The Raptors are headed to court over the costs and residual losses of a minor fire that disrupted a game more than two years ago.
A lawsuit lodged on behalf of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment seeks $3 million in damages for the incident, which delayed a Raptors game against the Indiana Pacers in March 2022 and eventually forced the evacuation of fans from the Scotiabank Arena.
Danger Boy, an Ontario corporation registered in Jerseyville, Ont., is named as the defendant in the suit that was filed in late March. A message to Danger Boy was not immediately answered.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
An MLSE spokesperson said the suit involves third-party companies along with the company contracted to provide the pyrotechnics for the Raptors game.
A small fire started in speakers that hang from the eastern side of the arena in the second quarter of the game.
As Toronto firefighters put out the fire and a few sections of seats was evacuated, officials deemed it a big enough danger and the remainder of the crowd of 19,800 were told to leave the building,
The game resumed after about a half-hour delay and the Raptors eventually won 131-91 in a practically empty building. Some team employees, essential games operations workers and the media were allowed to remain in the arena.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Ticket holders for the game were given full refunds for the ticket prices. MLSE contends in the suit that it “sustained extensive losses and damages, including the costs to inspect, clean, repair, rebuild and/or replace damages caused by the incident, and to rent the substitute equipment.”
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation