At RaptorsRumors.com we seek to create an even larger community of passionate Toronto Raptors believers. If you have something to say and believe it has value please email us at [email protected] . Your voice deserves to be heard! Show your love for our beloved northern franchise by contributing to our blog – join us as we ride together through thick and thin!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years have the Raptors been together as a team?
Toronto Raptors, an NBA team located in Toronto (Ontario), is home to the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors were an expansion team to the NBA in 1995 along with the Vancouver Grizzlies. The Raptors are the only Canadian-based NBA basketball team.
Toronto Raptors players Scotiabank Arena for their home games. The city's NHL team also uses the arena, the Maple Leafs. Since their foundation, the Raptors were in the NBA playoffs 13 more times. The most recent was in 2021 where they lost 6 to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Raptors were eligible for their first playoff appearance in 1999/2000. In the first round, the Raptors were swept by New York Knicks division rivals.
Fans were rare and few, and the team was not very exciting. There was little to watch or root for and no reason anyone would care. After years of mediocrity, they decided to change the image of the team and tried to make themselves more appealing to the public.
They hired an advertising agency in 2001 to create a strategy for marketing that would help them achieve national fame. Using creative thinking, they devised a slogan, "Hear us roar."
At the time, the team was struggling financially, so they used the slogan to promote the fact that the games were sold out. All they had to do was create a catchy phrase with a great logo. This is where agency's creative genius shines. They combined the expression "hear us roar" and another popular saying, "never die." This became the official motto of the Toronto Raptors.
Why did NBA leave Vancouver?
Because of a dispute with Vancouver's City Council over arena financing, NBA had to leave Vancouver. The City was expected to contribute $40m towards the construction of a brand new basketball arena. It would include 12 luxury suites along with two restaurants, bars, and a hotel. However, the City Council wanted $60 million in taxpayer money for the team owners to pay off their existing debt. This meant that the city had to borrow $200m to construct the arena. But the team owners would only have to pay back $20m. This would make it so that the city's tax payers would be responsible to repay the remainder of this loan.
If the NBA would agree to keep Rogers Arena open until the opening of the new facility, the City Council was willing to approve the plan. The league, however, refused to accept the plan. They claimed that the arena was not large enough. They couldn't play there any more because the arena was too small. They felt it unfair to ask them for more revenue by asking them to stay in the smaller venue.
The City Council asked for financial assistance and offered to help the province. Although the province offered $150 million to the project, the City Council needed $100 million more. The City decided to focus its efforts on building a new downtown arena and dropped its plans.
When was the Raptors their first game?
The Raptors vs. New Jersey Nets was their first regular-season match at the SkyDome. 33,306 fans were in attendance to watch Alvin Robertson score the first points in franchise history. The Raptors defeated Nets in 94-79. Contributions from Damon Stoudamire (10 and 10 assists), as well as Robertson (30 pts) were key.
Statistics
- This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In November of the 1996–97 season, Bitove sold his ownership interest in the team to Slaight for $65 million after Slaight had activated a shotgun clause in their partnership agreement,[32][33] giving Slaight 79 percent control of the team, [34] (en.wikipedia.org)
- Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (en.wikipedia.org)
- After Thomas attempted to execute a letter of intent with Slaight to purchase the team failed, he resigned from his position in November and sold his 9 percent stake in the team to Slaight. (en.wikipedia.org)
- As predicted by analysts, the team easily secured a berth in the 2001 NBA playoffs with a franchise-high 47 wins. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
jerseymuseum.org
nba.com/raptors
basketball-reference.com
bleacherreport.com
How To
How to Buy a Toronto Raptors Authentic Jersey
If you're a fan of the Toronto Raptors, there's nothing quite like owning an authentic jersey from the team. Authentic jerseys are made with quality materials and feature the same cut and designs worn on the court by the players. Whether you're looking for a modified version or a replica, there are a few ways to get an authentic Raptors jersey.
The easiest and best way to get the Toronto Raptors jerseys is online. Here you'll find a wide selection of jerseys for men, women, and kids. There are many options to choose from, including home, away and alternate designs. This will ensure that you get the look you desire. You can also find accessories that will complete your Raptors game-day look in the store.
The Toronto Raptors teamshop at Scotiabank Arena has something for everyone. The shop offers a wide selection of jerseys as well other team merchandise. This includes limited-edition items like autographed Jerseys.
If you're interested in an authentic Raptors Jersey, there are several online retailers that sell them. Be sure to do your research before buying from an unknown retailer. You might also be interested in special discounts or promotions that could save money.
A Toronto Raptors' jersey is more that just a piece or clothing. It's a symbol of pride for any sports fan. The jerseys of teams are treasured items among fans. The jersey is more than just another piece. These jerseys have a special meaning to their wearers.
They are a symbol of excellence in basketball. Fans cherish these jerseys because they've watched the players grow up, become superstars, and perform on the court.
Fans love watching the game live and seeing the players perform. Fans feel a closer connection with the athletes.
Toronto Raptors jerseys are a great way to show players' support while enjoying the game's action.
Here are the steps for getting a Toronto Raptors replica jersey
- Go to Official Stores or Retailers - If you want to buy a real Toronto Raptors jersey, then go to an official store or retailer like Nike, Adidas, Fanatic, Mitchell & Ness, etc. These items are available at any sports shop.
- Look For Authenticity - Each item should have a certificate of authenticity. Make sure the jersey looks genuine and has the correct player name and numbers. If there are stickers or patches, check them out. Check for any damage to the jersey.
- Purchase Online - If you don't have access to an official store, you may be able to purchase your desired jersey online. Make sure the seller offers free shipping
- Wait for Your Item - After you receive your jersey, be sure to take good care. Do not wear it outside. You can only use it to watch the game. It should never be washed.
Resources: