Reviving a Historic Arena: Maple Leaf Gardens

Historic Maple Leaf Gardens

When the Toronto Maple Leafs played their last game at the historic Maple Leaf Gardens back on February 13th 1999, the future of the building was unclear. For years the building where the Maple Leafs had won so many championships was empty, as corporations battled for the rights to use it for shopping space, hotels and other money making opportunities. But now the building has been revived and having seen it myself, and skated on the ice, I can safely say that sport is back at number 60 Carlton Street.

My school, Ryerson University, began a project in 2009 to revive the national historic site for varsity sports use. Joining with Loblaws and Mattamy Construction, as well as with some funding from the federal and provincial governments, the interior of the Gardens went under a major makeover. Costing close to $80 million, the team of builders added some amazing things to the building while still keeping pieces of history to help remember what came before.

Artifacts such as seats, windows and the famous Gondola broadcast booth, are all still intact and in the building. Posters line the walls depicting many of the famous acts and events that happened at the Gardens, including Elvis Presley's performance in 1957, the first ever NBA game in 1946 and the Beatles performances in 1964, 65 and 66. The Gardens was the place to be in Toronto for the better part of six decades and it was nice to see that represented throughout the complex.

A Painting in the Coca Cola Court

One of the nicer additions to the new complex is the Coca Cola Court, used by the Rams' basketball and volleyball teams. With brand new floors, bleachers and equipment, this state of the art court will give the Rams a big home field advantage as they look to rise up in the ranks of competition. The Rams Mens Volleyball Team hosted the Canadian Masters in an exhibition game to open the facility. This team of Olympians included Canada's most decorated Volleyball player, Fred Winters. The Rams did win the first set but were overpowered by the Masters in the final three. Still, volleyball is a lot more exciting in a state of the art stadium and Coca Cola Court provides that and more.

But the biggest draw to Maple Leaf Gardens has always been hockey and on Saturday, September 8th, the first Rams hockey game took place against the OUIT Ridgebacks.

The Ryerson Rams celebrate after defeating the OUIT Ridgebacks 5-4

The first hockey game played ever at the Gardens took place way back on November 12, 1931. As part of the opening ceremonies that night, a group called the 48th Highlanders played bagpipes and drums to welcome people to the new building. Amazingly, the 48th Highlanders returned Saturday night for the first Ryerson Rams game and played again to open the Gardens for a new generation.

The Rams ended up winning the game 5-4. Coincidentally, the Leafs lost their home opener in 1931. Though they were out played at times, the Rams have a good team and should be competitive all season.  I plan to get to as many games as I can because University hockey is just as exciting as the OHL, which I won't be able to see this year. But what was even cooler about the whole experience at Maple Leaf Gardens was that I got to skate there.

To be honest, I was nervous when I first stepped onto the rink. Sure the ice isn't the exact same as when famous players skated on it, but the whole atmosphere is. The large dome ceiling hangs above your head as you skate around and Foster Hewitt's Gondola is a nice to see as a (hopefully) future broadcaster. The ice was brand new just like the rest of the facility and the attention to detail was amazing. It was smooth to skate on, without any ruts or holes to worry about. I could just skate around and admire the years of history in the air, and of course snap some pictures.

Me on the ice, rocking the Red Wings hat and shirt

While out on the ice I made sure to thank Sheldon Levy, the President of Ryerson University, for backing this project. Without his guidance and willingness to take risks, none of this would have been possible. His efforts truly put Ryerson on the map and he continues to show why it is one of the greatest universities in the country.

I am really proud to have been apart of this historic reopening of Maple Leaf Gardens and am really excited to be a Ram. The revival of the worlds most famous hockey rink, and the fact that I got to skate there, is something that will stay with me for a long time. Which is a good thing because I will be a student at Ryerson the next four years and will be able to use this amazing facility the whole time. I can't wait to cheer on the Rams some more.

As always I can be reached in the comments below, by email at jbenny15@gmail.com or on twitter at @jbenny15. Please visit my website to see other articles I wrote at www.jbenny.com.