Vancouver basketball fans throw support behind Toronto Raptors
Fans say #WeTheNorth marketing campaign has pumped up the entire country
Some business owners in Vancouver are thanking the Toronto Raptors for a bump in sales. They say Jersey purchases are up and bar business is strong at a few local sports venues.
"Let's go Raptors! Let's go Raptors!" chanted Eric Casiago on Monday night, wearing a jersey inside Vancouver's Charles Bar with a beer in hand, arms on the table and his eyes glued to the large screen in front of him.
The venue typically airs NBA games and there's a good base of customers, but manager Bo Haraldson says there has been much more enthusiasm behind this run.
"It's been crazy, especially Game 7. Full house, everybody slamming on their tables, amazing atmosphere. People are stoked this year," Haraldson said.
Vancouver's Robson Sports says it too has been benefitting, with Raptors gear sales having gone through the roof.
"Being the only Canadian team, even out this far west we get tons of people looking for their stuff. Anything from hats to T-shirts to jerseys — anything with a logo on it sells," said Cody Rice, who works for the store.
'We The North'
The Raptors launched a marketing campaign called #WeTheNorth in 2014, releasing a YouTube video showing various teams playing on Toronto basketball courts along with a field of ice.
Rice thinks the savvy marketing has played a big role in rounding up the rest of the country.
"With the We the North, they really push for it to be Canadian, not just Toronto," he said.
Fans at the Charles Bar agree.
"The Raptors, like the Blue Jays, are Canada's team way more than any other team," said fan Malcolm Levitt.
Other fans at the bar suggested supporting the Raptors is like cheering for the Leafs or for the Canadians in the playoffs when the Canucks don't make it.
Most people at the bar didn't want to look away from the game.
But many were originally from Toronto, and said while they feel there's a strong fan base here, they're eager to be back home where they say the atmosphere is electric.
"We're 100 per cent sad we're not in Toronto," said fan Adila Dosani.
With Game 5 going Wednesday, the atmosphere in Vancouver may not be so far off.