SOMETHING SPECIAL: The phenomenon that is Jurassic Park

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Five years after fans re-named Maple Leaf Square during the Raptors’ 2014 postseason run, people across the world know about Jurassic Park.

The area, cordoned-off by gates and security, is opened up to thousands of fans about two hours before tip-off, and includes entertainment and ticket giveaways.

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It has even inspired similar spaces across the GTA, the country, and even the world.

“(I’m) not surprised (at its popularity),” said Mike Bartlett, head of community affairs and events Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

“We have something special here and the fans really created it.”

“It’s fascinating,” said Doug Tiesssen, second-in-line Monday to enter Jurassic Park after showing up with his son Zac on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.

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“Because the Raptors are the only Canadian team, and basketball has become such a fantastic sport in Canada, it just really drawn Canada together.”

Even Raptors GM Masai Ujuri was impressed, showing up midnight on Sunday to visit the fans at the front of the Jurassic Park lineup.

“Yeah, Masai, came through,” said Bartlett, who didn’t know about what appeared to be a spontaneous visit.

“Honestly, we don’t have to program him. He’s naturally a people person and he sees the type of passion we have for our team and he makes a point to thank the fans for that. (I was) not surprised. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t sleep to be quite honest.”

Tiessen also appreciated the move by Ujuri.

“It was really cool and (he) signed some autographs and stuff,” said Tiessen, who was later gifted two Game 5 tickets by Sobey’s, along with another couple in front of him.

“So for him to do that, that really showed the fans how important that was (that we were here).”

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