Toronto FC Overview

Fast facts

League: MLS

Head Coach: Greg Vanney

Team Mascot: Bitchy the Hawk

Year Opened: 2007

Capacity: 30000

City / State: Toronto / Ontario

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

401 Derby

Rival Team: Montreal Impact

The 401 Derby between the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC is one of the most intense rivalries in Major League Soccer. The derby is named after Ontario Highway 401, which connects the two cities. The rivalry mirrors the one between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maples and like that one both the distance between the two cities and their cultural differences fuel the flames. If you can only attend one Toronto FC match, then make it be a 401 Derby match between Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact.

Trillium Cup

Rival Team: Columbus Crew

Named after the official wildflower of Ohio and the official flower of Ontario, the Columbus Crew, and Toronto FC compete each year for the Trillium Cup. The cup is awarded to the team with the most points at the end of the season and since its inception in 2008 has been won by Toronto FC three times. There is always a lot on the line when the Crew and Toronto FC square off, so make sure to be in attendance when the Columbus Crew comes to town.

Toronto FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps

Rival Team: Vancouver Whitecaps

The Whitecaps may play in the Western Conference, but the fact the cities of Toronto and Vancouver have a relatively heated rivalry means there is always a lot at stake when these two meet. A Toronto FC-Whitecaps match is much fiercer than your typical inter-conference matchup, so don’t miss it when these two square off.

Toronto FC Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

You won’t find any traditional tailgating around BMO Field, but there are plenty of places to grab a drink and make some new friends. In the neighboring Liberty Village neighborhood, you’ll find lots of bars including Shoeless Joe’s and Brazen Head Irish Pub. Both bars offer an excellent place to grab a drink, and Shoeless Joe’s is the pre-match home of Toronto FC’s largest supporter group, The Red Patch Boys.

If you’re willing to venture a bit further into downtown, The Football Factory is one of the premier soccer bars in all of Toronto. The bar hosts watch parties for all Toronto FC away matches and is an excellent place to meet some Toronto FC fans before the game.

No matter where you grab a drink, make your way to Liberty Village before the match so you can take part in the Toronto FC supporters march, which takes place approximately an hour before the game. Nothing will get you in the mood to cheer on the Reds quite like the supporters march, so don’t miss it during your trip to Toronto.

Traditions

Supporters March

Join your fellow Toronto FC fans as they make their way from Liberty Village to BMO Field approximately an hour before the match. Come prepared to get loud and join in the chants as you parade through the streets.

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Shoeless Joe’s

Located in the nearby Liberty Village neighborhood, Shoeless Joe’s is a favorite spot to grab a drink before the match as well as the pre-match home of Red Patch Boys. If you want to hang out with some die hard Toronto FC fans, then there is no better place to do so than Shoeless Joe’s.

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The Football Factory

The Football Factory may be a bit further from BMO Field than Shoeless Joe’s or Brazen Head, but you won’t find a better Soccer bar in Toronto. The Football Factory hosts watch parties for Toronto FC away matches and is an excellent place to meet up with fellow Toronto FC supporters.

Where to tailgate

Toronto FC Stadium Guide

In Game

Toronto FC had a rough go of it up until recently. However, that hasn’t stopped Torontonians from coming out in large numbers to support their team. TFC fans are some of the most dedicated and diehard in all of MLS, and it shows on match days as no matter who the Reds are playing BMO Field is buzzing with excitement.

The Southend Supporters are especially vocal in their support of Toronto FC, and the Southend is where you’ll find the majority of supporter groups. The supporter groups put on an impressive display at every match with their songs and tifos, so if you’re looking to get into the TFC match day spirit then make sure to join one of the supporter groups.

Don’t worry though if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere as the fans on the sidelines aren’t quite as loud. However, that doesn’t mean they’re aren’t knowledgeable and passionate about their team as the entire crowd starts singing at key moments in the match.

A Toronto FC match is a great day out as well as an opportunity to experience one of the loudest and most lively pro sporting events in Toronto.

Things to check out

Wall of Honour

Toronto FC recently unveiled a Wall of Honour celebrating the club’s ten years of existence. The wall honors all of the best players in club history including Giovinco, De Rosario, Dichio, and much more. Stop by the Wall of Honour and remember all of your favorite Reds of the past.

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View of Downtown

BMO Field offers an incredible view of downtown Toronto from the west side. You’ll be able to get a clear view of the CN Tower and all of downtown if you have seats on the west side, so keep that in mind when planning your trip to BMO Field.

Southend Supporters

In the Southend, you can find the most diehard Toronto FC supporters at any match. Several supporter groups make their home in the south end including the Red Patch Boys, Inebriatti, U-Sector, Original 109, Kings in the North, and Tribal Rhythm Nation, so join one of the groups if you want to support TFC to the fullest.

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Bitchy the Hawk

Not only is Bitchy part of the opening ceremony, but she also holds the important job of warding off seagulls at BMO Field. Keep an eye open for Bitchy as she’s one of the can’t miss aspects of any Toronto FC home game.

Toronto FC Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Fox

    Phase Dining Entertainment beer

    THE FOX is the perfect spot for a quick. delicious pre-game meal or stay to a watch with the amazing crowd.

    35 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 1J5, Canada

    416-869-3535

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Boxcar Social

    Boxcar Social Whiskey

    Offers a curated, rotating list of coffees from the best roasters in the world.

    1208 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W1, Canada

    416-792-5873

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  3. Amsterdam BrewHouse

    Amsterdam BrewHouse Beer

    Where local craft beer meets local artisan food. 14 beers on tap, there’s something that suits every kind of taste!

    245 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2K9, Canada

    416-504-1020

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  4. Hoops Sports Bar & Grill

    Hoops Sports Bar Grill Beer

    Hoops Sports Bar and Grill is Toronto's premiere venue for all things in the wide world of sports.

    125 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5J 3A8, Canada

    647-343-0783

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  5. Firkin on Harbour

    Firkin on Harbour Beer

    With twenty beers on tap, and a menu that aims to please a wide variety of palates, we offer a comfortable and inviting environment to grab a bite, a casual drink, or to watch the game.

    10 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1R4, Canada

    416-519-9949

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. Real Sports Bar & Grill

    Real Sports

    Experience the most thrilling match-ups played out in supersize at Real Sports Bar & Grill, where bigger the better is our mantra.

    15 York St a, Toronto, ON M5J 0A3, Canada

    416-815-7325

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  7. The Miller Tavern

    beer

    The Miller Tavern offers serious seafood, superb steaks, and sophisticated spirits in a casual, comfortable, urban environment.

    31 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5J 2Z3, Canada

    416-366-5544

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  8. The Loose Moose

    The Loose Moose Beer

    The Loose Moose is a lively bar in downtown Toronto favoured by locals and out-of-towners since 1989.

    146 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1G2, Canada

    416-977-8840

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  9. Steam Whistle Brewing

    Steam Whistle Brewing Beer

    All natural, craft brewed, Canada's Premium Pilsner. Do one thing really, really well.

    255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9, Canada

    416-362-2337

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  10. Bar Hop

    Bar Hop Dinner

    The Bar Hop is a craft beer bar that offers 38 taps with rotating choices, one off-brews and seasonal selections.

    391 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K1, Canada

    647-348-1137

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Panago

    Panago Pizza

    Snack on some great delicious pizza that's surprisingly at the top level!

    120 Lynn Williams St, Toronto, ON M6K 3N6, Canada

    416-310-0001

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  12. Pizza Pizza

    Imos Pizza Pizza

    Pizza Pizza is Canada's number one destination for Hot and Fresh pizza.

    678 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G8, Canada

    416-967-1111

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  13. Taverna Mercatto

    Taverna Mercatto Lunch

    Not only will you be dazzled by the nice interior design of this restaurant but also by their food!

    120 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5J 0A1, Canada

    416-368-9000

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  14. iQ Food

    iQ Food

    We’re rethinking the way food is procured, sold and experienced. our process begins by creating a menu that shifts with the seasons.

    18 York St, Toronto, ON M5J, Canada

    647-340-6892

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  15. E11even

    Eleven caesar salad

    e11even is a restaurant that embraces Toronto's energy in the heart of the sports & entertainment district. Modern, sophisticated and elegant at e11even you will enjoy an unsurpassed dining experience that will dazzle the senses.

    15 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 0A3, Canada

    416-815-1111

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  16. Pizza Rustica

    Pizza Rustica

    We go out of our way to provide you authentic Italian fresh dishes that keep you craving to come back for another bite at Pizza Rustica.

    270 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3P5, Canada

    416-260-0200

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  17. 360 Restaurant

    Three Sixty Restaurant Steak

    360, The Restaurant at the CN Tower, one of Toronto's finest, features unforgettable Canadian cuisine combined with an outstanding revolving view of Toronto more than 350 metres (1,150 ft) below.

    301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6, Canada

    416-362-5411

    Bar website

    american - $$$$

  18. Bardi’s Steak House

    Bardis Steak House Steak

    This smart space at the intersection of Toronto’s entertainment and financial districts — just steps from the Rogers Centre.

    56 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 1S8, Canada

    416-366-9211

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$