Toronto Sceptres fans are advocating for more visibility of the team’s logo and branding at Coca-Cola Coliseum to truly make it feel like their home. Unlike other sports venues that prominently feature their home team logos and star player photos, the Sceptres have been struggling to find representation at the arena, much to the disappointment of loyal fans like Jessica Tang.
Despite calling the Exhibition Place rink home for two seasons, the lack of Sceptres branding throughout the venue is evident. Instead, the arena is predominantly adorned with branding for The Toronto Marlies, the AHL farm team of the NHL’s Maple Leafs. The City of Toronto, which owns the venue, deferred questions about the branding discrepancy to MLSE, the venue operator, which did not provide a comment on the matter.
The Sceptres, whose season recently concluded with a loss to the Ottawa Charge, have also directed inquiries about branding to MLSE. Although the team expressed appreciation for the fervent support of Sceptres fans, they did not confirm whether they have actively pushed for increased branding within the arena.
While acknowledging the Marlies’ long-standing presence at the rink, fans like Tang believe it is time for the Sceptres to receive the recognition they deserve. As the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo is set to share the space with the Marlies, the call for more inclusive branding to acknowledge the diverse sporting community in Toronto grows louder.
Coun. Ausma Malik, the chair of the Exhibition Place board of governors, has taken note of the concerns raised by fans and recently initiated a motion to enhance the sports team experience at Coca-Cola Coliseum. This includes proposals to showcase memorabilia and team logos to better represent women’s sports in Toronto.
Season-ticket holder Tammy DeGasperis-Symes emphasized the importance of the Sceptres feeling at home in the arena, suggesting that until their logo is displayed alongside the Marlies’, it will continue to feel like temporary space. Recognizing the hard work of the players and the league, she advocates for the rightful acknowledgment and visibility of the Sceptres within the venue.