Looks like the Toronto Raptors are enjoying their Vancouver visit
There’s a reason the Toronto Raptors keep coming back to Vancouver.
Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers is sold out, with the minimum price of resale tickets soaring over $217. This is no surprise. Vancouver always shows up for the NBA, consistently producing big, enthusiastic crowds for every visit since the Vancouver Grizzlies left town in 2001.
This is the eighth NBA preseason game in Vancouver since 2012, with the Raptors featuring in games at Rogers Arena seven times. The Raptors have used it as an opportunity to grow their fan base on the West Coast, engaging with the community during their visits.
On Friday, the Raptors gave away free tickets through a social media contest in Downtown Vancouver, and handed out Vancouver-themed Raptors trail mix and hats in Stanley Park.
Looks like Scottie Barnes enjoyed his time in Stanley Park today
🎥 yessirskiscottie/Instagram #Raptors pic.twitter.com/PQUOnEzteF
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) October 9, 2026
Speaking of Stanley Park, Scottie Barnes took a trip there on Friday as well, hopping on a bike along the seawall. He even stopped to enjoy the sights on a sunny day in Vancouver.
“I love the city,” Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković told Offside’s Har Johal after practice on Friday. “This is my third year here in four years that I’ve been with the team. Every time we come here, players, coaches, staff, everybody’s excited to be in the city. Everybody loves the city. There is [an] amazing vibe, and we’re super excited to be in front of the fans here in Vancouver.”
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Jamal Shead was asked if he thought Vancouver could support an NBA team of its own. While Vancouver expansion talk has cooled considerably over the past decade, with Seattle and Las Vegas seemingly first in line to get new teams, the 24-year-old Raptors guard was kind in his assessment.
“I think Vancouver obviously has the facility; this arena’s amazing. But also, they have the fans. I think people don’t think that Canada is that interested in basketball, but every time we’re in the playoffs we see that Toronto home court is electric,” Shead said. “So I think Vancouver’s built for it; I think they have the fans for it, and I think they have the city for it.”
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Expect a great atmosphere at Saturday’s game, even if it won’t include the marquee attraction. Kawhi Leonard was a full participant at Friday’s practice at Rogers Arena, but he won’t play on Saturday.
“He’s continuing to ramp up in preparation for the season,” Rajaković said. “He’s feeling well; he’s where he needs to be at this point.”
Also missing in action will be Brandon Ingram, who was one of the players the Raptors traded to the Clippers for Leonard. He’s out with a long-term injury. The other player involved in the blockbuster trade, Gradey Dick, should see the floor for the Clippers.