Situated right next to the CN Tower and the Air Canada Centre in downtown Toronto, Rogers Centre (formerly known as SkyDome) is a retractable dome stadium that's home to two of the city's major sports teams: Toronto Blue Jays (baseball) and Toronto Argonauts (football - CFL). In addition to sporting events the stadium also hosts a variety of concerts, trade shows and conventions.
Rogers Centre parking
The stadium has underground parking, which can be accessed opposite Gate 8 from Bremner Blvd. Limited accessible parking spots are available on a reservation basis (call Rogers Centre Parking at 416-341-3004). To save money on parking, good alternatives are to park in the office buildings north of the stadium or towards the lake south of Lake Shore Blvd. or east of Yonge Street. The walk is about 10 to 15 minutes.
Hotels near Rogers Centre
For the ultimate in convenience it's possible to stay the night in the hotel attached to the stadium, the Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel. Being right downtown there are plenty of other options to choose from all within a short walking distance, including the luxurious Fairmont Royal York, SoHo Metropolitan, Hyatt Regency and Radisson Hotel Admiral.
Seating at Rogers Centre
The best seats are typically on the first and second levels behind home plate and along the infield base lines. The 500 section is the cheapest and the seats are quite high up, but the view from the 524 section behind home plate gives a fairly good view if sitting in the first few rows. Alcohol is prohibited in the family sections (141/142. 237/238 and the first 14 rows of 520/521).
Food at Rogers Centre
Rogers Centre has put together a variety of concessions to appeal to all tastes, including Pizza Nova, Shopsy's, King Club and Muddy York Market. The latter reflects Toronto's rich multicultural diversity with its mix of ethnic foods. Rogers Centre is also home to Sightlines, a restaurant and bar that offers a view of the field from the table.
Beer at Rogers Centre
Toronto is known as the one of the most expensive ballparks for beer, charging $7.50 for a small cup of domestic draft or $10.50 for a large. The stadium also doesn't have much of a selection of beer considering the explosive growth of craft breweries in the province.
Parking alternatives at Rogers Centre
Being located right downtown there are multiple public transit options. An efficient way to go to the stadium is to take the TTC subway, getting off at Union Station and doing the easy 10 minute walk along the designated Skywalk route.
What to bring to Rogers Centre
Because it's a retractable dome stadium, a rain jacket is not required, but if it's a sunny day sunblock could be a necessity depending on your seating. Toronto can also get chilly, particularly in the spring and fall evening games, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket and seat cushions.
Insider tip for Rogers Centre
Though Rogers Centre doesn't allow tailgating, they do have Summer Friday Fan Festivals that occur on a biweekly basis in July and August. These events happen outside gates 10/11, running from 4:30 p.m. to first pitch. Presented by Bacardi, there's live entertainment, interactive games, prizes and special guests. Those 19 or older can visit the Bacardi Cabana to sample Bacardi products.
UB Hawthorn grew up in Toronto regularly visiting Rogers Centre to see his favorite team, the Toronto Blue Jays. He moved away from the city in 2007 and has been travel-living in various parts of the world ever since. He publishes his transformative travel stories on The Mindful Word and has collected his practical travel advice in the guided travel journal/trip planner, Journeybook.