#1 Sports Event
The tournament is celebrating 125 years of showcasing the best in women’s tennis by introducing a new trophy and offering free admission for one of the weekends. Organizers have promised improved food and beverage offerings and a signature cocktail. Next: August 5-13, 2017
#2 Sports Event
The family-friendly race car weekend saw increased advance ticket sales in 2017, with organizers expecting more than 100,000 attendees over the three-day event. The touring exhibit N.H.L. Centennial Fan Arena stopped at the race—a new feature this year. Sponsors include Meridian and Petro-Canada. Next: July 2018
#3 Sports Event (up from #5)
In 2016, attendance at Canada’s most prestigious horserace grew to 37,000 and the TV audience tripled to 315,000. This year, the festival doubled to two days, including Canada Day, and Stella Artois returned to present the Hats & Horseshoes Party. Next: July 1, 2018
#4 Sports Event
The purse at the RBC-sponsored tournament grew by $100,000 to $6 million in 2017, when 156 golfers were expected at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The 5K on-course running race is set to return, and the Saturday is named Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Day. Next: July 23-29, 2018
#5 Sports Event
The Jays faced the Milwaukee Brewers for their first hometown series of the year. Third baseman Josh Donaldson was presented with his Silver Slugger Award at the sold-out first game, and one lucky fan won a new Honda car. Next: April 2018
#6 Sports Event
Attendance fell just short of BMO Stadium’s 28,500 capacity for the game against Sporting Kansas City on a chilly March 31 that ended nil-nil. Fans enjoyed the Budweiser pregame party at the Brazen Head Irish Pub as well as the March to the Match with performing drumline 416 Beats. Next: Spring 2018
#7 Sports Event
Participation was level at 27,000 for the Scotiabank-sponsored race in 2016 when two Guinness World Records were broken: one for running while pushing a stroller and one for running in a business suit. New Balance will join as the athletic apparel sponsor for 2017. Next: October 22, 2017
#8 Sports Event
Inductees for 2016 included the late Pat Quinn and hometown boy Eric Lindros, who captained a team for the Legends hockey game at the Air Canada Centre. Other highlights included the inductee Q&A forum and the gala dinner. A total of about 1,200 people participated in the weekend of events. Next: November 13, 2017
#9 Sports Event
For its 40th anniversary, the marathon—and associated shorter runs—raised more than $500,000 for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and other charities. Registration dropped to 12,000 from 14,000 the previous before. Next: May 6, 2018
#10 Sports Event
Flooding on the Toronto Islands in June forced festival organizers to nimbly change dates and locations. About 130 teams are now expected, along with a diminished crowd of more than 40,000, at Marilyn Bell Park in September. Tim Hortons remains the title sponsor. Next: September 9-10, 2017
