The Jays are not just a TOR team. They are a Canada wide National team and fan base. TV is a big part of their appeal and revenue. Ive seen kids in Pond Inlet Nunavut and Inuvik, NWT proudly wearing their Jays hats and jerseys. Thats why so many western fans invade SEA Jays games.
I go to the RC more than most non GTO based fans. Maybe average 10 or more games a year from Calgary, if I like the team and they are exciting.
I don't care much about the fan experience there off the field. Did I suffer at all in the 2015 playoffs Game 5 from the stadium fan experience? The s***** RC was shaking. Electric. I would go watch the Jays at Exhibition Stadium like I used to, if the on the field product was great. I havent drank for 22 years. I could give a s*** about all the new places to drink $15 beers. The food is still not great, even if improved. I'm just not there for the party.
When Shatkins came into the picture, I was excited but it never ever about stadium renos, and it still isn't for me. Rogers is a massive corp, and can rent other brains for stadium renovations, other than a baseball CEO. IF the product is not good, the new car smell will wear off the renos quickly in relative terms, and will be very quiet in 2-3 years. Lived exactly that reality in the late 90s.
I give Shapiro more baseball credit for the investments made in the development facilities they promoted so much, even though their development results are mediocre. There is tangible baseball logic in those investments and we all hope they pay off.