After the success of several landmark hospitality collaborations with MLSE, mackaywong was invited once again to reimagine one of Toronto’s most iconic sports destinations: Real Sports Bar/ Grill. Situated steps from Scotiabank Arena, this ambitious renovation redefines what a sports bar can be; immersive, social, and unmistakably Toronto. The new Real Sports celebrates the electricity of the game, the devotion of the fans, and the vibrant spirit of a city that lives and breathes sport.
The 2025 reinvention of Real Sports Bar/Grill marks a new chapter in mackaywong’s long-standing partnership with MLSE, building upon a shared legacy of designing unforgettable, fan-centered hospitality experiences. Our vision was to re-establish Real Sports as the ultimate destination for live sport and social connection and to restore its status as the premier sports and entertainment bar in North America, a place where every seat feels like the best in the house, and where the emotion of the game is felt in every detail.
The design re-energizes every corner of the guest experience, beginning with an iconic new arrival sequence that sets the tone for what lies beyond: a high-energy, media-rich environment where fans and friends come together to celebrate the thrill of the game. Inside, the central sports bar takes on a new life, warm, textural, and “soaked in sport”, anchored by natural materials, elevated millwork, and a commanding A/V presentation that immerses guests in live content and communal energy.
At the core of the renovation is an all-new sports bar that’s alive with movement and sound, flanked by immersive storytelling zones that celebrate MLSE’s iconic franchises and their legendary moments. The Champions Zone pays tribute to the Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship, featuring the preserved hardwood from the court where Kawhi Leonard’s famous 4-bounce shot was made; an installation that immortalizes one of the most unforgettable plays in Canadian sports history. Nearby, the Maple Leaf Gardens VIP Suite honours Toronto’s storied hockey legacy with bespoke seating, rich finishes, and archival photography evoking the glory of Maple Leaf Gardens.
A newly expanded layer of environmental graphics and artifact displays brings the space to life in bold, emotive ways. Across every wall and corridor, large-scale visual storytelling celebrates the culture and legacy of each MLSE team, while curated collections of game-used memorabilia, historic photographs, and championship artifacts transform the venue into a living museum of sport.
From the revived façade and upgraded A/V network to new furnishings, lighting, and immersive artifacts, every layer of the renovation speaks to Real Sports’ evolution from landmark venue to living, breathing celebration of Toronto’s sports culture. More than a renovation, this project reasserts Real Sports Bar/Grill as the beating heart of the city’s arena district, a place where community, camaraderie, and the love of the game all come together under one roof.
