We recently featured Montreal Forum, former home of the Montreal Canadiens, as the most historic arena in NHL history. It's safe to say that Maple Leaf Gardens, former home of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is a close second. Maple Leaf Gardens was home to the Maple Leafs from 1931 to 1999. During that time frame, the Maple Leafs accumulated 11 Stanley Cup Championships. Elvis Pressley and The Beatles both performed in the building. The arena also hosted the very first NHL All-Star Game in 1947. 

The very first Toronto Maple Leafs home game was played on November 12th, 1931 when the Leafs hosted the Chicago Blackhawks. In 1995, the NBA's Toronto Raptors were the league's newest expansion and would need their own arena. Originally, there were no plans for the Raptors and Maple Leafs to share the same arena. In 1998, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment made a huge investment by purchasing both the Toronto Raptors and the Air Canada Centre for almost $500 Million. The Toronto Raptors were playing at the Rogers Centre until the Air Canada Centre construction was finished. The Maple Leafs played the final game at Maple Leaf Gardens on February 13th, 1999 vs. the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Like the Montreal Forum, fans can technically still visit Maple Leaf Gardens today, just not in it's original design. The arena is located on the corners of Carlton and Church Street in downtown Toronto. Loblaw's, Canada's largest grocery retailer, has set up shop on the lower level. The arena was downsized and holds less than 3,000 seats and is the home to the Ryerson University hockey team. 

With that said, our staff wanted to give Toronto Maple Leafs fans the opportunity to see and relive a few memories of Maple Leaf Gardens. Enjoy!

 

*FromThisSeat.com does not own any of the photos below. We will gladly remove them upon request. * 

 

 

The very first Toronto Maple Leafs team after re-branding from the Toronto St Patrick's.

 

 

The old scoreboard at Maple Leaf Gardens. 

 

 

The old Maple Leafs locker room at Maple Leaf Gardens. 

 

 

New coverage of the final Toronto Maple Leafs home game at Maple Leaf Gardens.

 

 

 Legendary Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Johnny Bower.

 

 

Toronto Maple Leafs founder Conn Smythe with Dick Irvin, Syl Apps and Gordie Drillon.

 

 

The concourse leading to the lower level seats at Maple Leaf Gardens. 

 

 

The Loblaws grocery store inside Maple Leaf Gardens today. 

 

 

Inside the Loblaws grocery store at Maple Leaf Gardens. 

 

 

There are plenty of old Toronto Maple Leafs displays that were left throughout the building.

 

 

Inside Loblaw's. The grocery store inside Maple Leaf Gardens today. 

 

 

The Toronto Maple Leafs mural at the College Station stop in downtown Toronto.

 

 

An old turnstile from Maple Leaf Gardens. 

 

 

Andre the Giant and Rick Rude in 1988 at Maple Leaf Gardens.  

 

 

An exterior view of Maple Leaf Gardens.  

 

 

The final game and closing ceremonies at Maple Leaf Gardens. 

 

 

 Legendary left winger Frank Mahovlich inside the Maple Leaf Gardens trainer's room.

 

The Maple Leafs celebrating the 1967 Stanley Cup Championship, defeating the Montreal Canadiens.

 

View of the old Stanley Cup championship banners at Maple Leaf Gardens.  

 

Maple Leaf Gardens today, home of the Ryerson University hockey team. The arena was downsized to less than 3,000 seats. 

So glad the sport is still being played there.

 

The Maple Leafs hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. 

 

 

Footage of the Maple Leaf Gardens demolition. 

 

Legendary Maple Leafs defenceman Tim Horton. Yes, the same Tim Horton that owns the doughnut shops.

 

 

The Beatles performing at Maple Leaf Gardens on August 17th, 1965. 

 

 

The Leafs celebrating a victory over the Boston Bruins. 

 

 Legendary Maple Leafs center Teeder Kennedy. 

 

 

 Legendary Maple Leafs center Mats Sundin. 

 

 

Walking the concourse at Maple Leaf Gardens. 

 

 

 A Toronto Maple Leafs portrait inside one of the concourses at Maple Leaf Gardens. 

 

 

View of the ice from the lower level seats during the 1980's. 

 

 

The Maple Leafs celebrating a victory over the Detroit Red Wings.

 

 

Inside the Air Canada Centre. Current home of the Toronto Maple Leafs as well as the NBA's Toronto Raptors. 

 

 

Outside the Air Canada Centre in downtown Toronto. 

 

 

 

JUMP TO

• Toronto Maple Leafs - Air Canada Centre Seating Reviews
• Toronto Maple Leafs Hotels on the Road
• Planning Your Trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario.
• Hotels Near The Air Canada Centre
• Sports Bars near the Air Canada Centre
• Toronto's Air Canada Centre Changes Name To Scotiabank Arena