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.
Traditions
“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
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 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
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Real Sports BarIf you’re looking for the sports bar experience, then a trip to the Real Sports Bar is a must. The bar is filled from wall to wall with TVs meaning you won’t miss any action going on around the sports world. The food here is also incredible as well, but that said one of the drawbacks is you’ll need a reservation if you want to get a table before the game.
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Loose MooseYou won’t find a better place to throw back a few brews before a Jays game than the Loose Moose. The Loose Moose offers tons of beers on tap and even features several baseball-themed beers.
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Hoops Sports Bar & GrillThere is no better place to get rowdy before a Blue Jays game then Hoops Sports Bar & Grill. If you’re looking for cheap beer and a young crowd, then you can’t beat Hoops Sports Bar & Grill.
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Wayne Gretzky’sThere’s nothing more Canadian than stopping by Wayne Gretzky’s before or after a Jays game. Although Gretzky’s is the greatest player in hockey history, he also was a huge baseball fan growing up, albeit of the Detroit Tigers sorry Jays fans.
