The Maple Leafs and Raptors will play in front of full capacity crowds at Scotiabank Arena during the 2021-22 season, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) announced on Friday.

MLSE Media Statement pic.twitter.com/VrJE38m2Rn

— MLSE PR (@MLSEPR) October 8, 2021

In the statement, MLSE President and CEO Michael Friisdahl said that "throughout the process of re-opening our venues to fans, which included working closely with the Province over many months, health and safety has been our shared top priority and we are overjoyed to see this day arrive when we are able to welcome a full venue to cheer on the Maple Leafs and Raptors.

"We are grateful to all levels of government for their partnership in this process and we recognize there will continue to be much work to do together to ensure the safest possible for every attendee and our community."

ATLANTIC DIVISION PREVIEW: Win projections, storylines, bold predictions

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maple Leafs spent the entirety of the 2020-21 season playing in front of no fans at Scotiabank Arena until 550 healthcare workers were permitted to attend Game 7 of the team's playoff series against the Canadiens. The Raptors were forced to spend the entirety of the 2020-21 season in Tampa, Fla., where they posted a 16-20 record over 36 home games at Amalie Arena.

In the Raptors' preseason opener against the 76ers on Monday, the venue operated at half capacity. The Raptors last played a regular-season game at Scotiabank Arena on Feb. 28, 2020.

The Maple Leafs open the 2021-22 season with four consecutive home games, beginning on Wednesday, when they host the Canadiens in a postseason rematch. The Raptors play five of their first six regular-season games at Scotiabank Arena, opening the schedule at home against the Wizards on Oct. 20.