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Raptors fans started lining up for Jurassic Park 17 hours before tipoff

Chase Kell

And you thought Jurassic Park was crazy during the Eastern Conference final.

With the Raptors set to take on the Warriors in Toronto’s first trip to the NBA Finals in franchise history, fans began lining up for the famous tailgate party at Maple Leafs Square as early as 4 a.m. on Thursday morning.

That’s a full 17 hours before the 9 p.m. tipoff.

Gone are the days when a Raptors fan could simply skip out of work a little early and get to Scotiabank Arena at 5 p.m. With Raptors fever in full swing, dozens of fans went the extra mile to secure their spot in the Park, with some even setting up tents in line.

No, that’s not the line for the release of the latest iPhone, but the dedication to getting what you want is all the same. And those who braved the elements were rewarded for their efforts with an early visit from one of the greatest Raptors in franchise history.

If you were hoping to hang out in Jurassic Park for Game 1, your chances of getting in are dwindling by the second. Hundreds of people had gathered in Maple Leafs Square by 8:30 a.m. and it looks like this thing will reach max capacity any minute now.

But there’s still hope for those who want to watch the game with the screaming fans on the street. Additional viewing screens have reportedly been set up in the area surrounding Maple Leafs Square on Bremner Blvd. for the anticipated overflow from Jurassic Park.

But you shouldn’t wait too long. At this rate it wouldn’t be a surprise if you can’t get anywhere near Scotiabank Arena by lunchtime.

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