Taking on NBA All-Star Weekend on a budget - or not

By Kaitlyn McGrath

The NBA All-Star Weekend has arrived in Toronto. It’s the first time the event has been held outside of the United States, and in true Canadian style, a deep freeze has arrived to welcome the cast of hoop stars, celebs and fans flocking to the city. But if you can manage to bundle up, there’s lots of ways to enjoy the festivities. From splurging on tickets to hang with Shaq to showing off your own skills at the NBA’s Centre Court, there’s a way for everyone to celebrate the All-Star weekend.

Going for the gold

You’re not Drake, but you want to live like he would for a weekend. Scoring tickets to the main NBA events — the All-Star Celebrity Game, All-Star Saturday Night and the All-Star Game — is a must. According to StubHub, prices for these range from US$90 to more than $5,000.

But there’s more to the weekend than just basketball. Toronto will be the host to many exclusive parties full of celebrities. With a temporary venue built in Roundhouse Park (255 Bremner Blvd.) True North will host the weekend’s “hottest private parties” and feature performances from Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, and Usher. The VIP experience will cost you $1,750 per person.

If you’re at all these events, you’ve got to look the part too. With Drake’s new Jordan X OVO collection debuting this weekend, be one of the first to purchase from his new line. Be warned though: a pair of Air Jordan X OVO alone could set you back US$225.

Before the big game on Sunday, it’s important to eat a hearty meal. Join Director X —known for directing music videos for Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Toronto’s own Drake — for brunch. For $45, enjoy a three-course menu at the Brassaii Restaurant and Lounge.

The silver medal

If you can’t afford to see the NBA stars of today then why not check out the stars of tomorrow? The NBA All-Star Rising Star Challenge will be held at the Air Canada Centre on Friday night and will feature homegrown talent Andrew Wiggins and last year’s All-Star dunk champion Zach LaVine. According to StubHub, tickets start at US$75.

While you may not hit up every party in town, if there’s one to check out it’s the Maxim All-Star Party, hosted by Shaq and featuring a performance by Snoop Dogg. A VIP ticket is a steep $750 (it includes an open bar, food and coat check) but general admission is $250.

It wouldn’t be a weekend in Toronto without riding the TTC. Nike has converted a streetcar into the SNKRS XPRESS, a mobile sneakers store/shrine. If you like what you see there, you might want to snag a pair from Nike’s new line commemorating the All-Star Game in Toronto. Shoes designed for Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant also include hints of Canadian flare and prices range from $215-350.

After all that shopping, dine on a burger inspired by former NBA player Charles Barkley. Jump restaurant has introduced The Sir Charles, described as a “6oz ground round rebound stuffed with Blackview Farm pulled pork, with crispy DFC pancetta, Monforte cheddar & beer-battered onion ring.” With fries, it costs $34.

Bronze ain't so bad

Just because you’ll be watching the All-Star Game and Saturday skills competition from home doesn’t mean you can’t still soak up some all-star atmosphere.

Want to spot some NBA stars without spending a dime? The Thompson Hotel will be home to the players for the weekend, and while you won’t have any luck getting to the rooftop lounge (it’s a VIP spot for players), you could spot a star or two entering or exiting the establishment.

If you want to join in on some All-Star festivities without breaking the bank, you can attend NBA’s Centre Court at Enercare Centre. Tickets cost between $15-30 and once there, fans can participate in a range of basketball activities including clinics with NBA and WNBA pros.

If sneakers are out of your price range, you can still rock some All-Star footwear in the form of the game’s official socks. You can get pairs made by Stance, in either East or West colours for $28.

If you want to eat like a true Torontonian over the weekend, stop by any friendly street vendor and pick up a hot dog or sausage, known affectionately as street meat, for about $3, which includes your choice of a wide array of toppings.

And finally, if you’re doing the weekend on a budget, be like former Toronto Raptor Matt Bonner, and ride the subway.