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With Raptors fever about to hit Toronto, basketball fans at Raptors Fan Fest will get a special opportunity to watch the team prepare for its season home-opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. Raptors FanFest is a fun, interactive open practice which will be held Sunday, October 22 at 2:30 p.m. at Air Canada Centre. Admission to FanFest is free.

“Raptors FanFest remains one of our more popular preseason events that gives fans an opportunity to see the players and coaching staff in an energetic, non-competitive environment,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “What will make this year’s FanFest more special is the excitement and momentum that’s building around the team. It’ll be one of the first chances basketball fans will have to see many of the new Raptors players acquired during the offseason.”

Head Coach Sam Mitchell and the players will demonstrate various interactive drills that take place during a typical Raptors practice for attendees.

The first 5,000 fans will receive a Raptors poster while several prizes including Raptors jerseys, mini-basketballs and Sprite T-shirts will be given away throughout the event. The Raptor mascot, Dance Pak and 4 Korners Raptors Soundcrew will be on-hand to entertain fans throughout the event. Prior to Raptors players taking centre court, the Sprite Streetballer team will thrill fans with their gravity defying athleticism and fast-paced basketball performance.

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