tips for 1st Rogers Center trip

[strewth78]

hellooo.

 

Next thursday I'll be making my first trip to Toronto. Ill be going to games thursday & friday evening and saturday & sunday afternoon, before heading straight back… short trip, but looking forward to it.

 

Looking for a bit of advice/tips that could help me get the most of the small window I have.

 

Ive read BP begins 2.5hrs before first pitch, but Ive read differing comments about when the doors open, 1 hour, 2 hours, different depending on weekday/weekend. Dont want to watch BP everygame, but would like to figure out which is the best day or couple days to do it.

 

Anyone done the tour of Rogers C.? Not sure if its worth doing as it sounds like it just shows you each level and then some suite views. Was hoping to see dugouts and other interesting behind-the-scenes POVs.

 

Can you freely move to another seat if by the 6th inning the area seems free and you'd like to move (within the same seat section? My tickets are in the crowded areas, but there are some vacant spots toward the back and maybe I decide Id prefer some space, but I wouldnt want to get kicked out or anything.

 

Does the Jaysshop open before the opening of the rest of the stadium, or at the same time?

 

Im bringing an analogue radio with earphone and plan to listen to radio commentary as Ill be travelling alone. Which is the best station to listen to and at what time does the pre-game radio shows begin etc?

 

It says you cant take a camera with a longer lens of 3 inch. How strict are they on this? I have a few that are around r just over 3 inch. Dont want to get refused entry because of it, but would love to bring a nice lens along with me if everyone else does it.

 

I think I have more questions, but ill leave at this for now. If you have any tips for me beyond the above, id love to hear it. Im travelling on foot from my hotel in the center

 

hope the jays can stay hot through next week. If so, I certainly picked a good time to make my first trip.

[pickoff22]

 

Ive read BP begins 2.5hrs before first pitch, but Ive read differing comments about when the doors open, 1 hour, 2 hours, different depending on weekday/weekend. Dont want to watch BP everygame, but would like to figure out which is the best day or couple days to do it.

 

The batting practice schedule is as follows. Please note it is not uncommon for either the Blue Jays or that day's visiting team to cancel batting practice.

Game Time Blue Jays BP/Infield Gates Open Visitors BP/Infield

12:37 p.m. 10:10 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:10 a.m. - 12:05 a.m.

1:07 p.m. 10:40 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:40 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.

4:07 p.m. 1:40 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:40 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

7:07 p.m. 4:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:40 p.m. - 6:35 p.m.

 

Note: These times are subject to change without notice. Also, please be aware that it is fairly common for Batting Practice not to be held prior to home games on Saturdays.

 

 

 

 

 

Can you freely move to another seat if by the 6th inning the area seems free and you'd like to move (within the same seat section? My tickets are in the crowded areas, but there are some vacant spots toward the back and maybe I decide Id prefer some space, but I wouldnt want to get kicked out or anything.

 

If you're moving to a seat in the same section it shouldn't be an issue. Switching sections depends on the usher who is working that area - some are sticklers and some don't care.

 

 

Does the Jaysshop open before the opening of the rest of the stadium, or at the same time?

 

It's open well before gametime.

 

 

 

 

Im bringing an analogue radio with earphone and plan to listen to radio commentary as Ill be travelling alone. Which is the best station to listen to and at what time does the pre-game radio shows begin etc?

 

AM590. Not sure about pregrame timing.

 

 

 

It says you cant take a camera with a longer lens of 3 inch. How strict are they on this? I have a few that are around r just over 3 inch. Dont want to get refused entry because of it, but would love to bring a nice lens along with me if everyone else does it.

 

I highly doubt you'll have an issue unless it's obscenely large..

 

 

Enjoy the games

[pickoff22]

The chart about BP times and gate openings didn't copy properly - see it here:

 

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/tor/fan_forum/game_experience.jsp

[Deadpool]

I can't answer all the questions here, but...

 

They're usually okay about people moving around, I've honestly never had anyone check my ticket once I was in the section, and if you look like you know where you're going, the ushers won't bother you. If a section is completely empty, you would probably be advised to stay clear (they try to sell in sections so they can get better cutaways for TV), but you MOST LIKELY wouldn't get kicked out of the stadium for that, just asked to move back to your seat.

 

The best (only, really) station to listen to is am 590, and the time of the pre-game really depends on what else might be going on (at least there won't be too much hockey garbage by next week, one would hope...)

 

I'll leave the rest of the questions to those who would know more specifics than I.

[HERPDERP]

Assorted tips

 

-If you are taking transit, go take St. Andrew station instead of union if you don't want to fight through the crowds. This is especially important when leaving the game. You get a seat before the whole zerg rush of fans wait at union.

 

-You can take food into the ballpark, just make sure its within the size guidelines.

 

-If you are a cheapskate or going to a game with not a lot of people (weekday), buy a 500 level ticket and then head on down to the 100 level. Want to find a seat that no one will use? Use the Rogers Centre wifi, go on stubhub and find available seats there. You won't have to show your stub. Just wait until the 1st/2nd inning and go down when the ushers let people back to their seat.

 

-if you want to eat concession food, the best bang for your buck is the 10-inch hot dog for $8-$10. You can find it on the 100 level around homeplate.

[Governator]

hellooo.

Can you freely move to another seat if by the 6th inning the area seems free and you'd like to move (within the same seat section? My tickets are in the crowded areas, but there are some vacant spots toward the back and maybe I decide Id prefer some space, but I wouldnt want to get kicked out or anything.

 

 

Last year I had a single ticket, front row second deck toward 3B side (the best seats imo) but it was crowded and my lonely seat was in the middle of two parties. I decided to sit back row of the second deck from the 2nd inning instead where there was no one and I can be more comfortable. I casually told the usher and it was no problem.

[Yorkshire Blue Jay]

 

Anyone done the tour of Rogers C.? Not sure if its worth doing as it sounds like it just shows you each level and then some suite views. Was hoping to see dugouts and other interesting behind-the-scenes POVs.

 

 

I did a tour recently at the end of March, at the box office they had a schedule for the day's tour, so I guess it changes dependant on what will be available to view. They were still laying the new turf at the time we did the 100 + 200 levels, a couple of suites, the media centre (I still call it the press box), the away clubhouse, home dugout, we even went onto the field though they did say it was the first time this guide had been allowed to do that.

 

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/1750/Q5JUXt.jpg

 

http://imageshack.com/a/img908/338/vi35kN.jpg

 

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/7351/Gfc9lP.jpg

 

http://imageshack.com/a/img903/3598/rHbYj2.jpg

[HERPDERP]

oh wow I didn't know they did tours, especially on field and clubhouse. How much?

 

Did they also give a tour of some of the non-baseball sections of the RC? Like the control room for broadcasting, the jumbotron room, e.t.c.

[Brownie19]

I've done stadium tours at Yankee Stadium, Fenway and Wrigley. Obviously all 3 are waaaaayyyyyyyy cooler and more interesting than Rogers Centre - but I must say I enjoyed the tour as much - if not more than the games themselves. I've never done the RC tour, but I suspect you'll find it interesting.

[Yorkshire Blue Jay]

It's $16 but there is a coupon for $1 off on the website. We only visited the areas I listed but they do different stuff on different days.

 

http://www.rogerscentre.com/about/tours.jsp

[strewth78]

Thanks everyone for some useful advice.

 

Sounds like Sunday will be the best day to see jays BP. Good to know I won't be updating anyone if I move back a few rows half way through the game. Great to see some photos of the tour. I guess I'll just have to try it and hope I get the same fortune to see the dugout etc. Still not sure whether to risk the camera though. Maybe I'll bring it to Toronto but not the first game and then ask them about it for game 2.

I hear Friday night games have a fan festival area outside the stadium before the game. It's it worth checking out?

[Maahfaace]

Thanks everyone for some useful advice.

 

Sounds like Sunday will be the best day to see jays BP. Good to know I won't be updating anyone if I move back a few rows half way through the game. Great to see some photos of the tour. I guess I'll just have to try it and hope I get the same fortune to see the dugout etc. Still not sure whether to risk the camera though. Maybe I'll bring it to Toronto but not the first game and then ask them about it for game 2.

I hear Friday night games have a fan festival area outside the stadium before the game. It's it worth checking out?

 

It's more for kids but you might as well overdose on Bluejays considering you're coming from across the pond

[Jonzo]

Question for those that listen to the radio during the game: isn't it delayed? That would be a little annoying to listen to if it is..

[Yorkshire Blue Jay]

Thanks everyone for some useful advice.

 

Sounds like Sunday will be the best day to see jays BP. Good to know I won't be updating anyone if I move back a few rows half way through the game. Great to see some photos of the tour. I guess I'll just have to try it and hope I get the same fortune to see the dugout etc. Still not sure whether to risk the camera though. Maybe I'll bring it to Toronto but not the first game and then ask them about it for game 2.

I hear Friday night games have a fan festival area outside the stadium before the game. It's it worth checking out?

 

Just make sure you don't move into my seat

 

Seriously though, I hope you have a great time and we can sweep the Mets and Orioles while you are visiting. I did a similar visit in 2006 from the UK and moved here last year.

 

If you have poor seats remember that Robbie's '12' bar on the 200 level has no reservations and is first come first served and you can stay in there all game, so if you get in early enough this can be an option too.

[BlueJaysGirl]

I can't answer all the questions here, but...

 

They're usually okay about people moving around, I've honestly never had anyone check my ticket once I was in the section, and if you look like you know where you're going, the ushers won't bother you. If a section is completely empty, you would probably be advised to stay clear (they try to sell in sections so they can get better cutaways for TV), but you MOST LIKELY wouldn't get kicked out of the stadium for that, just asked to move back to your seat.

 

The best (only, really) station to listen to is am 590, and the time of the pre-game really depends on what else might be going on (at least there won't be too much hockey garbage by next week, one would hope...)

 

I'll leave the rest of the questions to those who would know more specifics than I.

 

Deadpool is right about all of this.

[pat_borders]

Assorted tips

 

-if you want to eat concession food, the best bang for your buck is the 10-inch hot dog for $8-$10. You can find it on the 100 level around homeplate.

 

 

 

The only thing worth eating at the rogers centre is the beef brisket Nachos. Grab a walk in special at Pizza Pizza or bring in a spicy roll set combo from Mi-Ne next door. If your down for pre-game drinks, avoid the places next door and hit up a place like Bar Wellington at King and Portland. But, if you want to do something really awesome grab a few Raddlers at the beer store and hang out at Trinity Bellwoods for a pre-game!!!

 

Pre game on the fan 590 starts 30 minutes before, make sure to give Mike-y a call after the game for some Jays talk!!

 

Enjoy the trip, cool city in the summer!!

[Jonzo]

But, if you want to do something really awesome grab a few Raddlers at the beer store and hang out at Trinity Bellwoods for a pre-game!!!

 

Wat

[pat_borders]

Wat

 

drink beers in the park with everyone else

[strewth78]

thanks guys. Really getting me pumped for the trip. I should feel like a pro with all these tips.

Stay hot Jays!

[Spanky99]

Question for those that listen to the radio during the game: isn't it delayed? That would be a little annoying to listen to if it is..

 

Yeah, a second or two.

[43211234]

Question for those that listen to the radio during the game: isn't it delayed? That would be a little annoying to listen to if it is..

 

There is no delay at all when using a real radio. If you were using a radio app on your phone there might be a slight delay.

[strewth78]

OK. I'm probably gonna get chased out of the forum for saying this. ..

 

But I don't drink beer.

 

Do they sell wine at all drink stalls or only selected places? If so, which ones?

[jaysblue]

OK. I'm probably gonna get chased out of the forum for saying this. ..

 

But I don't drink beer.

 

Do they sell wine at all drink stalls or only selected places? If so, which ones?

 

They probably sell wines at that Budweiser bar behind home plate. I know they sell like vodka coolers or cans of JD mixers around the dome. Otherwise I have no clue. I only stick to beer and even when I head down to the RC, I only have like one since prices are astronomical.

[pat_borders]

OK. I'm probably gonna get chased out of the forum for saying this. ..

 

But I don't drink beer.

 

Do they sell wine at all drink stalls or only selected places? If so, which ones?

 

 

They aggressively promote Barefoot throughout the game, you shouldn't have much of a problem finding it

[Spanky99]

OK. I'm probably gonna get chased out of the forum for saying this. ..

 

But I don't drink beer.

 

Do they sell wine at all drink stalls or only selected places? If so, which ones?

 

200 level, there's a bar on either side of home plate, they sell mixed drinks as well.