(June 8, 2004) -- The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday that season seats for the upcoming 2004-05 season are on sale now to the general public.

Air Canada Centre pricing has recently been reconfigured for basketball resulting in more than 80 per cent of seat prices decreasing or remaining the same. The other 20 per cent of seats, in both the upper and lower bowl, will see a price increase by an average of $6.

The Raptors unveiled Alex English, Rob Babcock and Wayne Embry as the Raptors new basketball operations staff Monday. (Ron Turenne/MLSEL)

“We’re pleased to make these changes that more accurately reflect the value of our seating options. It’s important to us that Raptors fans receive exceptional value and have a great experience each time they come to Air Canada Centre,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.

“Obviously, ticket prices play a factor in delivering these objectives. The pricing reconfiguration results from gaining a better understanding of our fans’ preferences through buying patterns, consumer research and benchmarking with other arenas in the NBA.”

Anselmi added that Monday’s announcement of the new Raptors basketball staff plus a variety of future off-season actions will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s continued strong attendance. During the 2003-04 season, the Raptors ranked fifth in the NBA in paid attendance.

The Raptors introduced their new basketball operations staff Monday, naming Rob Babcock as the third general manager in the club’s history. Babcock, whose 17 years of NBA management has included the past two seasons as vice-president of player personnel with the Minnesota Timberwolves, is also bringing on board two assistants with Hall of Fame credentials.

He named Wayne Embry as senior advisor to the general manager and Alex English as director of player development/scout. The trio brings a wealth of NBA experience to Toronto, covering all aspects of basketball operations, including scouting, playing, coaching and team management.

Season seats can be purchased by calling (416) 366-DUNK (3865). Existing season seat holder renewals are currently taking place. Information regarding single tickets for the 2004-05 season will be announced in the near future.