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Leafs Nation is proving to be a real shot in the arm for local sports bars in Toronto.
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And fans turning out in droves for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ playoff run against the Tampa Bay Lightning couldn’t come soon enough after the COVID-related lockdowns and restrictions during the last two years.
“I would say (business is up) around 10% to 15%,” said Craig Leslie, general manager of Real Sports, Toronto’s largest sports bar, which is located opposite the fan hangout at Maple Leaf Square.
“So before, during, and after the game it’s a big push. People are in the mood of being happy, so their spend power is a little different from just a regular season game,” he added. “It’s just really a welcome breath of fresh air post-pandemic for us to have the fans in the building for a playoff. It’s refreshing for us after being on lockdown for the last few years.”
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Heather Nichols, a server at Hoops sports bar on Bremner Blvd., estimated business is up between 10% to 20% at her workplace.
“Definitely, you can see a huge difference,” she said. “We were obviously super-busy when any game is going on, but since the Leafs have been in the playoffs, every single time there’s a playoff game happening at Scotiabank, there’s constantly a line outside the door. Everyone wants to come in. Everyone wants to celebrate.”
Nichols added the bar does tall can and pitcher specials during games.
“Just coming out of this pandemic, and seeing so many people wanting to go out, it feels good,” said Nichols.
“It makes me feel like everything is starting to go back to normal. I think everyone’s just been a little fed up with the past two or three years,” she added. “It just feels good to be able to go out again and have a good time. And also celebrate sports … Sports really do bring people together.”
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Andrew Weir, executive vice-president of Destination Toronto, said having local sports teams in the playoffs, historically also drives business up at Toronto’s hotels, particularly with people coming from other parts of Ontario.
“The momentum of the Leafs playoff, it’s absolutely driving people to come into the city,” said Weir, who added leisure-driven hotel occupancy started to improve in late April.
“And people who live in the city may choose to stay downtown, as well. So, from a hotel standpoint, there’s certainly more business as a result of sports playoffs in the city. We’ve seen it in the past, and we’re seeing it again right now.”