After a large-scale, multiyear, $300 million renovation, the Blue Jays are hoping to transform the Rogers Centre from feeling like a cavernous stadium to a traditional ballpark that will appeal to both casual and dedicated baseball fans.
The Blue Jays gave the first glimpse of the upcoming changes Thursday when they unveiled new details and the first artistic renderings of the first significant renovation of the stadium in more than 30 years. It is set to take place over the course of the next two to three years.
The privately-funded plan promises to dramatically transform the Rogers Centre from “a multi-purpose stadium into more of a ballpark experience for our fans, most importantly, but also for our players,” Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro said during a presentation to the media.
“By the time we’re done these two or three years, over $300 million will be infused into the renovation of this building, which is really not an isolated investment, but a continuation of the investment that was made in the player development complex, that continues to be made in player personnel and hopefully will continue to be made over the next five days, next offseason and beyond as we continue to build our championship core and drive towards that World Championship, which is the ultimate goal here,” Shapiro said.
The renovations will be confined to the interior of the building and will focus on modernizing the fan experience in the stands, including improving sightlines so that every seat faces the action, bringing the fans closer to the field and players, introducing more social and congregating areas and updating the field-level player facilities. The club announced their intention to update the 33-year-old stadium in the heart of downtown Toronto earlier this year but is only releasing the scope of the project now with more updates expected periodically until its completion.
“When we think about a compelling fan experience, something that creates something for everyone that wants to come see a game, not everyone wants to watch a game in the same way,” Shapiro said. “We do not have that diversity of fan experiences. There’s one reason to come here and that’s for the hardcore baseball fan or the fans that might be excited about us winning, but we don’t have some of the greatest bars, some of the greatest family spaces, we don’t have great spaces for our fans to congregate, to interact with the players, so attempting to solve that challenge is also something that we undertook.”
The renovation will take place in multiple phases over the next two to three offseasons, the club said, so as to not disrupt the baseball season. The upgrades will touch on primary fan areas including the seating sections in the 100-infield level, the 100- and 200-outfield level, the 500 level, and the field level for the benefit of players.
“When fans come into the building next year, sit in these seats and the seats below, with the Canadian flag unfurled in the field behind us, it will be a dramatically different vision, a dramatically different vista and a different ballpark,” Shapiro said. “But that will just be the start. Then it’ll be the offseason or two that follow that we revise the entire lower bowl and really turn this stadium into a ballpark.”
The first phase of the project will commence this offseason and is expected to be completed in time for Opening Day 2023. The initial changes will include creating social spaces with patios, drink rails, bars and viewing platforms in the 100- and 200-level outfield levels that will feature food and beverage options.
The bullpens in left and right field will be raised and underneath there will be an area for the relievers to prep for the game. The bullpens will be surrounded by new bleacher seats and viewing areas to increase fan and player interaction. Some 100-level seats will be moved forward to new outfield walls to bring fans closer to the field and eliminate the dead space that exists below the outfield seats now.
The club hasn’t shared details on the new outfield dimensions or fence heights yet, but Shapiro said they’ll include unique angles and dimensions. However, after consulting with their research and development and analytics departments, the team does not expect changes to the field to meaningfully alter its neutral competitive nature, meaning it won’t lean hitter or pitcher friendly.
“It will impact individual games, it will impact individual hits and for that first year, we might go, ‘oh that ball might have been a home run last year,’ but over the course of the season, and the hundreds of balls and thousands of balls in play, it’s not going to have an impact on outcomes,” Shapiro said.
In right and left field at the 500-level, the seats will be removed and replaced with two standing-room-only, non-ticketed social decks with the idea that one would have a family-friendly focus while the other would have a more party atmosphere to cater to all fans. Every seat in the upper deck, which are the originals from 1989, will be replaced with larger and more comfortable ones.
At the field level, the players’ family room, the players’ weight room and staff locker rooms will be renovated in phase one with more extensive fixes coming in the future phase to further modernize the facilities.
Players’ families were also consulted on what they wanted to see in a family room.
Future plans for the lower bowl, including field-level premium seating areas and social spaces, as well as clubhouse and player facilities are still in progress. They are slated to be completed in the 2023-2024 offseasons.
“We’re going to create best in-class premium (seating), which honestly we have almost no premium (seating) in this ballpark that’s up to the standards of modern sports, whether it be arenas, ballparks or stadium,” Shapiro said.
The Rogers Centre opened in 1989 — it was first named the SkyDome — as a multi-purpose stadium and its retractable domed roof was considered a technical marvel at the time. But soon after it opened, the trend in baseball moved away from multi-functional stadiums and back to classic ballparks, such as Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, which opened in 1992.
Today, the Rogers Centre is one of only three multi-purpose stadiums remaining in the major leagues, along with Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. and RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. The Canadian Football League no longer plays games at the Rogers Centre, which is why the club can move toward a more focused baseball experience.
Since its opening, the Rogers Centre has never undergone a large-scale renovation. Looking ahead, eventually a new stadium will need to be built in Toronto and Shapiro acknowledged this is only a “medium-term solution” that will buy the team about 10 to 12 years until the club has to reach a decision on a long-term fix, whether that means a tear down and massive renovation of the Rogers Centre or rebuilding a stadium in potentially a new location.
“That’s an extremely complex project and something that we hope to undertake when we immediately finish this,” Shapiro said.
In preparation of this renovation, Blue Jays leaders researched and toured ballparks and stadiums across North America and Europe to draw inspiration from. One key element was to modernize their space for the present, while also anticipating future trends to ensure it’s not outdated quickly.
The Blue Jays have again partnered with well-known stadium architecture firm, Populous to lead the project’s design after the team was pleased with their work on the player development facility in Dunedin, Fla.
(Renderings courtesy of Blue Jays)
FAQs
Why was the Blue Jay game Cancelled today? ›
Conversation. Tonight's game has been postponed due to rain.
What happens if it rains at Rogers Centre? ›Blue Jays games at Rogers Centre are operated with the roof fully open as the weather permits. During inclement weather, the roof is partially closed; however, ventilation measures include all building air replaced with fresh air every 15 minutes, partial roof panel openings, and exterior door opening.
Will the Rogers Center be replaced? ›Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro announced plans for $300 million worth of renovations to Rogers Centre that will take place over the next two to three off-seasons. Fans can expect to see considerable changes to the 33-year-old stadium come next April, Shapiro said during a news conference Thursday.
Can you bring a water bottle to a Jays game? ›Plastic bottles and/or cans holding 600ml or less of non-alcoholic beverages are permitted into Rogers Centre. Fans are strictly prohibited from bringing in outside alcohol inside Rogers Centre. Plastic bottles holding more than 600ml and glass bottles are prohibited. Metal and glass bottles are also prohibited.
Who is the best Blue Jays player of all time? ›- Top 60 All-Time Jays, Just Missed Outs: Casey Janssen. ...
- Top 60 All-Time Jays, Just Missed Outs: Scott Downs. ...
- Top 60 All-Time Jays: #1 Roy Halladay. ...
- Top 60 All-Time Jays: #2 Dave Stieb. ...
- Top 60 All-Time Jays: #3 Jose Bautista. ...
- Top 60 All-Time Jays: #4 Carlos Delgado.
Baltimore's game against the Toronto Blue Jays was rained out Wednesday night, but the Orioles pulled into a tie for the final wild card in the American League when Tampa Bay lost to Milwaukee. Baltimore has become a bit of a phenomenon after losing 110 games in 2021.
How long does it take for Rogers Centre roof to close? ›The roof system features a series of three moveable panels and one stationary panel which takes 25 minutes to open or close fully. The roof weighs 11,000 tons and covers an area of 339,343 square feet. The highest point stands 282 feet above field level.
How much is beer at Rogers Centre? ›12oz Bud / Bud Light - $5.50. Value Dog - $3.25. Value Popcorn - $3.25. Value Nachos w/ Cheese - $4.50.
Can I bring a backpack to a Blue Jays game? ›Bags - Toronto Blue Jays Game
In accordance with Major League Baseball security regulations, any bag larger than 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches will not be permitted into Rogers Centre. All bags will be thoroughly inspected before they are allowed inside the stadium.
Toronto Blue Jays T-Shirt or Jersey
When it comes to upper wear, honestly the best options when going to a baseball game are to rep the team's jerseys or a t-shirt with their logo. Both options are easy and generally affordable and will also allow you to showcase your team fandom.
Can you bring snacks to a baseball game? ›
Most ballparks allow you to bring in outside food in single-serving portions: The Nationals policy, for example, states: “All food items must be contained in single-serving bags within a soft-sided container or cooler that does not exceed 16″x16″x8″.” So wraps, sandwiches or small bags of popcorn? Yes!
What can you bring to a Jays game? ›You can bring almost any outside food you want into Blue Jays games.
What renovations are being done to the Rogers Centre? ›Phase 2 of renovations, taking place between the 2023 and '24 seasons, will shift the focus to overhauling the 100-Level infield seating. This will include the addition of premium clubs at field level and social spaces. This phase will also round out the renovations of player facilities, which will include clubhouses.
How much would it cost to buy the Toronto Blue Jays? ›...
Toronto Blue Jays franchise value from 2002 to 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)
| Characteristic | Franchise value in million U.S. dollars |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,675 |
| 2020 | 1,625 |
| 2019 | 1,500 |
On December 14, the band announced twelve Canadian tour dates with AVIV serving as the opening act. On February 25, 2022, the band announced the cancellation of tour dates in Ukraine and Russia, due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Who has the most hits in Blue Jays history? ›Tony Fernandez has the most hits in Toronto Blue Jays franchise history with 1,583 hits.
Who is the best Blue Jays player 2022? ›- Jordan Romano – 3-2, 20 saves, 2.65 ERA, 1.176 WHIP. ...
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr – .271/.346/.484, 20 HR, 57 RBI. ...
- Alejandro Kirk – .315/.395/.487, 11 HR, 37 RBI. ...
- Kevin Gausman – 6-7, 2.87 ERA, 1.287 WHIP. ...
- Alek Manoah – 10-4, 2.28 ERA, 0.959 WHIP.
Stieb finished out the complete-game win on just 90 pitches. This was another 90-pitch gem for Stieb that made it to the finish line with a perfect game on the line.
How long is a baseball game? ›The average length of a nine-inning MLB regular season game over the last 10 seasons is just north of three hours.
Why is Toronto Blue Jays delayed? ›Red Sox delayed due to rain. The Toronto Blue Jays' three-game series opener against the Boston Red Sox has been delayed due to rain at Fenway Park. First pitch was originally scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
Why is Angel game delayed? ›
Mariners-Angels game halted for 18 minutes after mass brawl and ejections. The Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels engaged in a lengthy full-team brawl in the second inning on Sunday after tensions over two days of inside pitches boiled over.
How much does it cost to close the Rogers Centre roof? ›The work – concentrated mainly on sprucing up the roof and its infrastructure – cost roughly $10-million and was done to ensure that the sun can continue to shine in and, when necessary, the rain and cold be kept out, and debates can rage for 10 or 15 more seasons.
How long does it take to open the roof at Rogers Centre? ›The roof shall be opened in a pair of 2 minute, 15 second intervals; one interval at the conclusion of an inning and one interval at the conclusion of the next inning.
How much does it cost to open the Rogers Center? ›The Rogers Centre opened in 1989 as the Sky Dome at a cost of roughly $570 million, or about $1 billion in today's dollars, and was the first stadium ever built with a fully retractable motorized roof.
How much does a hot dog cost at a Blue Jays game? ›Price of a Hot Dog: $4.72
After spending most of the MLB season playing at other U.S. stadiums because of COVID-19 border closings, the Toronto Blue Jays came back in 2022 with very respectable beer and hot dog prices. Both are below the league average, by $2.54 and 41 cents respectively.
While the spokesperson would not disclose the wholesale price of the Schneiders hot dogs served at the Rogers Centre, the ballpark staple can usually be found cheaper from street vendors just outside the stadium at about $2.50 a dog.
How much is parking at Rogers Centre? ›If you plan to park in the Rogers Centre parking lots, you can expect to pay between $15-$25. Depending on how far you are willing to walk, you can find some great parking deals.
Can I bring food to Jays game? ›Yes you can bring water and snacks into the game. You can bring a water bottle but it must be sealed, so no re-useable bottles.
Can you bring reusable water bottles into Rogers Centre? ›Wondering if we are allowed to bring refillable... - Rogers Centre. Yes!
Can I use cash at the Rogers Centre? ›Today, it's still not uncommon for visitors of the Rogers Centre to pull out cash in order to buy their hot dogs, popcorn, pizza and beer. But they don't have to! No, the 2015 version of the Rogers Centre allows its customers to use their credit cards and debit cards to pay for their purchases.
Did the Blue Jays clinch a playoff spot? ›
The Blue Jays popped champagne and sprayed beer, celebrating their clinched spot in the 2022 MLB postseason.
What time is the Jays home opener? ›Instead, Toronto opens its season the next day on Friday, April 8. The Blue Jays square off against the Rangers at Rogers Centre to kick off the season. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET.
How long is a baseball game? ›The average length of a nine-inning MLB regular season game over the last 10 seasons is just north of three hours.
How many innings are in a baseball game? ›If not terminated early, regulation games last until the trailing team has had the chance to make 27 outs (nine innings). If the home team is leading after the visiting team has made three outs in the top of the ninth inning, the home team wins and does not have to come to bat in the bottom of the ninth.
Can Blue Jays make playoffs 2022? ›With Thursday's Orioles loss, the Blue Jays clinched a spot in the 2022 postseason. The Blue Jays punched their ticket. With the Orioles falling to the Red Sox on Thursday, Toronto clinched a spot in the 2022 Major League Baseball postseason.
How did the Jays clinch? ›Blue Jays hit three homers in shutout win over Boston before celebrating clinch. TORONTO -- Finally, 30 hours after the Blue Jays punched their ticket to the postseason, the champagne popped. AL Wild Card: The Blue Jays hold a 1 1/2-game lead for the top AL Wild Card spot.
Do you have to wear a mask at Blue Jays game? ›Rogers Centre is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all guests. The stadium is committed to ensuring that: Guests will wear a mask covering their nose and mouth at all times within Rogers Centre with the exception of actively eating or drinking while in their seat.
What do you wear to a Jays game? ›One of the best, and easiest, pieces of clothing to wear to a Toronto Blue Jays game is none other than a baseball cap. Not only will a baseball cap help you to avoid the beating sun on your forehead and in your eyes, but most baseball caps feature the logo of the team you are rooting for.
What channel is Blue Jays game on Rogers? ›For today and tomorrow's games: Here is the TV schedule- Rogers Cable is channel 204/385 and 501 for HD.
What is the shortest MLB game ever? ›According to the all-knowing Google, the 1910 matchup between the Atlanta Crackers and Mobile Sea Gulls is the first choice that pops up when you search fastest baseball game ever. It was 32 minutes long.
How early should you get to a baseball game? ›
Depending on the MLB stadium, you should arrive 1½ hours before the game because that's when the gates will open on all days of the week. On weekends, some stadiums open 2 – 2½ hours before the game, so to catch batting practice, you should arrive then.
What's the longest baseball game ever played? ›The Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings, two teams from the Triple-A International League, played the longest game in professional baseball history. It lasted 33 innings, with 8 hours and 25 minutes of playing time.
What are 5 rules in baseball? ›The five most important basic rules in baseball are balls and strikes, tagging up, force outs, tag outs, and nine players allowed in the lineup.
What is the longest inning in baseball? ›The longest MLB inning occurred on May 8, 2004, when the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers combined for 18 runs in a 5th inning that lasted 68 minutes.
How many times can you change the batting order in a game? ›The batting order is a list of nine batters and their positions on the field. Each player gets a chance to bat and won't get to bat again until each batter in the order has made a plate appearance. The batting order can not be changed unless a substitution is made, in which the rules of baseball substitutions apply.