 🏆 pic.twitter.com/yKIgIKiuv3

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 22, 2019

They’ll also receive a replica championship ring, similar to what the players will get.

More free stuff

A group of activists will be giving out thousands of pro-Hong Kong t-shirts prior to the game.

The group says it hopes to raise awareness of the ongoing protests that are currently happening in Hong Kong and to show support by having fans wear the shirts at the game.

New addition to their jerseys

Raptors jerseys will feature a gold tab on the back collar going forward, in honour of the team’s championship.

The Rings, The Banner & this lasting Gold tab on the back collar of every @Raptor jersey. This will be a part of their uniform forever! The @NBA started this tradition prior to the 2014-15 season for all franchises that have won a title #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/W4BebtiKAw

— Matt Devlin (@Matt__Devlin) October 22, 2019