Fans Scramble To See Raptors

January 26, 1999 / 10:40 PM EST / AP

Several fans taking advantage of a free ticket promotion were injured as they tried to enter SkyDome for the Toronto Raptors' exhibition game Tuesday night against the Boston Celtics.

Although no serious injuries were reported, several large panes of glass were shattered and turnstiles broken in the dash for seats.

Fans began lining up as early as noon for the free game, part of the NBA's plan to win back fans following the lockout.

On the court, Ron Mercer scored 25 points including Boston's first 11 as the Celtics beat the Raptors 106-88.

Antoine Walker scored 19 points for the Celtics. Kenny Anderson, who refused to play for the Raptors last season after being acquired in the Damon Stoudamire trade, was booed every time he touched the ball. Anderson finished with 10 points.

Doug Christie led the Raptors with 16 points, and Kevin Willis added 12.

Toronto trailed by 12 points after the first five minutes, and didn't make a basket until Charles Oakley put back an offensive rebound at 5:55 of the first quarter.