Entertainment and activities | August 19, 2020
Raptors playoff basketball is back. Residents can cheer on the defending champions in their playoff run by attending a Raptors drive-in viewing party at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre (PFFC) parking lot. This unique drive-in experience is brought to you by Visit Mississauga.
“In light of our new reality, we are doing what we can to foster a strong sense of community and keep our residents connected and engaged. While I would love nothing more than to replicate last years’ Jurassic Park West experience at Celebration Square, our new drive-in Raptors viewing party will deliver the best fan experience possible while keeping health and safety top of mind,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “From honking and waving flags, Raptors fans can once again gather to cheer our boys on to a second championship victory! I look forward to attending the playoff games and encourage residents to consider donating to the Raptors 905 community drive as part of their game time experience.”
Starting Friday, August 21 in Game 3 of their first round matchup versus the Brooklyn Nets, residents can trade in viewing games from home for the 13’ x 23’ LED screen at the pop-up drive-in at Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Residents can enjoy the excitement of playoff basketball from the comfort and safety of their vehicles.
This City of Mississauga event is free but will require prior registration. Full COVID-19 protocol will be in effect, requiring guests to stay in their vehicles unless for restroom breaks. Masks will be required anytime outside of the vehicle. There will be no food and beverage offered onsite. Guests can bring their own refreshments, with the exception of alcohol, glass containers or portable barbecues.
“Our tourism organization is proud to sponsor these events, bringing that sense of community and excitement, with safety in mind of course,” said Sam Kohli, Vice-Chair of Tourism Mississauga. “The focus right now is on local and regional visitors and we welcome these drive-in playoff game events as an opportunity to begin the recovery for Mississauga as a well-established event and festival destination. Thank you to the tourism staff team who worked closely with the City and stakeholders to make the viewing experience happen.”
This City of Mississauga is pleased to partner with Raptors 905 to give back to the community through the team’s community donation drive. Backpacks will be collected as part of the team’s Breakfast with Santa campaign. Event attendees are always encouraged to bring a donation.
“We’re all excited for another Raptors playoff run this year,” said Shari Lichterman, Commissioner, Community Services and Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Mississauga. “I want to thank the Raptors organization for partnering with the City to allow fans to share in the excitement and because of this we’re able to support our local community through the Raptors 905’s community donation program which will be a part of the viewing parties going forward.”
Game Time:
Round One: Game 3 – Friday, August 21, 1:30 p.m. ET
Round One: Game 4 – Sunday, August 23, 6:30 p.m. ET
Round One: Game 5 – Tuesday, August 25, TBD
Round One: Game 6 – Thursday, August 27, TBD
Round One: Game 7 – Saturday, August 29, TBD
Where:
Paramount Fine Foods Centre parking lot
5500 Rose Cherry Pl.
Mississauga, ON
[MAP]
Registration:
This event has maximum capacity of a 100 vehicles (cars, vans, trucks and SUVs) and requires registration. For more information about how to register, please visit: paramountfinefoodscentre.com/drive-in-raptors.
Media Contact:
City of Mississauga Media Relations
media@mississauga.ca
905-615-3200, ext. 5232
TTY: 905-896-5151