This past season we’ve done quite a few ballpark reviews so it seems only fitting that we look at our very own SkyDome/Rogers Centre as the end of the season draws near.
Toronto’s SkyDome was originally built at a cost of $578 million dollars, a multi-purpose stadium intended to replace the lacklustre Exhibition Stadium. Although most of the construction costs were governmentally financed, many private Canadian companies made significant investments in exchange for long term “Skybox” contracts. At the time the stadium was considered incredibly extravagant, featuring the first retractable roof in any stadium. The pairing of the SkyDome with the CN Tower (the world’s tallest free-standing structure at the time) made for the most distinctive urban skyline in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5j6aBIQRQ
The Blue Jays led the league in attendance for the first 4 years the ballpark was open (1990-1993) and exceeded the 4 million mark in the final 3 seasons of that span, breaking AL attendance records. Although many fans “flocked” to see the winning Blue Jays team (50,000 + every night), many came to witness the architectural marvel that was the SkyDome in person.
With the largest-ever video screen in centre field (the JumboTron), a hotel in centrefield, a Hard Rock Café, McDonald’s concessions, Windows Restaurant and the aforementioned first-ever retractable roof (the roof can open or close in 20 minutes), the SkyDome was considered the pinnacle of the modern baseball stadium. Randy Bush of the Minnesota Twins once remarked that taking the field at the SkyDome was like taking the stage at a concert. My, how things have changed.
As Drew at Ghostrunner on First stated after having visited Pittsburgh’s PNC Park:
Why belabour the point that the Rogers Centre is grim concrete toilet bowl …
Excellent sightlines? Not from the concourses.
Modern amenities? Yes, when it was built in 1989. The cheesy, bland cafeteria offerings are bullshit.
I don’t begrudge the Dome for being a relic, I just is. The deadness of the crowd doesn’t impact on the bottom of a bucket feeling of the stadium, the 5 decks travelling some 20 stories high does.
Sadly, in my mind this is the prevailing perception of what the Rogers Centre experience is like among Torontonians. This might be why people are reluctant to attend games.
True, the Dome has aged (now over 20 years old), and yes, it was the tallest stadium in baseball at 310 feet until Miller Park suprassed it at 330 feet. Now that there are swimming pools, ferris wheels & merry-go rounds in ballparks, the SkyDome seems a little stale. However, things began to change in January of 2000 when the Blue Jays owners, Rogers Communications, purchased the SkyDome for a cool $25 million dollars and promptly renamed it the “Rogers Centre.” Immediately renovations began to improve the ballpark. A safer, more aesthetically pleasing playing surface was installed, updated video displays were put in place and various cosmetic changes were implemented. Concessions were improved even hot water was made available in the bathrooms.
First off, let’s talk access. The Rogers Centre is one of the most easily accessible ballparks in MLB. Situated in Toronto’s downtown core, close to the shores of Lake Ontario, the Rogers Centre is within walking distance of Toronto’s main transportation hub, Union Station.
The surrounding neighbourhood is also one of the better ‘hoods in all of MLB when assessing it as a party zone. Although it’s not as good as Petco’s Gaslamp District, it’s close. Although 4 years old and badly needing an update, we covered the Blue Jays Party Zone in this post. Many of the watering holes in the vicinity are full of Jays and the visiting team’s fans pre and post-game. If you are lucky you might even run into this guy, as I did at the Loose Moose:
The exterior architecure of the Rogers Centre isn’t anything to write home about. Predominantly concrete, the Rogers Centre relies on its neighbours and location to help it out.
The CN Tower takes away from the drab design while also matching the grey concrete decor. The structure is large and imposing, but the surrounding area is picturesque and the lake is only a short walk away.
This is the view outside on the 500 level concourse:
It seems a shame to be so close to the lake and not incorporate it into the design of the ballpark somehow. How to go about doing it? I am not entirely sure.
Inside the stadium it is clean and well-lit. Admittedly, the playing field itself is mediocre. The various iterations of Astro & Field Turf, symmetrical dimensions and the feeling of playing baseball in an arena when the roof is closed are all faults of the Rogers Centre baseball experience. Watching baseball when the roof is closed is a truly awful situation, yet I would never advocate an open air stadium given Toronto’s unpredictable climate. Better to have climate-controlled baseball in April than to have to sit through a snowstorm. Perhaps if natural light was able to flow through via the installation of skylights it might alleviate the problem.
As far as sightlines are concerned, being a multi-purpose and circular stadium the Rogers Centre’s seats don’t always face home plate (although the situation is not nearly as bad as San Francisco’s AT&T Park). In a few seats in the corners of the upper deck fans aren’t able to see portions of the outfield, representing a major design flaw (although it only affects a few).
True, as Drew noted in the quote above, the sightlines aren’t great from the concourses (though I would argue this is a minor complaint since patrons don’t go to the game to watch from the concourses). The fact that the concourses are open at all is a major upgrade on many ballparks in MLB. That being said, they are only open on the lower 100 level. The 200 and 500 levels are closed.
Here’s a panoramic view of the ballpark from the 500-level perspective:
After McDonald’s abandoned the Rogers Centre in the mid-1990’s, a food service company called Aramark took over the SkyDome’s food concessions contract. Once they did, bland cafeteria-style offerings became the norm. Until recently, that is. After being pressured by Blue Jays Presidents Paul Godfrey and Paul Beeston, Aramark has increased their food quality and diversity substantially.
My favourite location is the Muddy York Market, just outside section 109. It showcases the cuisine of Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods. Their selections include an in-house smoked and pulled pork barbecue sandwich, classic gyros, souvlaki, specialty pizzas, carved smoked turkey sandwiches, beef and chicken satay, kung pao wraps, sushi boxes, four specialty salads and a traditional Mediterranean platter. But their piéce de resistance is their smoked chicken nachos: tri-coloured tortilla chips loaded with cheddar cheese, smoked BBQ chicken, fresh japapeños and onions. It’s topped off with fresh salsa and sour cream. They are the best nachos you’ll have for $8.50.
Another popular locale is the Roundhouse Carvery and bar, just outside section 122. The carvery features prime rib and turkey. Delicious.
Outside section 134 you will find the Quaker Steak & Lube: an American chain that specializes in Buffalo chicken wings, loaded fries and onion rings. Shopsy’s serves deli sandwiches on fresh-baked artisan breads. Additional concession items that can be had at the Rogers Centre include:
Stadium Hot Dog
Footlong Hot Dog
Grilled Mediterranean Sausage
Pizza Pizza Slice
Blazin’ Burger (with Jalapeño peppers and Monteray Jack Cheese)
Chicken Breast Sandwich
Vietnamese Wrap
Sweet Potato French Fries with Chipotle Dip
Sushi Box
Pasta Bowl
Panini (Ham, Chicken, Veggie)
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Asian Noodle Box
Jumbo Pretzel
Peanuts
Kettle Chips
Caramel Corn
Fresh Popcorn
French Fries
Herb & Garlic Fries
Cotton Candy
Caesar Salad
Greek Salad
Vegetable Pasta Bowl
Häagen Dazs Bars
Drumsticks
Oreo Sandwiches
Soft Serve
Helmet Sundae Cup s
Dibs
Rolo Cone
Sno Cones
Freezies
As well, unlike my misadventure at Anaheim Stadium, you will be able to find an assortment of beverages at the Rogers Centre. Fruitopia, Minute Maid Juices, Milk, Hot Chocolate / Tea, Monster Energy Drinks, Fuse, Vitamin Water and V8.
The beer selection isn’t all that extensive and it is a little pricey ($10.75 for a 20oz draft.) However, some delicious mixed drinks can be had at various stands around the 100 level. They include strawberry daiquiris, Amarula-infused piña coladas, caesars as well as white and red wines.
Those daiquiris and piña coladas go down real easy during those hot weekend afternoon games.
There are a few restaurants in the ballpark: Sightlines Restaurant and Windows Restaurant. Sightlines is an open air restaurant that is perched in centrefield. Windows restaurant is an enclosed restaurant below Sightlines that used to be open to the public but is now open to group bookings only.
Like Petco Park in San Diego, the Rogers Centre has attempted to make an outdoor party patio, although it is a sorry excuse for one. It has the potential to be so much more.
I propose that the Windows Restaurant be renovated in such a way to create an adults-only party zone. It could offer both sit down and standing seating options with bar service. Remove the windows to make it an open-air environment and perhaps crowd noise could be increased. It will attract younger fans to the game at the very least.
The SkyDome hotel is still in existence but has been purchased by hotelier Marriott and branded the Rennaissance Hotel, Toronto. The Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel is the world’s only 4 diamond hotel located in a major league sports and entertainment venue. Of the hotel’s 348 rooms, 70 are field-view and they surround the large scoreboard in centrefield.
For a non refundable $50 sanitation fee, you can even bring your pet to the game – especially since the Blue Jays no longer have the Dog Day at the Ballpark promotion. There is also an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre.
The JumboTron is one of the finest scoreboards in all of baseball. Three stories high, the scoreboard provides excellent resolution using LED technology and is able to display 4.3 trillion colours.
As far as a sense of history of the franchise reflected in the Rogers Centre.. well, there is a little but not a lot. Instead of retiring numbers, the Blue Jays have opted to install a “Level of Excellence.” This is a band above the 2nd deck that honours great Blue Jay players of the past as well as a the late broadcaster Tom Cheek. Included in the level are the architects of the 1992 and 1993 World Series championships, Pat Gillick and current-President Paul Beeston.
The championship banners are hung prominently above the JumboTron, just above a few of the hotel’s field-view rooms.
Like Dodger Stadium, the Rogers Centre features pictures of past players and great moments that line the lowe-level concourse.
Ticket availability isn’t really an issue these days with the Blue Jays struggling to attrract 20,000 fans per game. Unless you are in the upper reaches of the upper deck (where the lights are positioned well below the top of the upper deck, obstructing fan views – the only ballpark designed in this fashion) the 500 level upper deck is a great value play to watch a game. As my colleague (a non-baseball fan) remarked “For $14 a ticket I might as well come to the game every weekend.”
The Blue Jays have the finest team shop out of any ballpark I have visited. The sheer size and selection is almost overwhelming.
New and old styles of jerseys are available for almost every player. Want a customized jersey? No problem. Have any name and number heat-sealed on a Jays jersey and it will be ready for pickup by the 7th inning.
There is also an extensive section of women’s clothing. Roberto Alomar’s own line of clothing is featured prominently as well as game-worn jerseys by former obscure Jays players such as Bill Risley, as seen below:
The team merchandise stands on the concourses are well appointed with almost as many hats as the flagship store. A nice touch is the availabilty of hats from the now-defunct Montreal Expos. There is even a hybrid hat that mixes the red panelling of the Expos hat with the Blue Jays logo.
Without a doubt, the Blue Jays have the worst ushers in all of baseball. We’ve talked about how militant they are before in these parts. Trading up is not an option. Neither is having any fun at the game. Heckling will result in being turfed from the game, as will raising your voice. This is the Rogers Centre’s most pressing need for improvement.
The local fanbase is a topic of much contention. Like LA Dodgers fans, Blue Jays fans are considered uninformed, apathetic and quiet. Although I am loathe to make blanket generalizations, I believe in this case the old adage “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” is true in this case. In my experience, many fans at Jays games are hockey fans using the Jays game as a diversion until the NHL season starts up again. There are many of those guys in the stands proudly sporting Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys and attempting to lead the crowd in chants of “Go Leafs Go.” This is, for the most part, the 18-35 crowd. I find those those older than this age bracket are a different breed; they know the game and are in tune with its nuances. You can generally find these people sitting many rows back in the 500 level with their bag of popcorn and coffee.
Although Jays fans have Cubs and Angels fans beat in the baseball etiquette department, Blue Jays fans are prone to start “the wave” at the most inappropriate times during games. This can be both frustrating and embarassing.
The assumption that Jays fans are “quiet” likely stems from 1992 when Dave Winfield made a plea of Toronto fans, stating that he “wanted noise” in an August interview. This assumption is flawed. Jays fans are as loud as any other in baseball, especially when they feel they have been slighted or any opportunity to voice their displeasure presents itself.
When the ballpark is full and the roof is closed, the cacophony of the fans can be deafening, such as the Canada vs. USA game in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
In addition to having a penchant for boo-ing, Jays fans will ALWAYS get out of their seats and cheer on a 2-strike, 2-out situation:
Especially when the game is on the line:
One unique feature of the Rogers Centre baseball experience is the “World’s Fastest Grounds Crew.”
Tom Cheek, the legendary Jays broadcaster, was the first to give the title to the Jays crew as he watched them race out to groom the infield at Exhibition Stadium.
The 7th-inning stretch is a tonne of fun at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays have their very own song, OK Blue Jays, that is sung directly before Take Me Out To The Ball Game. It has to be the best 7th inning stretch in all of baseball.
A constant at the SkyDome has been the presence of Jays fan and busker “Rick the Drummer.” He’s been outside the Rogers Center since 1989. Here he is in 1989, the first year of the Rogers Centre:
21 years later, not much has changed. Here he is outside the Rogers Centre last weekend:
A nice touch is that during some games he is incorporated into the entertainment experience by playing drums inside the ballpark. Let’s Go Blue Jays!
The Rogers Centre is not the best ballpark in baseball, on that we can all agree. Yet it is far from being the worst. It may not have everything you want but it has everything you need. As long as the roof is open, the Rogers Centre is still a decent place to watch the game of baseball and will likely remain so for years to come. It is a luxury to have the said roof and to not have to worry about any rain delays – a luxury many of us take for granted. For $14, a ticket to a Blue Jays game is still one of the best entertainment values in the city. On a hot summer night with a gentle breeze blowing off the lake with the CN-Tower all lit up and looming over you while OK Blue Jays is playing… there really isn’t anything quite like it.
I’m going to take 50% of an issue with this statement:
Jays fans are as loud as any other in baseball, especially when they feel they have been slighted or any opportunity to voice their displeasure presents itself.
Having been to Seattle and Cleveland recently, Jays fans are completely quiet, and the fact that they get “angry” at a perceived slight is even sadder. Both the Mariners and Cleveland are essentially playing out the string but the fans were supportive and loud during the whole game, cheering offensive AND defensive plays with equal vigour.
Toronto “fans” at the park are good are playing the victim and clutching their pearls, not so good at being actual ball fans.
Although I can’t speak for Seattle, having been to Cleveland’s Progressive Field I can agree that Indians fans are indeed very loud and great baseball fans. To say they are louder than Jays fans on a day to day basis is most likely true.
However, when I compare Jays fans to ones in Detroit, Arizona, LA, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland or even Chicago, the enthusiasm and decibel level exhibited by Toronto fans is about par for the course, maybe a bit better.
Great article. I agree on many things in it, but wanted to point out a couple missed points:
Some games are actually as cheap as $11 — only premium games are minimum $14. So cheap just got cheaper.
Also, wanted to point out that, going to a lot of games, the playlist and sound effects could really use some upgrading. Every game, the exact same songs, chants, cheers, and sound effects are used, and it gets a little tedious for avid fans. Surely there are enough songs in the world to be able to keep it interesting for people who go several times a year. Also, they have a way of starting a crowd and then leaving them in a lurch (ie. when a pitcher is about to pitch)….. instead of fading out, it’s usually an abrupt stop, often without even finishing the chant. It’s jarring to the ears, and the crowd seems to want to give up on joining in after a while, since they must sense the sound could go out at any second. Either finish the chant, or don’t start that round….. Seems like a small detail, but it separates the sound effects from the crowd just enough for them to seem like two entities — when really they should work together.
One other thing that could really improve is the speed of concession service. I don’t even need them to be friendly, but when I’m at a ballgame, it means I don’t want to miss 1-2 full innings trying to get food. I like the selection of food, but think they could try to expand the individual selection of each stand, so you don’t have to run around your level (or go to another level!) to find something other than a hot dog. Last time I went, I think I spent over 30 minutes in line for chicken fingers. They were tasty, don’t get me wrong, but I paid for good tickets; I shouldn’t have to waste so much time in line. On a positive note, they have great sweet potato fries with chipotle dip, and I’m a small eater, so I make use of the cheaper kids’ size hot dog (ie. non-jumbo size, the kind you’d buy in the grocery store).
Other than that, I love my SkyDome (I’ll always call it that!) and love my Blue Jays. I may have a few complaints, but that’s because I come so often to the games, and see room for making the experience even better. 🙂
Go Jays!
That’s an excellent point about the start-stop-start-stop pattern of fan chants. This is the only ballpark I’ve been to that I have witnessed that type of situation.
At the very least, chants could be started during prolonged breaks in play where there is sure to be enough time to get the fans going i.e. mound visits, pitching changes, between innings etc.
Finally, a well-reasoned review of the Dome.
I get tired of listening/reading to knee-jerk “Dome sucks”, “Concrete Mauseoleum”, “Too old” arguments over and over without giving credit where credit is due.
She isn’t perfect, but people don’t realize how lucky we are to have her.
(Yes, I just called a a stadium a ‘she’… it’s how I roll)
Great write up and way overdue on the website. Some points…
You say it is a design flaw that some seats you cannot see corners of the outfield, designers knew this but the opted for a slightly squashed circle shape, more like a rugby ball that a round cirlce for the shape of the seating levels, this brought fans closer in the upper levels while sacrificing the near corner. Flawed if you don’t mind sitting 25-50 ft further from the field.
Also the Windows Restaurant and Hard Rock Cafe and the 200 Level Patio can be great places to meet but need to be overhauled and renovated and made user friendly and not mysterious, closed or tedious in the case of Windows, HRC and Patio respectivley.
True, the benefit of having the upper decks closer to the field outweighs the sacrificed view of a few in the corner outfield seats.
However, much like Wrigley Field or Massey Hall in Toronto, ticket stubs should read “obstructed view” or they shouldn’t be sold at all.
Actually, out of all my Jays games, I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had an obstructed view. Aren’t those blocked off?
And to be fair, even 500 level seating feels like you’re pretty close to the game, so I’m all for whoever made the call 🙂
You can say all you want about any other the character ballparks in MLB or anywhere else but they have absolutely no charm, none, whatsoever if you are trying to watch a game in 33 deg F weather and the wind is blowing. Early April or late September outdoors at Wrigley or Fenway I will take Rogers Centre anyday.
Having said that nothing beats a ballgame outdoors as long as the weather is half decent.
and as such Rogers should be open more.
Fans are not quiet or laid back. Go into the concourse listen and you can tell when there are two strikes on the opposing batter. Tense situations and two out two strikes fans are standing etc…
And after a big inning fans will give team a big ovation and cheer as they take the field. Quiet Blue Jays fans I dont see it.
Written by an admitedly quiet Blue Jay fan……
The 500 level seats are by far the best seats you can get for the price you pay. I’d rather sit there and pay $10 instead of paying over $30 for sitting in the 100/200 level outfield. Depending on the game, I sometimes give myself and upgrade to the 100 level. Pretty easy to do.
To be honest, I think I actually enjoy watching the game from the 200&500 level infield than the 100 level infield; I get to see everything (plays developed, etc).
I can’t stand Jays fans sometime. The last time I went was when the Yankees in town. A group of college students tried hard to get the crowd to do the wave. One of their guys (a bit chubby and decided to go topless) decided to personally chirp every single fan who was wearing a Yankees jersey to the game; He went as far as 4 sections to the left of his original seat and 4 sections to the right to find every single yankees fans and chirp them. He didn’t watch the game at all. A girl from the group tried to get the crowd to chant “Yankees suck” all night long instead of “Let’s Go Blue Jays”
There are also often a group of douchebags who can’t handle their alcohols who decide to use swear words to chirp the other team’s players as well as “Overpaid” while there are a lot of little kids around them.
The best food for their price: Mediterranean sausage, hot dog+fries, sweet potato fries.
Best drink: Free regular size drink from the “designated driver program”. Ask about them at the Guest Services booth. Surprisingly, you’d get a bigger cup from the 500 level concession than the 100/200 level concessions.
I had no idea there was a designated driver program. That’s pretty cool! Much like the 200 level party patio, people need to be made aware.
Good review; I wish the 500 level had better food. Also, not sure if they still do it but it really burned me up when they would sell Red Sox and Yankee pennants outside the Dome before Boston/NY games.
The more I travel the more I realize that the grass isn’t always greener. On Monday I was at the game sitting in the 500s and thought how would I review this stadium.
First thing I did was sit all the way back in my seat to see what way it aimed…right at the mound. Then I looked around for things blocking my view…the only thing was the foul corner (Thinking back to the flag pole in my way in NYC). Then I thought about how comfortable I was…I was dry on a rainy day and watching a game that started on time (unlike sitting in the rain for an hour in Detroit.)
I looked at my foot long hotdog covered in peppers and onions that was $8.25. (Not like the Sauerkrut Dog in Cleveland) I was sitting in a seat I paid $10 for (Thinking of paying over $30 to sit near the top of the bleachers at Fenway). I paid $2.50 to get to the game (Thinking of the $12 to park in Texas).
The people of Toronto don’t realize how good we have it. Sure its made of grey cement, but does lime stone make the game better? Sure there is no statue of Tom Cheek/Joe Carter/Dave Stieb, but there are statues of Ernie Harwell/Tony Gwynn/Nolan Ryan in so many other parks, putting up statues would seem forced.
The Dome may not be perfect but what is. These great parks: PNC, Jacobs, Old Yankee, Fenway, etc all have flaws, but some how they are “character”, while the Dome has eyesores, and distractions.
Next time you are at the game look around and take note of how lucky we are. If we respect what we have we will soon be proud of our out-of-date 30-40-50 year old staudium.
“The Rogers Centre is not the best ballpark in baseball, on that we can all agree. Yet it is far from being the worst.”
This sentence would have a lot more weight if you backed it up with examples. I’m not saying your statement is untrue but it’s just kind of gratuitous to say that there are worse stadiums without naming any of them.
That’s a fair comment. Oakland Coliseum is a worse ballpark than the Rogers Centre. Although I’ve never been to them, Tropicana Field in Tampa and the ballpark that the Marlins play out of are most likely venues not as good as the Rogers Centre. Others that are probably worse include Turner Field in Atlanta and Fenway Park in Boston. For more ballpark reviews, be sure to check out our archives.
Can you tell me what parks are better?
All things being equal (in regards to weather) Petco, AT&T, Dodger Stadium, Chase Field, Comerica, Progressive Field are all better. Angel Stadium is probably on par, it might have a slight edge due to having a natural grass field. I’ll rank all of the ballparks I’ve reviewed this year in a post later on in the season.
I would say my experience at Rogers centre is superior to that of Prog Field.
Grass field does do alot for a ballpark.
So what does make the ultimate ball park, family outing and/or game experience. All things considered including charm, seating, site lines, history, location, food, scoreboard non baseball activites, in game participation, between innings, price, pre post game activites surrounding amenities, transportation etc….
Try putting it all together and build the “perfect park”
I think it is different for everyone. For Early and I, the lack of a party zone in the surrounding neighbourhood is a big factor. A father of 3 wouldn’t give it a single thought. AT&T in San Francisco for me was a great park but the fact the seats were not directed towards home plate impacted my experience negatively in a major way. Some fans may not care.
I don’t really care a lot about what kind of food is available at the park but for others it is the key to their enjoyment. As for beer, if I am forced to drink Canadian or Keith’s I will be miserable, only because I am fancy like that.
There is no chance we would all come to a consensus on what makes the ultimate ballpark/family outing/game experience but it would be fun to try.
We will call this stadium “MUD Field”
I have been to Safeco, Fenway, both in Chicago, Citizens Bank Park, The Jake, Camden and PNC. They all have flaws, mainly pricing and fans. But are all great. What actually makes a good ballpark road trip is the city itself.
I would endure a lot of flaws in order to have the retractable roof. Everytime I see a road game delayed/cancelled because of rain, I’m thankful for the skydome. When I see teams forced to play double-headers, I’m thankful for the skydome. When I see the World Series delayed for an entire week because of weather, I’m thankful for the skydome. Many of us fans live outside of the GTA. When I have to get on the road before 9am on a Sunday morning to get to the game AND I KNOW IT WON’T BE CANCELLED I’m thankful for the skydome. When I see what the Yankees spent for their new single-purpose, weather-exposed softball park, I consider them fools. There are some gorgeous venues in MLB (San Fran, Boston, Baltimore) but none of them do a better job of looking after the FANS than skydome. The 1980’s architecture might be a little drab, but everytime I see it I’m filled with pride.