When did construction on Maple Leaf Gardens begin and who purchased the land?
Construction for Maple Leaf Gardens began at midnight on the 1st of June 1931. Conn Smythe had purchased the land from The T. Eaton Co. Ltd. for $350,000.
Questions about Maple Leaf Gardens
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How much did it cost to build Maple Leaf Gardens and when did it open?
The final cost reached C$1.5 million after workers finished the structure in five months and two weeks. The arena opened its doors on the 12th of November 1931.
Who won the Stanley Cup eleven times while playing at Maple Leaf Gardens between 1932 and 1967?
The Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup eleven times during this period. This era is known as one of the cathedrals of hockey from 1932 until 1967.
What major scandal involving sexual abuse occurred at Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1970s and 1980s?
Allegations emerged in 1997 that employees had sexually abused young boys during the 1970s and 1980s. Gordon Stuckless pleaded guilty to sexually abusing twenty-four boys dating back to 1969.
When was the last professional event held at Maple Leaf Gardens before it closed?
The 2000 NLL Championship game was ultimately the building's last professional event held at MLG. The Toronto Rock won the Champion's Cup in both 1999 and 2000 seasons making them the buildings last championship team.
How much did Loblaw Companies pay for Maple Leaf Gardens and when did the new store open?
Loblaw Companies purchased Maple Leaf Gardens in 2004 for $12 million under conditions that it not be used as sports facility. The new store opened on the 30th of November 2011 after delays including discovery of a creek running through the basement.