Fans Evacuated Mid-Game From Raptors' Scotiabank Arena

It appears that the basketball fates really don't want the Toronto Raptors to be able to play in front of their home fans. Scotiabank Arena was evacuated in the 2nd quarter of Saturday night's game against the Indiana Pacers due to a fire breaking out in a speaker in the catwalk of the arena. 

Video is circulating of a speaker on fire at Scotiabank Arena right now during the Raptors Pacers game. Toronto Fire is on scene, game is still being played. pic.twitter.com/zzK50bSDj6

— Kris Pangilinan (@KrisReports) March 27, 2022

With 4:05 to play in the half, and the Raptors blowing out the Pacers 66-38, the players all went back to their locker rooms, and the game was suspended, as the Toronto Fire Department ensured a calm and orderly evacuation of all fans in the building. 

A small electrical fire had broken out in a speaker, and the concern was whether the affected speaker could fall into the stands.  

The delay lasted about an hour, and then play was resumed, without fans in the building. That's a situation that the Raptors had gotten very familiar with this season, as pandemic safety measures restricted fans from being at games until last month. 

The Raptors went on to complete the 131-90 win in the empty arena. 

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports,