HISTORY OF MAPLE LEAF GARDENS

Maple Leaf Gardens, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University's Mattamy Athletic Centre, is a historic building located on the corner of Church and Carlton Street in Toronto. Originally built as the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs from the National Hockey League, this "cathedral of hockey" was also home to the Toronto Marlboros of the Ontario Hockey League and the Toronto Toros of the World Hockey Association throughout the 1900s. This building is where the Toronto Maple Leafs have won their 11 Stanley Cups, and where the first-ever NHL All-Star Game in 1947 occurred. Although, this venue is more than just a hockey arena. 

In addition to hockey, the venue became an essential stop for any music icon, political leader, or sporting event throughout the 1900s. Maple Leaf Gardens was the first to host a Basketball Association of America (now known as the NBA) game with the Toronto Huskies and the New York Knickerbockers and has seen performances from music icons such as The Beatles, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Elvis, and so much more. To no one's surprise, 76 years after opening its doors, Maple Leaf Gardens was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada.

In 2009, the Maple Leaf Gardens transformation into Toronto Metropolitan University's new athletic facility and a Loblaws had begun; making sure to preserve the exterior walls, original roof, and rafters of this historic monument. In 2010, the lower level of Maple Leaf Gardens had reopened to the community as a state-of-the-art Loblaws, and in September of 2012 the upper level of Maple Leaf Gardens reopened as The Mattamy Athletic Centre. 

When you walk into The Mattamy Athletic Centre you can feel the history that lies between the walls, and you get a sense that there are many historic moments yet to come. Especially with the Rams calling this building home. Maple Leaf Gardens will always have a place in the hearts of Canadians and we encourage fans to stop in and relive past memories and make new ones. 

Maple Leaf Gardens Event

Exterior Maple Leaf Gardens

Interior Maple Leaf Gardens

Maple Leaf Gardens Aerial View