Arrianna Toolsie Sports Editor

From the Blue Jays to the Varsity Blues, there is no shortage of sports to discover in our city. As University of Toronto students, we owe it to our amazing teams to show up and show support. Now in my fourth year, I can confidently look back and see how much sports have made an impact on my post-secondary experience as I attended games with my peers and had the best time. Let me be clear: you don’t need to know the sport to enjoy a game. Every sport brings a different atmosphere, and I can definitely confirm that the fans are what make the experience unforgettable. 

You may be wondering, “How is a sports atmosphere any different from other experiences?” It’s pretty simple, actually. There’s an indescribable adrenaline that runs through your veins. The fact that hundreds or tens of thousands of people are chanting and screaming, holding their breath, and celebrating the same experience at the same time is nothing short of breathtaking. 

Varsity teams 

As a U of T student, you have access to free (yes, free) tickets to all sporting events on campus. Goldring Centre, Varsity Centre, and Varsity Arena host the football, soccer, rugby, volleyball, basketball, and hockey teams ­— just to name a few. There are many advantages to attending a game: you can form bonds with people across campus, learn more about sports, and maybe even feel inspired to join a team yourself. Intramurals, perhaps? Check the SMCSU Instagram to learn more about how you can sign up to play a wide variety of sports across campus. 

Professional teams 

The pro teams are great as well, though they come at a cost. The Toronto Blue Jays (baseball), Toronto Raptors (basketball), and Toronto Maple Leafs (hockey) are among the city’s most famous teams; they draw the biggest crowds. They aren’t cheap, but the atmosphere makes the purchase worth it. The fan experience for these Toronto teams is truly unmatched. Beyond the big teams, the city is home to other teams such as Toronto FC, the Toronto Argonauts, Raptors 905 and the Toronto Marlies (both minor league teams), and Toronto Tempo. The impact these teams have on their fans is truly magical, especially after a big win, like when the Blue Jays had their generational run to the World Series last year or when the Raptors won the championship in 2019. 

St. Mike’s Takes On The Blue Jays 

On Monday, September 14, SMCSU hosted a Blue Jays game night. Although the Blue Jays lost 5–4 to the Detroit Tigers, many students expressed how fun it was to attend the game. Here’s what some students had to say about attending sports together and how it has made an impact on them: 

“Going to the baseball game was so much fun! I had no idea what was going on, but everyone around me made it easier. I would love to go again with my friends.“

“I watched the Blue Jays last year during the playoffs and thought it was so cool. To be in the same stadium where it happened and feel the atmosphere was amazing!“

UofT gets to be in the heart of a city that lives and breathes sports. If you ever get the chance, go out and support our teams regardless of whether it is at the University or one of Toronto’s professional sports team. From the atmosphere to the culture it will be an experience you will not forget!