Raptors: Jurassic Park to return for Windsor fans (French)

Ici.radio-canada.ca
June 5, 2019
Myriam Eddahia

Even without additional funding from the City of Windsor, the organizer of the local Raptors Fan Rally will be hosting the event with financial support from community members. After announcing Monday that, without the participation of the city council, he was abandoning everything, Renaldo Agostiro has received several pledges.

On Monday, Windsor City Council said it would be willing to cancel its licensing fees, among other things, but will not give any extra money for a Jurassic Park.

The term refers to the meeting place near the Toronto arena where the team plays.

Organizer Renaldo Agostiro has found another solution. He confirmed Tuesday that the event would return to Charles Clark Square for the fourth game thanks to donations from the community.

Wednesday however, due to the weather, there will be no Jurassic Park.

In Windsor, more than 2,500 fans answered the call on Sunday.

There is something unique at Jurassic Park. The fact of being surrounded by supporters who encourage the same team, who share the same goal, the same passion.

Toronto Park, with its five crumbling zones, has inspired the creation of several similar gathering places across the province.

A crowd watches the screen where the Raptors game is broadcast in the first game of the final with people screaming and raising their fists.

Raptors-owned Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) has licensed 36 cities other than Toronto to host public screening nights of the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors finals.

The park's operating costs in downtown Toronto are estimated at $ 200,000 in the NBA Finale, according to MLSE Communications Manager Charzie Abendanio.

The majority of the costs are paid by the MLSE.

In Mississauga, nearly 20,000 Raptors fans gathered at Celebration Square on Sunday.

Supporters have renamed this outdoor gathering place "Jurassic Park West".

In Brampton, about 5,000 fans gathered at Garden Square for the second game.

More than 1,000 Raptor supporters also gathered at Vaughan City Hall on Sunday, according to city communications chief Teresa Fazari.

The City of Vaughan has therefore decided to continue hosting screening nights to allow the community to watch the Raptors at work.

More than 2,500 fans also gathered in Burlington to watch the second game between the Raptors and the Warriors, reports Denise Beard, community development manager for the city.

The costs per event are estimated at $ 10,000, according to city staff.

Other rallies of Raptors fans are organized in Kingston, London, Newmarket, Pickering and Sarnia, among others.

The Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors will compete Wednesday and Friday at 9:00 pm in Oakland.