It's now confirmed. The Toronto Raptors are returning home for next season.

A spokesperson for the Raptors has confirmed to AllRaptors that the team's long-awaited return will indeed take place on October 4 when Toronto hosts the Philadelphia 76ers in the preseason opener at Scotiabank Arena.

All signs seemed to be pointing in this direction for a while now. Toronto was listed as the destination for the Raptors' home games when the regular season schedule was released, but no decision had been officially made at that point.

Toronto will officially open its regular season on October 20 against the Washington Wizards marking the 600th day since the Raptors last played a true home game on February 28, 2020, against the Charlotte Hornets.

Anyone attending Raptors games this season will need to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter the stadium, per MLSE policy.

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