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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Shoeless Joe’sLocated 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.
Brazen Head Irish PubA great place to pregame before a summer match, Brazen Head Irish Pub offers two patios levels and is only about a ten-minute walk from BMO Field.
The Football FactoryThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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