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Rogers Centre
Category: Arts & Entertainment Stadiums & Arenas Stadiums & Arenas [Edit]
1 Blue Jays WayToronto, ON M5V 1J4
Neighbourhoods: City Place, Entertainment District
(416) 341-3663
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
84 reviews for Rogers Centre
84 reviews in English
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Review from Jay M.
Toronto, ON
5/21/2012
Went to the Jays game yesterday for the first time in at least 15 years.
While the $11 beers do add up quickly, at least the service at the bar area was relatively fast. I actually liked that there was a little bar area that you could actually stand in to watch the game and stretch your legs before heading back to the confines of the cramped stadium seating. I'm not sure if every level has that but the 200s did and it worked rather well.
I also was surprised and impressed with the food varieties available. Yeah, its not cheap, but jerk chicken nachos ($9) and thai chicken wraps ($8)? Awesome! I remember this place being all hot dogs, pizza and McDonalds restaurants.
Parking on site was only $30 (don't worry, we had a designated driver) which seemed like a fair deal considering they were even charging $20 west of Spadina on Front St. Pretty sure even Green P parking in the area for 4 hours would be $20. And more surprisingly, it didnt take an hour to get out of the lot at the end.
Oh yeah, and there was also a baseball game going on which I guess was pretty cool.
So while to me this place will always be the SkyDome, it was good to be back to the building now called the Rogers Centre, and if proposed with another opportunity to sit with the roof open on a sunny day and taking part in the occasional wave while drinking some cold (overpriced) beers? I'm definitely up to the task again. -
Review from Edward S.
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Rogers Centre, aka SkyDome, was a modern marvel when it was built. Since then, the entire stadium dynamic has changed in baseball. It used to be, who could have the most futuristic, multifaceted building around. Then, in 1992, it all changed with Camden Yards.
Since then, until Miami's stadium, it was all about retro. Exposed brick, single use facilities, harkened back to the old days of baseball, leaving SkyDome as an anomaly.
That doesn't mean I'm not a fan of the place. As a lifelong Blue Jays fan stuck in Maryland for my entire existence, I marvel at SkyDome and all that it has to offer. The roof was and is an amazing piece of equipment. I especially enjoy watching it open during a game in the summertime.
But as a pure baseball fan, the stadium leaves a lot to be desired. The astroturf time has come and gone, but you'll still find the ridiculous seams running throughout the field. Most of the great places in SkyDome have closed, including the Windows Restaurant & HardRock. I remember when it used to have "North America's Largest McDonalds" too.
There are some good food choices in the stadium still, and the ability to get a wide variety of food is something that the stadium does well. I'll continue to come see my Jays at the Rogers Centre whenever I can, but if at some time they decide to put real grass in there, I certainly won't be complaining.
PS, as an American, my favorite thing about the place? The ushers usually don't let people walk down the aisles in the middle of an at bat. How awesome is that? In Baltimore, everyone and their mother seem to want you to move so they can sit down with their Boog's right while you are trying to watch a pivotal play. -
Review from Tim S.
Etobicoke, ON
3/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Rogers Centre can be a decent place to watch a baseball game. I am a season ticket holder of the Jays, and have been to a few concerts and soccer games. The 500 deck can be nice on a hot summer day with the roof open and beer in hand!
Yes, it can be expensive to eat and drink. Welcome to attending mass public events in Toronto. This shouldn't come as a surprise. -
Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
4/24/2012 5 photos
Not a fan of sports, so I am not really reviewing this place for its intended form. But this place is amazing for concert venues with the roof open. Especially during late summer/early autumn cool evenings. It's a huge open place, so it's different from stuffy venues with poor ventilation. Everything sounds much better, and your ears don't hurt as much after the show.
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
2/17/2012
Rogers Centre not only the landmark of the Toronto's Waterfront, it also has really sentimental value to me personally.
My first Blue Jays game, and numerous games after that..
First time to catch a foul ball... yet to catch another one!
First time to bring my dog to attend a baseball game!
Aside from baseball, I been to numerous concerts at Rogers Centre over the years.
I know I will be back again for other events for many years to come!Listed in: February 2012 Challenge!
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Review from C.B. S.
Toronto, ON
4/23/2012
I've been a baseball fan all my life; been to the majority of MLB parks; and have been to Rogers Centre countless times since it opened. Back then, it was a marvel of technology. Now it's probably the last stadium advertising "Astroturf". Apparently there's a market to advertise that.
I've been to three games this year, and thought I'd write a review due to the increasingly lousy service over the past several years throughout the ballpark. While Rogers has attempted to work with the dated 1980s style building, it seems Aramark and stadium service quality has declined to the point where I greatly miss the original McDonald's concessions in the park.
First off, as far as sports or entertainment venues go, this is the worst place to get beer. If it's a popular game, expect wait times of about an hour. While vendors come around, in level 500, they'll sell out the beer in the entry to the aisle, without a chance to hit the stands. They put a one-beer-a-person-limit on opening day at level 500, and still have a limit for fans in their seats in level 100. Perhaps that's why so many fans are showing up to the games already drunk, defeating the presumed intended purpose.
As for food, other than popcorn, I have yet to see any vendor selling anything in seats during games, even in level 100. I had a pulled pork sandwich from an upscale-looking 100 level concession. Worst sandwich ever, managing to be over-cooked, but still not hot. Here's a tip - unless they've changed their policy in recent years, they let you bring in food, as long as it's in a bag. You're better off going to nearby Burrito Boyz.
You can't blame Aramark for the bad service and food - they do a good job in stadiums in America and the nearby Air Canada Centre. That's why I have to assume Rogers is exercising the same quality customer service that we've all come to expect from Rogers cable, telephone, and cellular service.
As for baseball, service is superior at all of the American parks I've been to. I especially recommend Wrigley Field, PNC Park, and the new Yankee Stadium. -
Review from Coy W.
11/25/2011
I wanted to start my review with a dear Rogers, I hate you for everything that you are. However renaming the Skydome to the Rogers Centre made you officially dead to me!
The Skydome is a pretty damn cool stadium but it's definitely dated. I've been here for concerts, Blue Jays games, car shows, UFC last year and Bills games. The venue is large, it's easy to walk up and down the ramps and it has a retractable roof!!! The Skydome is at a convenient location with transit that stops in and around the stadium. Like all stadiums everything is overpriced. The seating isn't what I'd consider cozy but most stadiums I've been to aren't. The thing I really like is that I've sat in nice and crappy seats here and even in the crappy seats it's not as bad or obstructed as some other arena's and stadiums I've been to were it's next to impossible to see things.
I like the stadium but compared to the 100,000+ capacity stadiums I've been to were you can really feel the electricity and vibe inside, I don't really feel it inside the Skydome. I don't know if it's stadium acoustics or a fan base thing but when I was at the UFC I noticed it as it wasn't as loud as the Bell Centre but definitely louder than when I was at a UFC at the Staples Center both of which are arenas that seat half the people the Skydome does. -
Review from Maheen M.
9/20/2011
Relative to other stadiums in North America, the Rogers Centre is a descent venue. Hello, it has a retractable roof!
I have been to the Rogers Centre every season for a couple Blue Jays game and I have to say that they have improved the food selection in the 100 level. You can now get a variety of choices versus the lame hot dogs or pizza that they had years back.
As for atmosphere, not as cozy as the other stadiums but you feel the electricity in the air when the stadium is filled. The Jumbotron is visible to 85% of the stadium unless you sit right under it.
I am proud to call the Rogers Centre a Toronto icon. You will have to make the judgement for yourself and visit if you have not been! -
Review from Lilliane G.
Toronto, ON
8/29/2011
Brought my 6-year old nephew, my sister and brother-in-law to Rogers Centre to take in a Jays game over the weekend.
We had great seats in the lower level, close to the field. My nephew had an absolute blast. The beer and snack guys were always nearby and we wanted for nothing. Sure the beer and snacks are pricy, but you have to expect to pay a premium. You're at a sporting event, it is what it is.
Our seats were comfortable and the bathrooms clean. Sure, this place is starting to show it's age, but it's still a pretty spectacular venue.
We stopped into the gift shop before and after the game and picked up a few souvenirs.
Overall, it was a pretty good experience and seeing the expression on my nephew's face was priceless. -
Review from Lucas T.
9/10/2011
I'm sorry to read most fans were not impressed with the Sky Dome, but the dome is what it is. The dome was constructed in the late 1980's and was one of the first of it's own for a retractable roof. How many other parks at the time, had the same idea? How many? I didn't think so.
I always love coming here. The air is always clean, and the facilities are cleaner. Staff is always friendly and helpful. I have been to other domed stadiums, metrodome, tropicana field, carrier field, they don't compare to the Sky Dome.
The seats are a little cramped, hence the 4 star selection, but I miss this place every time I leave the great city of Toronto.
Give the Sky Dome a break .... it's old as you, if not older. It's not a brand new park, but give it kudos for keeping up with the times. Instead of every other city, who needs a brand new park every week, take this place for what it is and stop whining. -
Review from Kevin N.
2/18/2012
Big. Enormous. Huge. Adjective. That's all that comes to mind about this park. Everything about the place is big. They can't call it a ballpark because that would be false advertising. There are some good seats in this monstrosity, but you'd better make sure you're close to the field, or you'll spend most of the day watching the game on the big screen (did I mention it's big?).
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Review from Lance W.
6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Sky Dome is really starting to show its age... It is immediately obvious that the Sky Dome is a relic from another era when massive slabs of concrete were en vogue. If Rogers Centre were anywhere other than Toronto it would be deemed insufficient for MLB standards and the team would be lobbying for a new stadium.
The fact that the Sky Dome is in the middle of the tourist area of Toronto with the CN Tower next door and countless restaurants, clubs and attractions within a few blocks make a game at the Sky Dome an enjoyable experience. It's too bad that the Hard Rock Cafe closed because that was a fun place to grab lunch/dinner/drinks during a game.
I've been going to the Sky Dome since the mid 90's and remember the awe with which a viewed it on my 1st visit. Unfortunately for the sky dome, Camden Yards in Baltimore opened and changed the way that baseball stadiums are now architect-ed and changed the expectations that MLB spectators have of a great ballpark.
Rogers Centre was stop # 16 on my MLB park tour with my 8 year old son. He summed it up well by saying that there is a lot of fun stuff around the ball park but not much going on inside.... -
Review from Lexi B.
7/25/2011
I'm a spoiled brat: AT&T Park has spoiled me rotten. And although comparing the Skydome to AT&T park is like comparing apples to lychees (or some other exotic, delicious fruit), for $15 CAD, you can't beat an evening of baseball. FOURTEEN F-ING INNINGS of baseball.
Naturally in the $15 price-range you get some serious nosebleed, krunked-fans, and I-might-fall-over-myself-onto-the-field seats. I'm not a seat connossoiur, nor do I consider myself a die-hard fan. Was I able to clap along with an organ playing? Yep. And did I buy and overpriced beer? Totally. Did I shameless try to get on the jumbo-tron? You betcha (never gets old).
Great game. Cheap seats. Empty stadium.
PS I went to the game with some of my colleagues, one from India and one from Romania. Try explaining baseball to them. Or even better, try explaining the purpose of "the wave".Listed in: Party of One, Toronto
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Review from Steve M.
8/22/2011
I always wanted to check out the Skydome as soon as it was built. No more rainouts thanks to a retractable dome. Ingenious! And it only takes 30 minutes to open/close.
Touring Toronto for a couple of days, we caught the Blue Jays/Mariners game at the the Rogers Centre (formerly Skydome). It's conveniently located downtown next to the CN Tower. It didn't rain but ,due to the intense heat, the dome ceiling was closed and air-conditioning turned on. Quiet crowds. At times, I felt I was inside a huge warehouse. Anyhow, the action on the field was intense. Blue Jays pulled out a win despite a game-tying Mariner grand slam in the final at-bats.
Day game started at 12:30pm and there were plenty of empty seats. But hey only 22 CAD per ticket. Not bad for a MLB game. -
Review from Ben H L.
7/6/2011
Rogers Centre was my last stop on a baseball roadtrip through the area and the day that I went, it was super hot...I baked like a piece of toast out in the upper 500 section behind home plate. I quickly navigated over to cooler shaded areas as there were no ushers in the area that were checking tickets.
In terms of food, they did sell this cool can of Jack and Coke combination. My friend loved it so much that she went back down for another one. As for food, I didn't buy any as I noticed on my walk to Rogers from my hotel, there were plenty of food trucks that sold sausages, fries, burgers, and drinks at far much lower prices than Rogers Centre's concession stands. I got an italian sausage for $5 at the carts and it was damn good and with water to tide me over, I got a bratwurst after the game from another cart. Ah nothing beats having a decent meal at a decent price. Oh and the carts took US Dollars so no need to exchange my cash for CAD.
Not likely that I'll come back for another Blue Jays game as it took forever to get to the 100 Mezzanine level from my seat. I missed three innings just walking around and getting food. -
Review from John M.
Toronto, ON
5/23/2011
One of the two or three worst stadiums in Major League Baseball. The SkyDome was built in the late 80s and fulfills the utilitarian, brutalist ethos of stadium design dating back to the cookie-cutter cement bowls of the 60s and 70s. The retractable dome and location just beside the CN Tower hint at the Rogers Centre trying to be some sort of futuristic artifact but the execution fails on almost every level. If the 'Dome was designed just a few years later it would have come after Camden Yards, the first of the retro asymmetrical stadiums that actually have personality and modern amenities.
Although the name change from SkyDome to Rogers Centre can never be forgiven, at least with Rogers owning the building baseball comes first. Initially, the building gave the same consideration to the Auto Show, CFL football and monster truck rallies as it did to the Blue Jays, it's primary tenant. Now baseball comes first, although some of the seats along the first and third base lines in the 100 level still point more toward centre field than home plate.
They've upgraded the screen and cleaned up the concourses but the stadium still has the greatest of sins in baseball - greater than juicing or stealing signs. The Rogers Centre has artificial turf. Even the Minnesota Twins, situated much further north than Toronto, now play on grass. But not the Blue Jays. Ruined knees and visible seams are the legacy of the decision to build this hulking multipurpose dome who's two primary tenants play mostly in the summer (MLB regular season runs April to September, CFL runs July to November).
And the food! The SkyDome has some of the worst food in all of professional sports. Again, Camden Yards in Baltimore started the trend of having a signature dish. And now almost every team in baseball has something, often regional, always at the ballpark that makes the food stand out. Even the late (and horrible in every other way) Stade Olympique in Montreal had hand-sliced smoked meat sandwiches for sale. The SkyDome's culinary claim to fame: during the World Series days it was McDonalds. Yes, we had a McDonalds under the dome. Whoop-dee-doo! But with the attendance crash of the late 90s the McDonalds closed shop. For a while food options peaked with chicken fingers.
Now the Rogers Centre has tried to improve the food options during the game. During the most recent game I attended (and I've been to at least 50) we decided to try out the Muddy York Market before heading up to our seats in the 500 level. I got a beef brisket sandwich which was the sweetest meat sandwich I have ever eaten.Literally. The sauce on the beef was all sugar with zero kick. The bread was...not mediocre. My partner opted for the Yaki stir-fry which cost around $12. At first we were super excited. Unlike my surprisingly light $10 sandwich with no sides the stir-fry container felt hefty as we carried it up the endless ramps to the upper deck. Then she had a bite. Stale-tasting rice. Hard veggies that seemed both over and undercooked at the same time. I was hoping for, at the very least, mall-level stir-fry. This was buffet level dreck.
Here's to the Blue Jays and their fans who have to suffer through one of the worst stadiums in professional sports. i'd just tear the whole thing down and start over. -
Review from Sandra T.
Toronto, ON
7/6/2011
Came to the Rogers Centre twice for baseball games courtesy of the bosses at my husband's work.
We were treated to box tickets so it was quite a nice treat :) The first time we went (in the fall), our suite was quite large with a big couch shaped like a baseball mitt. There were white leather couches and it was gorgeous! The second time (in the spring) we went, the suite seemed smaller and darker and there was no cool baseball mitt couch.
On both occasions, the food was mediocre to poor. The highlight of the meal was at the end when the hostesses passed around haagen dazs ice creams. The hostesses are incredibly friendly and hospitable. Although it is nice to be able to enjoy a game from a box suite - especially if you have a baby who wants to crawl or run around, I am not sure I would be willing to spend our hard earned dollars on such tickets - especially since the food was not that special.
P.S. There are a lot of credit card companies trying to earn your business with free gifts. I received a free blue jays blanket!!! -
Review from Tony F.
5/5/2011 2 photos
Like the old Flavian Amphitheater or better known as the Colosseum in Rome, the Rogers Centre is capable of seating 50,000+ spectators, and while the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on classical mythology our current concrete jungle plays host to our modern day gladiators who bring their ply of lumber to bat and leather gloves, and the tanks of human beings who toss around the skins of pig to try and reach from one end to another. It is also the temporary one night home to many of the shrieking celebrity act du jours and most recently to the blood hunting gladiators of the ultimate fighting championships.
Whether you love or hate these spectacles, these arenas plays host to the backdrop of every key moment that is the soul that unites a city. And in a city like Toronto, these are very rare occasions as we must reach back to 1993 when the last time some joyous words mouthed by the now deceased voice of our baseball team Tom Cheek, "Touch them all Joe, you will never hit a bigger home run in your life" to enshrine them into city folk lore, where legends and heroes are created and or as likely reach an immortal state of infamy. The building provide the backdrops that are forever frozen in time and cherished by the clans who were either there or watched it on television, or captured by photos.
As a foodie, I understand you may or most likely not care about such events, but these proceedings account for a large part of our cities psyche and how we view ourselves. These arenas are an important part of the fabric and maybe even more important to our cultural communities than the like of the museums, the galleries, the opera house or the general architecture as it is more accessible to the general populace, and much less snoot.
I have traveled across the world visiting such places and admiring them and trying to identify its historic place in the sporting culture. I've been to old tiger stadium before it was demolished, old Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wriggly field, Candle Stick park, Montreal Forum new and old, buffalo arena, the Scotiabank arena in Ottawa, the American Airlines arena in Miami, Giants stadium new and old, and even Stade de France and Wembly over seas.
And although it's hard to pinpoint what is exactly wrong with the Rogers Centre, it is quite simply a bit soulless in its perfect nature. From the perfectly architectured circle with great sight lines from every seat, to the perfectly controlled atmosphere topped by the moving roof that is able play mother nature with the temperance in weather. It's all too much like a stepford wife, and over time you get creeped out by the zombie likeness of this park. From the too good to be true fake grass, to quiet drone of the HVAC system. It's all just a little to fake and a little too imperfectly perfect.Listed in: Date night
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Review from Lizz M.
8/23/2011
Yikes. Much like the Rogers Centre, my review isn't anything special. There really aren't any parts of this ballpark that make it stand out among others, making it pretty forgettable. The floors were sticky, the seats were narrow to get in and out of, and there was nothing that really stood out food-wise.
Its redeeming qualities include cheap seats and a nice view of the CN tower from the 500 levels. -
Review from Eric B.
5/1/2011
I've been here at for a Blue Jays game or 2 over the years and enjoyed the experience, even though I don't like domed stadiums or artificial turf. However, the sliding roof is kind of cool.
Skydome is convenient from Downtown and right next to the CN Tower. You can also stay overnight here via the Hotel that shares the outfield with the Stadium. And during the baseball off season, there's always the Argonauts of the CFL to enjoy. -
Review from Jeremiah L.
Toronto, ON
7/25/2011
As much as I'd love to say the Rogers Centre is a great baseball experience, it just isn't these days. Maybe it's because I've experienced the amazing new ballparks like San Francisco's AT&T Park, but the Rogers Centre is built for a football team and concert. We're unlikely to see a new stadium in the next couple of decades in Toronto, because Rogers own the stadium and team, which makes it a sweet deal for them.
As for the Rogers Centre itself, the best part is it's within walking distance from most of downtown, and there's plenty of transit nearby. Even if you're coming from around the GTA into Union Station, it's easily accessible. Hanging around the ballpark, even just to people watch is entertaining, but there's not a lot of green space except for the CN Tower side.
Inside the ballpark, they manage to keep it relatively clean. You can see a bit of age on the stadium, and all the seats are not exactly the best. The 'nose bleed' section does give you a good view though, and it's the best bang for your buck most nights.
Concessions are what you'd expect from most ballparks, expensive. Some venues don't exactly look like they keep up with cleanliness standards you'd hope for, but then you visit the washrooms during the 7th inning stretch and are reminded it could be worse.
For cheaper tickets during the year, it's worth venturing down to take in a game, or two. But I long for the day when we have a real baseball stadium in Toronto, over looking Lake Ontario, and we can smell fresh cut grass before the first pitch. -
Review from Adam B.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Is is too much to ask for an American wanting to sample some Canadian beer to be able to be presented with something other than Bud products???!!!
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Review from Hideki K.
7/3/2011
The Sky Dome: From Best to Worst in 20 Years.
Back in the early 1990's the Sky Dome was a state of the art baseball complex! (Note: I refuse to call this place the "Rogers Centre". Sky Dome all the way! Down with the commercialisation of sports complexes.) When I closely followed the Jays during their epic World Series Championships years of 1992-1993, this stadium drew the envy of all MLB cities, baseball teams, and fans. A stadium with hotel rooms overlooking the field?! A retractable dome?!
I had this wonderful image of the Sky Dome... until when I actually went to see a game back in April when the Yankees were in town.
The dome was closed, so there was no open air view of the cityscape. The stadium is perfectly round with identical symmetrical dimensions. Then it hit me. The era of the throwback stadiums, initiated by Camden Yards in Baltimore in 1992, had not begun yet when the Sky Dome was designed and constructed. This was a "cookie cutter" stadium that just happened to have a cool dome covering to it. Watching a game here reminded me of my hatred of cookie cutter fields and stadiums. They take the personality out of the field and the making it very socialist conformist. Honestly, when viewing a game at a cookie cutter stadium, you can't even tell what city you're in because the field looks identical and the skyline is not visible.
On top of this, the turf is artificial and blatantly obvious. You can tell from all the lines and the color of the turf. They don't spend much care or effort into making the field even remotely resemble grass.
The stadium is cavernous. You are so distanced from the game. The rows are lined up at such a steep angle too, just to maximize attendance.
Toronto needs a new stadium badly. I hope when they do decide to build it, it remains in the same area by the Lake. I'm sure the Sky Dome cost a lot to build and they probably have yet to recoup their costs, but without a new field, it will be hard to attract star free agents and improve the product on the field.
If you can stomach all this, then take a look here to view the Toronto Blue Jays home schedule:
http://toronto.bluejay...Listed in: Yelpwide - Best MLB Baseball…
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Review from Rich L.
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is so old and rickety. Seats are small. There's only one jumbo tron that you can't see from several seats. Concessions & washrooms are far a few between.
Disclaimer: Most recent visits have been to Petco Park in San Diego, American Airlines and Cowboys Stadium (the Death Star) so the bar is high. -
Review from Angela C.
1/15/2011
At the time of this review, I've been to 21 out of the 30 current MLB stadiums. Rogers Centre is one of my least favorite. It has some neat features like the dome (Skydome, as it was originally named) and the hotel room windows overlooking the field. But, nothing spectacular here. In fact, I hated my seats which were in the outfield 100 level. The view wasn't all that great from there, even though I thought they were supposed to be decent seats. The food options weren't even that good either.
What sucked even more (but has no bearings on the # of stars on this review, I promise) was that the Yankees lost the game I went to back in 2008. Not only that, AJ Burnett pitched a hell of a game to beat the Yankees. So, as a classic Yankee move, we brought the guy on to our team (if you can't beat 'em, buy 'em), and now he's sucking. Come on AJ, have a better 2011 season please!Listed in: MLB Stadium Tour
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Review from Nick S.
7/2/2011
A great venue for a baseball game. Perhaps it's because of the retractable dome, but the cheap seats seem to be a lot closer to the field than most parks, and that basically means you're guaranteed a great view.
The foot-long hot dogs they have at the concession stands are absolutely unbelievable. Better than any dog I've had in any ballpark, and that includes Dodger Dogs.
However the drinks are crazy expensive. $4 for a Coke isn't awful, but $10.25 for a "large" beer (that is no civilization's definition of large) is ridiculous. The small beers, which in an adult's hand looks like a child's cup, are $7.25.
They do seem to give out lots of free Stella and Coke Zero after the game though, so I suppose it all balances out in the end. -
Review from Sean D.
6/1/2011
While in Toronto I got the chance to catch the Sox vs Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. It is a large stadium and rather soulless compared to Fenway. That being said, its a nice place to see a game and you can sit behind the plate for less than you pay to park at Fenway ($60.00). You can always get a seat game day and they sell the beers in 16oz aluminium bottles and don't pour it in plastic cups.
If you are in the area you can get in the gate for $15 so even if you aren't a huge baseball fan its a good take -
Review from Kevin B.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is a concrete monstrosity. They should tear it down post haste.
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Review from Julie D.
11/14/2010
I had wanted to visit the Skydome for years. I am a basketball fan and I really liked the idea of getting a court view suite. So, when we planned a summertime visit, I just had to come here to see a baseball game. Plus, this is baseball park #4 on our quest to see all the parks in MLB.
Roger's doesn't rate very high on the "best baseball park's" list. But I really like it anyway. Any park with a strawberry daiquiri machine is a great park to me. Maybe I need to set my standards a little higher.... Also, they have the best chicken nachos EVER!
Love the huge video board. And it's cool that the layout can be changed for baseball or concerts. Fascinated by the retractable roof. All in all, I think it's a great park!Listed in: Take Me Out To A Ball Game!
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Review from Keith C.
11/22/2010
I do not care if this place is now called the Rogers Centre. I am, will and have always been calling this the Skydome and that is how it is and should be referred to. When it first opened, the Skydome was one of the first indoor and outdoor parks. The sliding roof opens up on a nice summer day and closes in the case of rain. When the Blue Jays were actually doing well back in the early 90's (seems like such a long time ago) the stadium was completely packed and filled to capacity. Nowadays, they have a hard time getting fans into the seats. Most of the nosebleed seats are now closed off because tickets have become so cheap that you can get a good third base seat for very little. Back in the days, you could get a nosebleed seat for the same price.
Beers are nice and cold but are extremely expensive. As is the food. I think the Skydome has one of the more expensive food and beverages in baseball.
I've always considered this place a home to me.
Best memory: Being there when Joe Carter hit the game winning World Series home run and the entire place just erupted. -
Review from Taylor O.
9/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Jays are pretty decent; this home run thing is awesome. The location, with CN tower looming, is of course, pretty cool. And the Renaissance hotel that I'd read about "incidents" occuring viewable from the stands... great idea and it was the highlight of my evening. Upon arriving, I sat down and promptly checked the Jumbtron TV for stats; to the left of the players profile picture (his eye specifically) was a girl in black panties standing in full view. Admittedly, it was pretty far away; but to her: Cheers!
The fans were enthusiastic, waving their white flags (really? those are for surrender) for each of several home runs. The fans here were nice and enthusiastic but seriously we're twenty to thirty THOUSAND short. Once an owner that acts less like a philanthropist eventually takes over, the team will be forced to kiss T.O. goodbye. Something needs to be done prior to that. You have two choices for a modern ballpark; stay classic and cultivate the authenticity, smells and focus on the game or add amenities around activities, food, party decks, different seating options, packages and then market it well (hire any college sports marketing grads currently working successfully at minor league ball parks). I've lived in several cities with far worse teams and they draw far more people and fun. For our future enjoyment, lets try to encourage the city to enjoy and be excited about the Jays! -
Review from Dishan W.
A prominent mark in the Toronto skyline! Not only does it hosts the Jays and the Argos (and the occasional NFL and even football games), I've been to the Rogers Centre for The International Autoshow and Disney on Ice, and it hosts such a variety of other events (Monster Truck Shows?!?!).
Sure food is overpriced and the beer is a sin to pay for, but this place deserves 4 stars more for being able to bring big events to Toronto, having a hotel on site (yet to stay on it though) and not overcharging fans for baseball tickets!! (In comparison to what MLSE does).
The location is great and always give yourself more time than you think if walking from Union because whatever you think, the Skywalk is still a bit longer than you remember.
Here's my main motivation for reviewing this place written to the tune for "Take me out to the ball game"!
Take me out to the Skydome
I hope the roof is open
Buy me some ice cream on baseball hats
Even the $10 beer is fab
Let us walk, walk, walk, up the ramp
If I have some breath left it's a shame
Jays hit one, two, three homeruns
And it's all great fun! -
Review from Kenny L.
9/10/2010 1 photo
SkyDome is an odd place. On one hand, it is a dead end in the evolution of sports venues in North America. It is the best multi-purpose stadium around, but there are only two other multi-purpose stadiums in North America (Oakland Coliseum and Landshark/Joe Robbie/ProPlayer Stadium) and those will be single purpose soon.
On the other hand, when it was built, it bucked a trend to locate a stadium in the deep suburbs, this being in the heart of Toronto. In a way, SkyDome both out of date and ahead of its time. If replaced the field turf with grass, the concrete with brick and make it baseball only, this would not be unlike Camden Yards, Pac Bell Park or any of the new ballparks constructed in the last 15 years.
Still concessions were good, sightlines were pleasant The concourses were a little bit narrow. This place has been maintained well and the game day experience is very good. When the roof is closed, the place is an echo chamber, feels more like a hockey or basketball game than a baseball game.Listed in: Sports Venues
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Review from Kat F.
Sadly I only learned at the END of the baseball season that they allow outside food as long as it's wrapped, bagged or in a container.
I dunno about you, but to me that screams "GANDHI ROTI!!!" so I picked up a couple of them and handily made my way past security and enjoyed quality, (relatively) affordable food while watching the Jays win for a change.
You can also bring in cans, glass bottles and drinks in containers smaller than 600mL. According to that rule, cans of pop or regular sized water bottles are OK. No longer shall I fall victim to the outrageous prices or the long lineups at the concession stands. For the 2010 season, I'll be readier than ever.
(as per the official FAQ here: http://www.rogerscentr...)Listed in: Concert Venues
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/7/2009
I remember filling out a ballot in 1988 to vote on a name for Rogers Centre, and back then I picked… Read more »
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Review from Miriam W.
4/25/2009
I hopped off a flight from New York to discover whipping winds in Toronto and I immediately found myself wishing I had brought my long underwear for the Blue Jays game I was due at that night.
Then the good news came - Rogers Centre has an enclosed dome and they heat it! My entire mood shifted automatically.
We indulged in all the requisite baseball accoutrements: beer (Alexander Keith's from Halifax, Nova Scotia), peanuts and nachos. Since most of my baseball game experiences have occurred in San Francisco, I definitely missed being able to get garlic fries - a staple snack during Giants games.
All in all, I had quite a pleasant time watching the Jays play. And seeing them beat Texas was terrific!Listed in: Travel Guide to Toronto
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Review from kelly h.
Toronto, ON
6/16/2011
The desire to eat everything will certainly be strong when you visit the SkyDome, especially when the couple in front of you is taking a baseball stadium culinary tour. But RESIST, unless you are a fan of these sorts of items:
- cold, butter-free pretzels
- ten-dollar Budweiser
- floppy pizza
Ice cream in a plastic hat looks okay, but really, you might want to save a couple dollars and get a twisty-cone on Front St after the game. -
Review from Lynda W.
Toronto, ON
10/22/2008
The name change from Skydome to the Rogers Centre still has not sunk in yet, and how long has it been??? hmmmn, yeah i'm a tad slow! Rogers Centre is home to the Toronto Blue Jays, who circa 1993, actually used to be good.. But anyhoo, this isn't a review about the Blue Jays, but about their home base.
I like the Rogers Centre. Its looks like a golf dome on steroids and though it's not the prettiest exterior, or even interior, there's something magical about it. The last time I went to the Rogers Centre was for a work function. The thing I'm not thrilled about is the uncomfortable seats, but I guess that goes hand and hand with any stadium/arena seats. There's the big jumbotron which allows anyone anywhere in the stadium to see what's going on in the field.
The food at the Rogers centre is highway robbery. My suggestion is to eat beforehand and stash some snacks in your handbag. Don't make it obvious so they are forced to confiscate it, but an opened bag of M&Ms, or skittles and I think you can get away with it. The time before this last time I went here on a date and we sat in a box. I'm not sure i prefer the box over seats. While I do like the comfort and service that you get in a box, it's missing that romantic element that you get from sitting in the grind of it all.. Such as the wave!! woohoo! -
Review from Brian L.
6/21/2009 4 photos
I've seen more Yankee games here than at Yankee Stadium!
But lets go straight to it, this is a great ballpark. I've seen 3 games here and the atmosphere is great, especially at night where you can see the CN Tower! I've had fun times here, but it would have been more enjoyable if the Yankees won those games ;P -
Review from Noel D.
12/27/2009 2 Check-ins Here
Back in 1989 this was the talk of the MLB. The Skydome (I refuse to call it the Rogers Centre) was breaking new ground with its retractable roof and giant jumbotron in the outfield. Back when the Jays won back-to-back championships this place was basically the temple of Toronto.
A lot has changed with baseball architecture in the past 20 years though. Once Baltimore came to the table with Camden Yards then astroturf eyesores like the Skydome aged terribly. Even though they have since added grassy-looking turf the vibe of the Dome is still dated. Sure no one likes to get rained on, but baseball is an old school sport and outdoor stadiums trump indoor arenas any day.
I don't even bother ordering food or drinks while at a game. I think a can of domestic beer is something like 8 dollars? Absolutely ridiculous. Though with the poor attendance for Jays games in the past decade we all benefit from cheap tickets --including 500 level seats for a few bucks where you can get a ton of friends together and get loose.
I should also note that I once had dinner at one of the restaurants in the outfield (I think it has since changed) and that was pretty fantastic for me. It was during the baseball offseason and all I could do was space out and look into the stadium and replay game 6 of the 1993 World Series in my head. -
Review from David R.
8/29/2009
On the one hand, going to a game this sparsely attended is just plain weird. I've never been to any sporting event only one-quarter full. On the other hand, it was kind of nice. No lines for concessions, no lines for the restroom, plenty of elbow room at your seat. Hell, for the first couple of innings, I was the only person in my section.
The occasional eerie silence and general quietness take some getting used to, but after a while I liked it. I could hear things that I never would have thought possible, such as a guy on the opposite side of the stadium heckling, or the third-base ump (I was down the first-base line) making a check-swing appeal call, or even--get this--the sound of the bat hitting the ground after being dropped by a player drawing a base on balls.
And it seemed more civilized too. And I don't mean "more boring," because no matter where I go and what it's like, I'm always there to watch baseball. I liked that I could pay closer attention to the game. Even the food barkers were respectful of the ambient noise level.
Aesthetically, the stadium is just a big bowl with concentric tiers of seating. Obviously the turf is an abomination. The retractable roof is sort of neat (I was secretly hoping for an indoor game because that would have been REALLY weird). And the seats are padded, just like movie-theater chairs! I like that the scoreboard shows replays and even occasionally just broadcasts the live action. Also, they have the radio broadcast in the concourses and even outside the stadium.
Concessions were fairly standard, but I will say that for only $9, I got a pretty darn good chicken wrap with pretty darn good fries and a pretty darn good garlic sauce. I was pleasantly surprised. Alas, I had eaten a hot dog earlier that day and missed trying the stadium dog for the first time in my lifetime of visiting baseball parks. Unfortunately, the soft-serve was vile. Yuck.
So despite the fact that the stadium itself is deeply flawed, I liked the advantages of light crowds. It was a little different than the usual ballpark experience (mostly in a good way), and I had a great time. What more can I say?
