Sports Events Toronto 2019

The 1.8-mile, 11-turn temporary waterfront track hosts some of the world’s fastest race car drivers, and more activations and on-track racing should translate into attendance growth for this year’s event, held July 12 to 14. Honda returns as the sponsor of Fan Friday, benefiting Make-A-Wish Canada. Entripy Custom Clothing joins as a new sponsor. Next: July 2020

Up from #3
The best female tennis players return to the Rogers Cup in Toronto this year, when the likes of Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Mississauga’s Bianca Andreescu are expected to play. New this year: Every ticket holder will get a free subway ride home, courtesy of the Toronto Transit Commission. National Bank is the presenting sponsor. Next: August 3-11, 2019

The festival for Canada’s oldest thoroughbred horse race reverted to two days this year from last year’s three, at Woodbine Racetrack over Canada Day weekend. G.H. Mumm sponsored the Garden Social Pass, a sold-out V.I.P. trackside viewing area, and Lexus sponsored the Premium Pass. The event’s purse remained the same: $1 million. Next: June 2020

The Blue Jays came just short of selling out the Rogers Centre for opening day this year, with 45,000 fans each receiving a Blue Jays pocket T-shirt and witnessing a 2-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Pre-game ceremonies included honoring Roy Halladay’s election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Opening Day was presented by TD Bank. Next: Spring 2020

Up from #6
Canada’s fastest marathon unveiled new branding and social handles for this year’s race, when it will celebrate 30 years with a likely sold-out field of 25,000-plus runners of all levels. Last year’s highlight was Cam Levins setting the Canadian marathon record, which had stood for 43 years. Scotiabank remains the title sponsor and New Balance returns as a sponsor as well. Next: October 20, 2019

New to the list
Participation in this cross-cultural mad paddling competition, hosted by the Toronto Chinese Business Association and GWN Dragon Boat, grew by 15 percent in 2019 to 4,000 competitive Dragon Boat racers. The accompanying festival on the Toronto Islands grew to 20,000 attendees and the number of exhibitors grew to 50. Entertainment included jazz bands, Chinese folk music, and a karaoke marathon. Living Realty came on board as a new sponsor this year. Next: June 2020

Up from #8
Goodlife Fitness returned as title sponsor for the marathon and other races in 2018 when the finish line was moved to Exhibition Place to accommodate bag check, massages, and food and beer in the Better Living Centre. Participation stayed at 13,000, and more than $600,000 was raised for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and other charities. Next: May 3, 2020

Despite the wintry weather, 23,000 soccer fans came out for the 2019 home opener at BMO Field on St. Patrick’s Day, which saw the home team lose by one point to the New England Revolution. The club hosted a pre-match rally in Liberty Village and a March to the Match, for which thousands of fans painted their faces red. Next: Spring 2020

The N.H.L.’s first black player, Willie O’Ree, will be among the inductees at this year’s gala, where about 1,300 guests can rub shoulders with hockey legends. Other weekend events include the Canadian Tire Inductee Q&A Fan Forum and the Haggar Hall of Fame Legends Classic, with team Mats Sundin facing team Nicklas Lidstrom. Next: November 18, 2019