With the 2016 basketball season well underway, the Toronto Raptors sit in second place in the Eastern Conference breaking their franchise record of .675, marking the seventh time the franchise record has been above .500 in 21 years. As the only Canadian team in the NBA the Raptors have grown as a dominant force with powerhouse players like Kyle Lawry, DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas.Fortunately, Downsview residents can celebrate their Raptors pride close to home at the official mall of the Toronto Raptors: Yorkgate Mall.The mall is located at the northwest corner of Jane and Finch (1 Yorkgate Blvd.) and has been a popular centre for over 25 years featuring a unique blend of services including retail stores, medical offices, a grocery store and even a Seneca College campus.“The mall encourages community spirit and fun while fostering opportunities and partnerships within Downsview,” says Kimberley Loftus, Marketing Manager for Yorkgate Mall.The mall works in partnership with Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), who has been a partner for three years. With this partnership, the mall hosts “Raptors Days” which features guest appearances and giveaways from the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak, players, coaches and the Raptors’ mascot.During March break, Jonas Valanciunas, centre for the Raptors, paid a visit to the mall to sign autographs and take photos with fans. In the past, Yorkgate Mall has also hosted Jamaal Magloire, the Raptors’ assistant coach, team consultant, team ambassador and former professional basketball player.During Raptors Days, Yorkgate Mall gives away Raptors jerseys, hats and water bottles and holds raffles where fans can win tickets to see a game.On April 18, Yorkgate Mall launched their SHOP MORE WIN BIG contest. Visitors to the mall could enter to win a weekend getaway to Orlando, Florida to watch a TFC soccer match. The prize includes the flight, hotel, transportation and tickets to the Major League Soccer match. To enter the contest, visitors must shop at their favourite stores in the mall and get a weekly password that they can enter online on the SHOP MORE WIN BIG website. “The more you shop the more chances you have to win!” said Loftus.Other upcoming SHOP MORE WIN BIG promotions include a getaway to San Jose for Father’s Day, a getaway to Toronto for Canada Day and a getaway to Montreal for back to school.Yorkgate Mall is also looking forward to launching their Mall Walker program in May, which helps promote an active and healthy lifestyle. This program features one stretch class a week and a group walk around on the second floor of the mall. It is a great way to meet members of the Downsview community and to get exclusive discounts from stores in the mall.For more information visit their website: http://www.yorkgatemall.com/Check out Yorkgate Malls social media pages to learn more about how to win tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Marlies, the Raptors and Toronto FC.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YorkgateMallTwitter: https://twitter.com/yorkgate_mallInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorkgatemall/