![]() ![]() His son, Foster Hewitt, was hired to run the radio broadcasts, and oversaw the construction of the radio broadcast facilities. Hewitt, sports editor of the Toronto Star, was hired as general manager of Maple Leaf Gardens to oversee all events other than professional hockey. Intending right from the start the Gardens would host other events, W. Ownership of the hockey team was transferred to MLGL in return for shares. A public offering of shares in MLGL was made at C$10 each ($173.00 in 2021 dollars), with a free common share for each five preferred shares purchased. To finance the construction, Smythe launched Maple Leaf Gardens Limited, (MLGL) a management company that would own the arena and the Maple Leafs. Maple Leaf Gardens roof under construction, pictured in 1931. The new 12,473 seat (14,550 including standing room) arena was designed by the architectural firm of Ross and Macdonald. After considering various sites, the site at the corner of Carlton and Church was purchased from The T. By 1930, Leafs managing director Conn Smythe decided the Arena was too small and he wanted to build a new arena, larger and more impressive. ![]() ![]() It was built in 1912 and held 7,500 spectators for hockey. The Toronto Maple Leafs had been playing in the Arena Gardens on Mutual Street. In 2009, it was sold and underwent a major internal reconstruction turning it into a multi-purpose facility, with Loblaws occupying retail space on the lower floors and an arena for Toronto Metropolitan University, known as Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens, occupying the top level. Team Canada won the game 4–1.Īfter the Leafs and Raptors moved to the then- Air Canada Centre in 1999, Maple Leaf Gardens sat largely vacant for around a decade as the owners refused to sell it in its present state, fearing that it could compete with the Air Canada Centre. In 1972, Maple Leaf Gardens hosted game 2 of the famous Summit Series between Team Canada and the USSR. It was also one of the few venues outside the United States where Elvis Presley performed in concert (April 2, 1957). The NBA's Toronto Raptors played six games at the Gardens from 1997 to 1999, mostly when SkyDome was unavailable. The NBA's Buffalo Braves played a total of 16 regular season games at Maple Leaf Gardens from 1971 to 1975. It was home to the Toronto Huskies (1946–1947) in their single season in the Basketball Association of America (a forerunner of the National Basketball Association), the Toronto Marlboros of the Ontario Hockey League, the Toronto Toros of the World Hockey Association (1974–1976), the Toronto Blizzard of the North American Soccer League (1980–1982 indoor seasons), the Toronto Shooting Stars of the National Professional Soccer League (1996–1997), and the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League (1999–2000). The first official annual National Hockey League All-Star Game was also held at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1947. The first NHL All-Star Game, albeit an unofficial one, was held at the Gardens in 1934 as a benefit for Leafs forward Ace Bailey, who had suffered a career-ending head injury. The Leafs won the Stanley Cup 11 times from 1932 to 1967 while playing at the Gardens. The building was originally constructed in 1931 as an indoor arena to host ice hockey games.Ĭonsidered one of the "cathedrals" of hockey, it was home to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League from 1931 to 1999. Maple Leaf Gardens is a historic building located at the northwest corner of Carlton Street and Church Street in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Toronto Shooting Stars ( NPSL) (1996–1997) Toronto Blizzard ( NASL) (1980–1982 indoor) ![]()
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