MLSE has initiated legal action seeking $3 million in compensation following a fire incident that disrupted a Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena over two years ago. The disturbance occurred during an NBA game against the Indiana Pacers in March 2022 when a speaker caught fire above section 103 of the arena.
As a precaution, fans were evacuated with 4:05 remaining in the first half, and the game resumed after Toronto firefighters extinguished the fire, resulting in a half-hour delay. The remainder of the game was played without spectators present.
According to reports from The Toronto Star, Danger Boy, an Ontario-based corporation registered in Jerseyville, is named as the defendant in the lawsuit filed by MLSE in late March. The lawsuit allegedly involves third-party companies, including the one contracted to provide pyrotechnics for the Raptors game.
Although attempts to reach Danger Boy for comment were unsuccessful, an MLSE spokesperson confirmed that the legal action pertains to damages sustained during the incident, including inspection, cleaning, repair, and replacement costs, as well as equipment rental expenses.
Despite the disruption, the Raptors managed to secure a victory with a final score of 131-91, albeit with only essential game operations personnel, media, and select team employees remaining in the arena. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries resulting from the incident.
