Toronto Ultra at Mattamy Athletic Centre
The city has played host to some of the biggest events in the industry, including NXNE Music & Gaming Festival, Get on My Level, Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo and the Call of Duty and Overwatch Leagues tournaments. The city is also hosting the Valorant Masters in 2025.
Whether you’re planning a tournament, networking event or corporate gathering, Toronto offers an array of distinctive venues and technical tours that will make your next esports event truly unforgettable.
Tournament at the Mattamy Athletic Centre
Technical Tours
Here are a few unique technical tours meeting planners can organize for their conference attendees, giving them hands-on experience of the esports sector in the city.
Shopify Rebellion
Founded in 2022 by the Toronto-based ecommerce company Shopify, this Canadian esports organization has active rosters in several leagues, such as Rocket League, Apex Legends, Halo, League of Legends, Super Smash Bros. and more. Located in Toronto's trendy King Street West neighbourhood, their headquarters was built for professional esports players to train, compete and create content. Meeting planners can organize a tour of the high-tech space by contacting rebellion@shopify.com.
Toronto Metropolitan University's Red Bull Gaming Hub
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and Red Bull Canada’s on-campus gaming hub in downtown Toronto is used for educational programs, esports competitions and research activities. It boasts 36 high-performance AMD-powered stations arranged into bays, allowing teams and their coaches to collaborate effectively. Each station is equipped with advanced software tools that support every stage of the game design process, from initial concept to final development.
For corporate groups, touring this facility offers valuable insights into the specific technology and new applications of video game design shaping the gaming industry's future. It's an ideal setting for those looking to engage with the production process with their team. For more information, including potential bookings, contact gaminghub@torontomu.ca.
Ubisoft
Ubisoft Toronto is a powerhouse in the video game industry and one of Canada’s most prominent game development studios. Established in September 2010 in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood, the studio has quickly become vital to Ubisoft’s global network and is renowned for its work on blockbuster franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, For Honor, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell and Watch Dogs.
While Ubisoft Toronto doesn't typically offer private corporate tours of their space, you can sometimes get an inside look at their game development process during special events like Doors Open.
Unique Venues
Here are a few unique venues that are well-suited to the esports and creative tech sector.
MaRs Discovery District
Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s Discovery District, MaRS is North America’s largest urban innovation hub, serving as a launchpad for startups and research. The 1.5 million-square-foot building is filled with a vibrant community of tech startups, investors and industry leaders, so hosting an esports event here offers opportunities for networking and collaboration with pioneers in technology and digital media, potentially leading to new partnerships and innovations. The building boasts a 4,700-square-foot auditorium with seating for up to 350 guests, a 4,500-square-foot concourse ideal for exhibitor space or dining areas, plus an in-house audio-visual services team to support all event needs.
Mattamy Athletic Centre at TMU
Formerly the historic Maple Leaf Gardens, the Mattamy Athletic Centre in downtown Toronto is an ideal venue for hosting esports events, having already established itself in the industry by hosting six major tournaments, including the Call of Duty and Overwatch League competitions.
The venue's spacious and adaptable design accommodates large crowds of up to 3,000. Additionally, the Jet Ice Lounge, which overlooks the arena and fits 200 people, is available for rental. This room is fully equipped with its own sound system and projection screens, making it an ideal space for more intimate gatherings.
The Bell Gaming Centre at Exhibition Place
Owned by Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment and home to the NBA 2K team, Raptors Uprising, The Bell Gaming Centre at Exhibition Place offers an exceptional venue for esports events and gaming showcases. Designed by artist Duro the Third, this space features lightning-fast Internet access and LG UltraGear monitors, creating an immersive environment for up to 70 guests.
The Centre has hosted events like Toronto Serenity’s Super Smash Bros. tournaments, where players seamlessly streamed their games on Twitch. It also served as a showcase space for LG, where esports influencers teamed up with NBA 2K professionals for an engaging five-on-five match, highlighting the monitors' capabilities. The Bell Gaming Centre is tailored to deliver a curated, high-tech experience that resonates with casual and professional gamers.
