Blue Jays Overview

Fast facts

League: MLB

Head Coach: John Schneider

Team Mascot: Ace

Year Opened: 1989

Capacity: 41500

City / State: Toronto / Ontario

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Toronto Blue Jays vs Boston Red Sox Rivalry Image Source

Blue Jays vs Red Sox

Rival Team: Boston Red Sox

The Blue Jays and Red Sox have been battling it out for AL East supremacy since the Blue Jays joined the league in 1977. The Blue Jays have managed to be quite a thorn in the Red Sox side over the years, and you’ll be in for a good matchup when attending a Blue Jays-Red Sox game.

Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees Rivalry Image Source

Blue Jays vs Yankees

Rival Team: New York Yankees

The Blue Jays play in Canada’s largest city, and the Yankees play in the United State’s largest city meaning every matchup between these two AL East rivals is a big clash. Things have been especially tense between the two teams thanks to the Jays recent success, so don’t miss a Blue Jays-Yankees game at the SkyDome.

Blue Jays vs Baltimore Orioles baseball game Image Source

Blue Jays vs Orioles

Rival Team: Baltimore Orioles

The Blue Jays and Orioles have been rivals since the Jays inception in 1977. The two have engaged in several AL East pennant races over the years, and recently the two squared off in the AL Wild Card. Circle the O’s games on the schedule as you’ll be in for a treat when attending an Jays-O’s game.

Blue Jays Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The SkyDome doesn’t  host a tailgate of any sort; most fans arrive at the game via Toronto Public Transit as the stadium is a 5-minute walk from Toronto Union Station, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do before the stadium opens.  The SkyDome is situated in downtown Toronto right across the street from CN Tower and a hop, skip, and a jump from the some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants.  

Most of the fans will get off the train and stop at one of the nearby bars, which have been provided on our attached food and drink guide for the SkyDome.  For those coming in from out of town, just a couple blocks from Union Station is the Hockey Hall of Fame where all of the greats of the game have been enshrined.

On the other side of the stadium, you can visit the Toronto Railway Museum which houses some of the iconic locomotives from Toronto’s rich past as the railroad center of Canada where you can even climb aboard of a few of these classic iron horses.  On the end of the roundhouse where the engines are kept is Steam Whistle Brewing which offers daily brewery tours and allows you to taste some of their craft fresh off the line.

Walking past the railway museum, you’ll hit the waterfront which is home to quaint parks for taking in the sun and the breeze as well as many tall ships from the golden age of sailing.  Downtown Toronto is a great place to spend some time before the game no matter what you do before heading to the stadium.

Toronto Blue Jays fans at Nathan Phillips Square
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Viewing party at Nathan Phillips Square for Toronto Blue Jays game
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Home of the Toronto Blue Jays banner
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Rogers Center viewing deck
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Toronto Blue Jays player signature baseball
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Traditions

Audience At The Rogers Centre Image Source

“The Audience” and “The Fans” Sculptures

Located on the northeast and northwest corners of the stadium these two sculptures are excellent tributes to the Jays fan base. Before the game stop by and check both of them out to get the full SkyDome experience.

CN Tower Toronto Blue Jays Image Source

CN Tower

The CN Tower is one of the signature landmarks of the city of Toronto and only a few steps away from the SkyDome. No trip to Toronto is complete without seeing the CN Tower, so make sure to check out before the game.

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Hockey hall Fame Image Source

Hockey Hall of Fame

Another popular Toronto tourist destination, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-see for any hockey fan. The Hockey Hall of Fame is only a 15-minute walk from the Air Canada Center, so spend a day at the Hall of Fame before attending a Leafs game.

Where to tailgate

Blue Jays Stadium Guide

In Game

The SkyDome in Toronto a ballpark like no other thanks to its retractable roof, hotel, and views you won’t find anywhere else. The first thing you’ll notice at the stadium is the roof, it was the first retractable roof stadium in all of baseball and can open and close in about 20 minutes which will save you from the scourge of all baseball fans, the rain delay. It also comes in handy during colder Toronto nights as well.  

Are you looking for a more private way to enjoy the game with your friends but don’t feel like dishing out the money for a skybox?  Well, the Rogers Center has the perfect solutions for that, watch the game from your hotel room.  Yes, you can watch the game from the hotel rooms located in the outfield above the fan deck at the Renaissance Hotel which is built into the stadium.  The room will run you about $400, but this gives you the freedom to do whatever else you want during the game and is the only park in baseball where you can do this.

You may notice when you enter the stadium that the views are pretty vertical, and they are.  The Rogers Center doubles as a football stadium for select NFL games and is home to the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL as well, and the stadium is built higher with 5 decks in the main park of the stadium.  Because of this, just about every seat will give you an equal view of the field, and there is no nosebleed seat effect like at other stadiums where the players look like ants.  

Toronto Blue Jays mascot Ace at the game in Rogers Center
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Toronto Blue Jays fans cheering at Rogers Center
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fans cheering at Toronto Blue Jays game
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fans watching performance of Toronto Blue Jays mascot Ace
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Toronto Blue Jays mascot Ace waving the flag on gameday at Rogers Center
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Things to check out

Home of the Toronto Blue Jays Rogers Centre Image Source

Three Story Video Board

The video board in center field was one of the first of its size and is something you can’t miss when attending a game at the SkyDome. You won’t miss a replay when attending a Blue Jays game thanks to the massive size of the SkyDome’s video board.

Championship and Retired Number Banners Rogers Centre Image Source

Championship and Retired Number Banners

Banners celebrating the greatest teams and players in Blue Jays history surround the stadium's massive video board. The banners honor the Jays many division winning teams as well as the 1992 and 1993 World Series winners, so check out these banners during your trip to Toronto.

Jays Level of Excellence Rogers Centre Image Source

Jays Level of Excellence

The Jays Level of Excellence on the fourth deck fascia honors the best players in Blue Jays history. Take a look at the Jays Level of Excellence to remember your favorite Jays from the past including Roberto Alomar, Dave Stieb, and Joe Carter among others.

The Audience and Fans Sculptures Rogers Center Image Source

Center Field Hotel

If you’ve ever wanted to watch a baseball game from your hotel room, then the SkyDome is the place for you. The hotel in center field offers rooms with views of the ballpark and unique way to watch the game.

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Rogers Center Windows Restaurant Sightlines Image Source

Outfield Patio Area

Enjoy the game from this unique open-air standing area that sits right above center field. What used to be a classy restaurant is now a place where fans can get together to watch and cheer on their Blue Jays in a way like never before. All Blue Jay fans should try to make it out to this patio area at least once during their visit to the SkyDome.

Ace and Junior Toronto Blue Jays mascots Image Source

Ace and Junior

Ace is the official mascots of the Toronto Blue Jays and on “Junior Jays Saturdays” is accompanied by Junior. The mascots are a big part of the in-game entertainment and can be seen all around the park, so keep an eye out for Ace and Junior during your trip to Toronto.

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J Crew Toronto Blue Jays Image Source

J-Crew

Be on alert for the J-Crew when attending a Blue Jays game. The J-Crew runs a variety of promotions at the game, so don’t miss if you want to win some cool prizes.

Fight Songs

  1. Ok Blue Jays

    You’ve got a diamond,
    You’ve got 9 men,
    You’ve got a hat, and a bat, and that’s not all.
    You got the bleachers, got ’em from spring ’til fall.
    You got a dog, and a drink, and an umpire’s call.
    What do you want?
    Let’s play ball.

    Is that a fly ball, or is it a seagull?
    Coming in, from the lake, just to catch the game.
    It’s the last inning, our guys are winning.
    Jays throw down a smoker, a strike and you got no doubt. (You’re out)
    What do you want?
    Let’s play ball.

    [Chorus:]
    Ok (Ok) Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
    Let’s (Let’s) Play (Play) Ball (Ball).

    It’s a beautiful evening, fans.
    At the ballpark, when the game starts.
    Warm summer breezes, sun’s going down.
    It’s all dark at the ballpark.
    That’s ok, it’s a nightgame.

    [Chorus:] x2

    Bring on the White Sox,
    Bring on the Bosox,
    Bring on the Angels, the Rangers, and the Yankees too.
    We’ll beat the Indians,
    We’ll beat the Tigers,
    We’ll beat the A’s so bad it’ll make, Billy Blue.
    What do you want?
    Let’s play ball.

  2. Lets Go Blue Jays!

    Lets Go Blue Jays!

    Lets Go Blue Jays!

    Lets Go Blue Jays!

Blue Jays Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Fox

    Phase Dining Entertainment beer

    THE FOX is the perfect spot for a quick. delicious pre-game meal or stay to a watch with the amazing crowd.

    35 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 1J5, Canada

    416-869-3535

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Boxcar Social

    Boxcar Social Whiskey

    Offers a curated, rotating list of coffees from the best roasters in the world.

    1208 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W1, Canada

    416-792-5873

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  3. Amsterdam BrewHouse

    Amsterdam BrewHouse Beer

    Where local craft beer meets local artisan food. 14 beers on tap, there’s something that suits every kind of taste!

    245 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2K9, Canada

    416-504-1020

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  4. Hoops Sports Bar & Grill

    Hoops Sports Bar Grill Beer

    Hoops Sports Bar and Grill is Toronto's premiere venue for all things in the wide world of sports.

    125 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5J 3A8, Canada

    647-343-0783

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  5. Firkin on Harbour

    Firkin on Harbour Beer

    With twenty beers on tap, and a menu that aims to please a wide variety of palates, we offer a comfortable and inviting environment to grab a bite, a casual drink, or to watch the game.

    10 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1R4, Canada

    416-519-9949

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. Real Sports Bar & Grill

    Real Sports

    Experience the most thrilling match-ups played out in supersize at Real Sports Bar & Grill, where bigger the better is our mantra.

    15 York St a, Toronto, ON M5J 0A3, Canada

    416-815-7325

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  7. The Miller Tavern

    beer

    The Miller Tavern offers serious seafood, superb steaks, and sophisticated spirits in a casual, comfortable, urban environment.

    31 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5J 2Z3, Canada

    416-366-5544

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  8. The Loose Moose

    The Loose Moose Beer

    The Loose Moose is a lively bar in downtown Toronto favoured by locals and out-of-towners since 1989.

    146 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1G2, Canada

    416-977-8840

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  9. Steam Whistle Brewing

    Steam Whistle Brewing Beer

    All natural, craft brewed, Canada's Premium Pilsner. Do one thing really, really well.

    255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9, Canada

    416-362-2337

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  10. Bar Hop

    Bar Hop Dinner

    The Bar Hop is a craft beer bar that offers 38 taps with rotating choices, one off-brews and seasonal selections.

    391 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K1, Canada

    647-348-1137

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Panago

    Panago Pizza

    Snack on some great delicious pizza that's surprisingly at the top level!

    120 Lynn Williams St, Toronto, ON M6K 3N6, Canada

    416-310-0001

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  12. Pizza Pizza

    Imos Pizza Pizza

    Pizza Pizza is Canada's number one destination for Hot and Fresh pizza.

    678 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G8, Canada

    416-967-1111

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  13. Taverna Mercatto

    Taverna Mercatto Lunch

    Not only will you be dazzled by the nice interior design of this restaurant but also by their food!

    120 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5J 0A1, Canada

    416-368-9000

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  14. iQ Food

    iQ Food

    We’re rethinking the way food is procured, sold and experienced. our process begins by creating a menu that shifts with the seasons.

    18 York St, Toronto, ON M5J, Canada

    647-340-6892

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  15. E11even

    Eleven caesar salad

    e11even is a restaurant that embraces Toronto's energy in the heart of the sports & entertainment district. Modern, sophisticated and elegant at e11even you will enjoy an unsurpassed dining experience that will dazzle the senses.

    15 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 0A3, Canada

    416-815-1111

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  16. Pizza Rustica

    Pizza Rustica

    We go out of our way to provide you authentic Italian fresh dishes that keep you craving to come back for another bite at Pizza Rustica.

    270 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3P5, Canada

    416-260-0200

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  17. 360 Restaurant

    Three Sixty Restaurant Steak

    360, The Restaurant at the CN Tower, one of Toronto's finest, features unforgettable Canadian cuisine combined with an outstanding revolving view of Toronto more than 350 metres (1,150 ft) below.

    301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6, Canada

    416-362-5411

    Bar website

    american - $$$$

  18. Bardi’s Steak House

    Bardis Steak House Steak

    This smart space at the intersection of Toronto’s entertainment and financial districts — just steps from the Rogers Centre.

    56 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 1S8, Canada

    416-366-9211

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$