I must admit, I was totally heartbroken when Maple Leaf Gardens closed for what I thought was for good. Seeing the Player's Championship this past weekend in the old hallowed grounds was quite a thrill. Mattemy, Ryerson and Loblaw deserve a pat on the back for doing such a faithful job in creating the old atmosphere! Even the little details like the small section of wall with the stairs and blue paint still on. And the "End Blues" chair sculpture of a big Maple Leaf beside it is very impressive. Then a walk around the very large Loblaw store to find in the canned foods aisle the "centre ice" spot depicted as a red dot on the orange tile floor. While getting a picture taken on the "spot" prompted a conversation with an older gentlemen and his wife sharing favourite moments of their experiences in the Gardens almost bringing him to tears. This place meant a lot to many people including myself and made an experience I thought I'd never get again.
The ice surface on the third floor was nicely done with a hint of the old gardens layout there too with the small section behind the goals much like the end blues of old. Any seat provides the viewer with great sight lines to watch curling, hockey or any event for that matter, with large concourse/concession area makes it very comfortable and the washrooms are large and handy as well.
The only thing that would have made this more complete would be a replica of the old blue and white (Dominion) clock over centre ice, that would have blown my mind.
Overall an excellent time had by us all and I would recommend it to anyone!
Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens @
- Toronto @
- Sun, Apr 21, 2013 @
Favourite moment: Sitting inside the "dome" all cleaned up and painted white. @