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Blue Jays Planning For New Stadium?

By Connor Byrne | November 28, 2020 at 7:12pm CDT

TODAY: In response to the Globe & Mail’s story, Rogers Communications spokesperson Andrew Garas released a statement to media: “Prior to the pandemic, we were exploring options for the stadium but through this year our primary focus has been keeping our customers connected and keeping our employees safe, so there is no update on the Rogers Centre to share at this time.”

Andrew Tumilty, a spokesperson for Waterfront Toronto, also told The Canadian Press that Willis’ piece “was the first Waterfront Toronto has heard of the Quayside site as a potential new home for the Blue Jays,” in reference to the team’s apparent Plan B if building a new ballpark on the current Rogers Centre site isn’t feasible.

NOVEMBER 27: Rogers Centre has been the Blue Jays’ home stadium since 1989, but that might not be the case for much longer. Blue Jays ownership is hoping to knock down Rogers Centre and put up a new multibillion-dollar facility in its place, Andrew Willis of the Globe and Mail reports.

As you’d expect with such a grand plan, there are potential roadblocks in the way. For one, Rogers Communications Inc. – which owns the Blue Jays – does not own the land on which the ballpark sits. That belongs to Canada Lands Company. Secondly, the Blue Jays would need the Canadian federal government to sign off in order to move forward with this project, which Willis writes could take five to eight years to complete if approved. Jays ownership, government officials and the real estate arm of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. plan to go public with the project in 2021, though, according to Willis. Those two companies would fund the stadium, whereas Rogers Centre was built largely on taxpayer money.

A replacement stadium for the Blue Jays would occupy some of the same land as the Rogers Centre. The rest would be dedicated to “residential towers, office buildings, stores and public space” as part of a redevelopment plan for Toronto, per Willis. If that plan collapses, though, the Blue Jays could seek a new lakefront stadium instead. Any new facility would feature natural grass, not the artificial turf the Blue Jays play on now, though it’s unclear whether it would include a retractable roof – the most recognizable aspect of Rogers Centre.

In the event the proposal to build a new stadium on the Rogers Centre site succeeds, it’s unclear where the Blue Jays would play their home games in the interim. Nearby Buffalo, N.Y., hosted the Blue Jays in 2020 because of travel restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is no word on whether that will continue if the club has to wait for a new ballpark.

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Comments

  1. tribepride17

    2 months ago

    Good for them. Never been to skydome but it’s hideous on television.

    6 Like
    Reply
    • kyleschwarbersmomkyleschwarbersmom

      2 months ago

      I’ve been oh-so-close. I was in CN Tower looking down on Skydome when the players were warming up. While I was in Toronto, I stayed at the Renaissance which overlooks the field. I did not have one of those rooms, but had my young daughters peek at an O’s-Jays game from the hotel restaurant entrance.

      I guess new ball parks will becoming to Oakland, Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Toronto by the end of the 20’s.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • kyleschwarbersmomkyleschwarbersmom

        2 months ago

        And then Jerry Reinsdorf will start crying for a new taxpayer funded stadium to start the 30s.

        5 Like
        Reply
        • Rsox

          2 months ago

          100 years to the day Jerry bought the team

          Like
          Reply
        • Friendly Illinois Brethren

          2 months ago

          You mean when I have to move to Charlotte with my baseball team?

          Like
          Reply
    • bigdaddyt

      2 months ago

      It’s kinda cool inside of it looking at the roof and what not but it’s so bad

      Like
      Reply
    • seanmac

      2 months ago

      I went 2 years ago and was pleasantly surprised of how it looked. It was clean and well kept imo.

      4 Like
      Reply
    • ALuepke12

      2 months ago

      I enjoyed it when there in 2012. Definitely understood the criticisms and complaints, but have never had a problem visually with it. That may be due to favourite team bias, but hey, whatever.

      2 Like
      Reply
    • Sports

      2 months ago

      It’s actually A decent stadium inside. Good food and the location is central in the city. But yes- it’s old, the outfield is weird, there’s like 20 hotel rooms who have windows to the outfield (very odd). Hope they can get approved. Anytime you need to deal w federal govt in any country.. roadblocks ahead.

      2 Like
      Reply
    • smuzqwpdmx

      2 months ago

      Seeing SkyDome on television is what made me a Blue Jays fan, back in 1990. The most futuristic park in baseball. Still the only retractable dome — not a shoebox with a lid. Perfect symmetry. There’s nothing like having a hotel in the stadium, nothing like looking up to the CN tower. If I weren’t thousands of miles away (California) and poor, I’d love to go.

      That said, hopefully they’ll design something even better.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • brianstancato

        2 months ago

        Chase field has a fully retractable dome. It was built that way..

        3 Like
        Reply
        • smuzqwpdmx

          2 months ago

          Chase Field is a shoe box. It does not have a dome, it has a retractable lid. The definition of a dome requires that it be curved: “a rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure, typically with a circular base.” Only SkyDome has a retractable dome.

          Admittedly that’s because retractable domes turned out to be a terrible roof design when it comes to practical considerations, and the shoe boxes can be opened much more fully with less complication. But I think domes are pretty.

          3 Like
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        • VegasSDfan

          2 months ago

          Mr technicality

          1 Like
          Reply
    • Perksy

      2 months ago

      Not nearly as hideous on tv as the new Texas Rangers ballpark.

      1 Like
      Reply
    • Tim_Buck-Two

      2 months ago

      Astro turf is a horrible thing, speaking of which all of the ball parks built in the past 20 to 30 years yave been pretty odd. Minute Maid, Nationals park, PNC, Petco park, what ever they are calling the staduim in San Fran nowadays, Chase Field, then there’s Sun Trust Park, the Twins ball park, New Yankee Stadium, and last but definitely the least Globe Life Park… What were they thinking when they decided that was a good idea??? Well if they do get past the roadblocks to get a new stadium hopefully its like the odd ones they’ve built recently and not these new replacement stadiums that looked the same as the old one, or pretty much like a standard ball park.

      Like
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      • norah

        2 months ago

        What about T-Mobile Park, formerly Safeco Field, in Seattle?

        Like
        Reply
    • jaysfan01

      2 months ago

      I’ve hated it since the first step across its threshold. There’s no atmosphere or personality at all…it’s a cavernous dog and it needs to go

      Like
      Reply
  2. whyhayzee

    2 months ago

    Some parks last 100 years and some last 30.

    2 Like
    Reply
    • elmedius

      2 months ago

      Or if you’re the Braves, about 15.

      8 Like
      Reply
      • i like al conin

        2 months ago

        Haha and the Rangers too!

        1 Like
        Reply
      • joedirte4life

        2 months ago

        They did that so they would get out of the Hood.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • geg42

          2 months ago

          So because they are racist?

          Like
          Reply
        • bhambrave

          2 months ago

          The city wasn’t keeping up with maintenance and improvements like they were supposed to ($17M worth), and the area around the ballpark was supposed to be developed. Instead, it was allowed to decay even further. There was also supposed to be a Marta stop at the ballpark which never happened. Fans had to ride a shuttle from downtown and then walk the gauntlet of homeless and street vendors to get to the park. When the Falcons got a new stadium downtown, the Braves had had enough.

          Like
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        • elmedius

          2 months ago

          Well that… and maybe a little racist too? The Atlanta Hawks were busted on a conference call for talking about wanting less black fans in the stands. Their GM or president got fired over it, or something like that. The Braves definitely moved to a “whiter” part of town…. and coincidentally still don’t have Marta access. They just traded the street vendors for shops and bars they could profit more off of. It’s still a crap walk to the park from affordable parking.

          Like
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        • GASoxFan

          2 months ago

          Elmedius, another case of correlation being claimed to equal causation huh?

          The battery itself was all new construction and is actually an outlier demographically from the rest of that corner of Cobb county the stadium sits in. In fact, if you drive around the neighborhoods away from the stadium you’re going to see very few “white” residents.

          When the braves moved, they looked at who was buying their tickets, and what zip codes those people were coming from. You know what they saw? It came predominantly from the northern arc around altanta, thus making a i285 northern location somewhat ideal.

          I285 is no prize traffic wise, however, anyone coming from up north on game day either fought surface street nightmare or the downtown connector as it was.

          At the Ted the braves had some of the cheapest MLB ticket options available. I’m talking under $5 to sit in the upper decks almost every game. People near the stadium didn’t support it as was their choice.

          After decades of lies and neglect by Fulton county, when the time came to look elsewhere they did, and went close to their core fan base – racism had nothing to do with it.

          Like
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    • DimitriInLA

      2 months ago

      Hard to believe or recall that Skydome was the envy of the league at one time—ultra modern // state of the art. Then Camden Yards came along.

      5 Like
      Reply
  3. notagain27

    2 months ago

    If Covid restrictions are lifted my guess they keep the team in Canada and play in Montreal. Something of that magnitude in that climate I would guess would take two seasons to complete.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Joe Carters walkoff

      2 months ago

      What exactly do you mean by “that climate” lmfao

      1 Like
      Reply
      • Ducky Buckin Fent

        2 months ago

        Well…in summertime all those ice blocks they’re using to build the new stadium will melt.

        6 Like
        Reply
        • Joe Carters walkoff

          2 months ago

          Ahahahah

          Like
          Reply
        • Ducky Buckin Fent

          2 months ago

          So I just fell down one of those Google rabbit holes.
          I’m a builder (not of stadiums, sadly enough) in Minneapolis. We definitely experience a huge slowdown in winter. Jobs are so problematic that my partner and I hardly build at all Nov-March. & October & April are typically slow times, as well.

          Back to the rabbit hole.
          From what I can tell, Toronto is a little bit milder than Minneapolis, actually. (Who knew?) Still, the weather would have to be a factor. Sure. One can always just “bring more guys on”. But more hands does not always equal more production.

          Like
          Reply
        • C-Daddy

          2 months ago

          What do you mean “who knew?” Everyone knew. Toronto is a lot farther south than Minneapolis.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Ducky Buckin Fent

          2 months ago

          I suppose 1°33′ *could* be considered “a lot further south”? Seemed pretty close to me. Which is why I went ahead and looked it up.

          But – hey – you sure told me or whatever, huh?
          :)

          Like
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        • WereAllJustGuestsHere

          2 months ago

          CDaddy didn’t factor in the lake effect.

          1 Like
          Reply
    • jpritch002

      2 months ago

      Why would they move… Toronto is the most populated city and has very supportive fans that makes zero sense

      4 Like
      Reply
      • BrixtonBrixton

        2 months ago

        they want to tear down the current stadium and rebuild it. thats not a 1 offseason project, Hes referring to an interim home

        3 Like
        Reply
        • Lanidrac

          2 months ago

          It says it would only partially on the same land, and the Cardinals pulled it off in one offseason (even after making the playoffs) when they built Busch Stadium III on half of the land that Busch II occupied. You just build half of it in advance, get the other half in playable shape over the offseason, and then finish it up during early season road trips.

          Like
          Reply
        • Ducky Buckin Fent

          2 months ago

          I like how easy you make it sound. For real.

          That does seem to be a viable template.

          Seriously though, the difference in weather from St Louis to Toronto would definitely be a factor.

          3 Like
          Reply
      • ahh

        2 months ago

        He means temporarily play in Montreal for a season or two during construction. As opposed to playing in Buffalo. Does Montreal have a suitable stadium at this point?

        1 Like
        Reply
        • HaloHonk4Life

          2 months ago

          Montreal and suitable stadium do not belong in the same sentence.

          9 Like
          Reply
        • smuzqwpdmx

          2 months ago

          They’d have to play in Olympic Stadium like they do at the end of spring training. Good luck signing free agents who are willing to play on that infamous surface, though.

          The sensible thing would be to build the new stadium in the parking lot of the old one if there’s room for that. The article seems to be saying there isn’t.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • beersy

          2 months ago

          Been to SkyDome/Rogers Centre a couple of times, if I recall, there isn’t any room in that downtown area for anything, let alone a new ballpark next to the existing one. I’m not an architect, engineer or city planner, but this seems like quite the undertaking if the Jays don’t find a temporary new home for year or two.

          Like
          Reply
    • bigdaddyt

      2 months ago

      You know construction is fine with the Covid right? And construction still happens in winter months Toronto gets cold but not that bad

      Like
      Reply
  4. Yep it is

    2 months ago

    5-8 years? The game will have killed itself off by then.

    3 Like
    Reply
    • Superstar Car Wash

      2 months ago

      Three innings will be considered too long for millennials, so instead of wasting time with putting a runner on second base in “extra innings”, they’ll either flip a coin, let the fans vote on which team should win, or see which player can get the most views on TikTok.

      So yes, get off my lawn.

      23 Like
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      • cheeryvladdy

        2 months ago

        The Tik Tok part really made me LOL.

        3 Like
        Reply
        • DarkSide830

          2 months ago

          same

          Like
          Reply
      • Rangers29

        2 months ago

        I’m a teenager, and I resonate with that statement lmao. Maybe the first step towards influencing younger crowds is 1. marketing players 2. taking down blackout restrictions 3. making it cheaper to watch. Simple things, but Manfred thinks ThE GamE IS tOO SloW.

        10 Like
        Reply
        • BrixtonBrixton

          2 months ago

          Nothing like Jayce Tangler shaming Tatis for hitting a grand slam!

          3 Like
          Reply
        • HaloHonk4Life

          2 months ago

          Problem with you millennials want everything for free and done for you.
          The game was great the first 150 years..

          5 Like
          Reply
        • Superstar Car Wash

          2 months ago

          At the same time, all the “wily veterans” need to stop badmouthing today’s players and telling viewers how much the game sucks from “back in the day”.

          Yes, it sucks that their entire career earnings in the 70s or 80s is less than Mike Trout or Bryce Harper make in a single season, but GET OVER IT.

          Instead of badmouthing today’s game and how it’s not the same, start telling a story of why baseball is the greatest sport there is, rather than football or basketball.

          7 Like
          Reply
        • schellis

          2 months ago

          I think baseball needs to strengthen fan bases by making it so great players great teams have longer Windows to win. I’ve been a reds fan for as long as I can remember but I’m almost done I’m just tired of ten years of rebuild for a year or two of hope.

          All tv/radio deals should fall under the league umbrella with total revenue sharing with minimum spending

          2 Like
          Reply
        • CalcetinesBlancos

          2 months ago

          All good points, but it really is true that they don’t make it cheap or easy to watch the games. People will pay, but not something ridiculous.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • norah

          2 months ago

          Teenagers aren’t millennials. Millennials were born from about 1980 to about 1995. Some of them probably have teenage kids.

          Like
          Reply
      • LordBanana

        2 months ago

        Manfred is a millennial?

        1 Like
        Reply
        • Superstar Car Wash

          2 months ago

          Well, Rob Manfred IS an anagram for “Mr Bored Fan”, so he probably acts like one.

          Interestingly enough, his name is also an anagram for:

          1) Former Band
          —Probably some obscure type of music “that you wouldn’t understand”

          2) Modern Barf
          —Seems what most fans think of him as.

          3) REM for Band
          —Aren’t they popular with millennials? Or is it hipsters?

          4) Mr Born Deaf
          —“You fans want us to market players better? Hey, let’s put pinch runners on second base instead! You want an expansion draft? Hey, I wonder what it would be like if we add a 5th base and run the bases clockwise instead!”

          5) “Damn Ref, Bro!”
          —Why umpires will be replaced with computers.

          1 Like
          Reply
    • HaloHonk4Life

      2 months ago

      Disagre. No matter how hard they try. The Grand old game will shine thru and survive.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • baseballconnoisseur21

        2 months ago

        Yes, millennials are whats killing the game. Since we are making generalizations here, lets all go back to a time in the game when many of the people that the old generation tells us to look up to, were either raging acoholics, racists, suffering from addiction, or cheaters. Surely, we should all look up to such great old figures of the game like the alcoholic racist Tony La Russa, who showed how amazingly he could handle a franchise back in Arizona. Or Billy Martin, who couldn’t even last out an entire contract without getting fired for his horrible behavior towards pretty much everyone and for his massive alcohol addiction, which literally got him killed. But then again, thats also what’s wrong with millenials too, right? We’re just so damn soft… I think older fans spend way too much time worrying about how the younger generation is “ruining the game” that they dont know how to just appreciate the game anymore.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • WereAllJustGuestsHere

          2 months ago

          The backslide started with Gen X. Blame them first.

          Like
          Reply
        • baseballconnoisseur21

          2 months ago

          The whole argument of “Which generation ruined baseball” is completely tired. Since when was baseball ruined? Do the exact people who complain about this, not still watch baseball, and frequent a BASEBALL RUMORS website? Like seriously. Must suck being so filles with piss and vinegar.

          3 Like
          Reply
        • WereAllJustGuestsHere

          2 months ago

          Baseball was ruined when hitters were allowed to pad-up their arms and umpires were told to unjustifiably warn pitchers for brush backs. Now you see bombs, walks and Ks. Don’t believe me? Check the ratings.

          Like
          Reply
  5. CoachWall

    2 months ago

    Skydome was great when it first opened. Now, it needs refreshing at the least. Need to get rid of the turf and replace it with real grass. Need to widen the seats as well.

    3 Like
    Reply
    • kyleschwarbersmomkyleschwarbersmom

      2 months ago

      Too much back bacon for the hosers in the last 30 years, eh?

      4 Like
      Reply
    • johnsilver

      2 months ago

      Sounds great. Need a new stadium? Team can build it, or get some “sponsors” to fork over the 3-400m, which will of course have luxury boxes for those richies included in the plans.

      No tax dollars, NO fake reports about how much any stadium brings to a city, or 500m area. How many would vote to approve of this who have to pay for the thing? That’s what matters , yet never will happen outside of a small area vote possibly.

      New stadiums for ANY sports teams? Better pay for them themselves. Most taxpayers, who actually get stuck with the bill are not interested.

      12 Like
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      • Dorothy_Mantooth

        2 months ago

        300-400M doesn’t even get you a 1/2 stadium these days. Price tag starts @ $600M (for a basic stadium) and goes way up from there.

        7 Like
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      • agentx

        2 months ago

        I agree with your take and appreciate your passion, johnsilver.

        Did you see the part about the Blue Jays and Brookfield Asset Management funding the stadium that will replace the mostly taxpayer-funded SkyDome / Rogers Centre?

        6 Like
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        • gussie busch

          2 months ago

          Most tax payers benefit from it even though they are not interested. That’s why it happens. Look through at the broad purpose.

          Like
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        • kyleschwarbersmomkyleschwarbersmom

          2 months ago

          Straight from the Clydesdale’s mouth.

          1 Like
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      • Superstar Car Wash

        2 months ago

        If you shop for all parts and supplies at Goodwill, Salvation Army, or the Dollar Store, then MAYBE you could build a stadium for $400 million, but you’d be using a lot of popsicle sticks or Legos for certain parts of it.

        2 Like
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      • geg42

        2 months ago

        No welfare for billionaires

        1 Like
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    • DrDan75

      2 months ago

      They should model their new ballpark after Safeco field in Seattle. That’s a beautiful ballpark with a retractable roof that essentially prevents rainouts but still gives a fan the feeling of being outdoors. I have attended games in every ballpark on the west coast with the exception of Oakland. Safeco is my favorite.

      2 Like
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      • HalosHeavenJJ

        2 months ago

        Safeco is a beautiful park. I enjoyed it on a nice summer night with the roof open and it felt like a traditional stadium. Much more natural feel than Chase Field.

        2 Like
        Reply
      • Lanidrac

        2 months ago

        That wouldn’t work in Toronto where they’re more worried about cold weather (and the rare early season snowstorm) than rain.

        Like
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      • CowboysoldierFTW

        2 months ago

        @DrDan

        Thats a clown comment bro.

        Like
        Reply
  6. cheeryvladdy

    2 months ago

    I love the Rogers Centre, always will. But if they can build a new stadium with no dome and real grass, I say go for it.

    1 Like
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    • DarkSide830

      2 months ago

      down with domes

      1 Like
      Reply
    • Lanidrac

      2 months ago

      Yes for grass, but Rogers Center isn’t technically a dome in the first place. Whatever they replace it with, it also needs to come with a retractable roof. Plenty of other places manage to pair retractable roofs with natural grass.

      1 Like
      Reply
  7. Rangers29

    2 months ago

    I can just see this vast beautiful stadium with a Canadian lake outside the stadium that balls get hit into and fans can fish out in canoes. Maybe a stray moose will graze across the field after closing too.

    Lol, no seriously, it sounds like a great place to play just based on the first statement, though I doubt you want to say “Hey fans, come spend your money here at this pile of dog crap!”. I hope they look like the simulation pictures of the A’s Jewel Box stadium. That looks great, I hope the same for this one. I never liked Rogers.

    1 Like
    Reply
  8. clrrogers

    2 months ago

    This would be great. Skydome/Rogers Centre was awesome in its day, but its now the seventh oldest ballpark in baseball. The Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers have each built TWO new stadiums since Skydome opened. It’s time for a new one.

    Also, I’m glad to hear that a new one would have natural grass. Toronto already faces more challenges than most teams in recruiting free agents. Most of that is due to being in Canada, but the artificial turf can make it hard to attract players as well. They did redo the infield with natural dirt a few years ago, so that helps, but all the grass is still artificial.

    Like
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  9. 30 Parks

    2 months ago

    Adopting the Atlanta model near present day SkyDome (it will always be SkyDome) is ideal. Used to watch a lot of games at Exhibition Stadium – amazing how far ballparks have come since those days.

    1 Like
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  10. Los13

    2 months ago

    Hearing this news was amazin to wake up to. We’ve needed this for SO long. I love being at games, but the Dome is atrocious to walk into and gross to look at. Can’t wait for the new!

    2 Like
    Reply
  11. seanmac

    2 months ago

    I went 2 years ago and was pleasantly surprised of how it looked. It was clean and well kept imo.

    Like
    Reply
  12. anthonyd4412

    2 months ago

    I was there once. Mark McGwire hit a 3-run HR to put the A’s up and the fans were too busy doing the wave to realize what happened.

    Like
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  13. 619bird

    2 months ago

    I remember way back in the day when they had people bumping uglies in the hotel perfectly visible to people in the stadium. lol

    3 Like
    Reply
    • DrDan75

      2 months ago

      Haha… I still remember the Dave Winfield seagull incident.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • CowboysoldierFTW

        2 months ago

        @DrDan

        Thats a clown comment bro.

        Like
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  14. shane

    2 months ago

    People talk down on Jays fans but besides a few ugly incidents I think the 2015-16 seasons really got a lot of people interested in a positive way. When the roof is open I thought it was a great place to watch a game. Although maybe a little dated. I never understood why the renovations never included anything exterior or the seating. The outside of the SkyDome is ugly as hell and a little paint or brick would have gone a long way. I understand the desire for a “real” park but they’re crazy if they don’t put another retractable roof on the thing. Especially if they plan on playing deep into October.

    2 Like
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    • mstrchef13

      2 months ago

      Adam Jones and Hyun Soo Kim might take exception to your “a few ugly incidents” statement.

      1 Like
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      • gomer33

        2 months ago

        They played a game at Camden Yards with no fans because of rioting in the city; don’t throw half cans of Bud Light in glass houses.

        1 Like
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        • mrkinsmmrkinsm

          2 months ago

          A half can of BL at a stadium is about 10$ worth of schwill, no way you waste that.

          Like
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      • shane

        2 months ago

        Oh no

        Like
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  15. jays_fan_mike

    2 months ago

    I was fortunate enough to play in a slo-pitch tourney back in ‘96 at the then Skydome. Man did the ball carry!! But the turf was brutal. A teammate slid on it and when he popped up there was a still smoking, polyester melting carpet burn in his pants leg!!Great memories but the place is an obscenely symmetrical concrete monster that needs to die.

    2 Like
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  16. mgomrjsurf

    2 months ago

    Orlando?

    Like
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  17. HaloHonk4Life

    2 months ago

    Five to eight years to complete?? And I thought California and the wacko environmentalist with there EIR’s slowed things down to crawl was bad.

    2 Like
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    • gomer33

      2 months ago

      It’s part of a huge multi-billion development in the area, or so they are saying in other reports.

      1 Like
      Reply
    • Lanidrac

      2 months ago

      That’s involves planning and gaining approval, too, you know.

      2 Like
      Reply
  18. agn1

    2 months ago

    I’d particularly to thank those who have never been to Toronto for their helpful views on the existing stadium, the prospective sites and the local finance players. As Canadians, we sometimes take for granted how relevant canoes, specialty bacon and ceremonial mountie uniforms are to our daily lives.

    6 Like
    Reply
    • HalosHeavenJJ

      2 months ago

      I’ve never been. Was a kid when the SkyDome was considered a modern marvel.

      Part of me thinks I need to see it once beside it’s gone.

      1 Like
      Reply
    • lowereastsider

      2 months ago

      I just wanted to say I’m sorry. But really hurry up get the new stadium done so Drake’s mansion isn’t Toronto’s current crown jewel.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • 92jays

        2 months ago

        HAha good point

        1 Like
        Reply
    • prov356

      2 months ago

      I’ve been to Toronto. Kind of a dirty city. No reason to go back.

      Like
      Reply
      • shane

        2 months ago

        I’m not trying to start a thing here, and I don’t know where you’re from, but the downtown core is one of the cleanest downtowns ive ever seen. I don’t live there and I don’t care which city “wins”. But I was blown away.

        2 Like
        Reply
        • prov356

          2 months ago

          Hey Shane, no problem. That was just my one time experience several years ago.

          Like
          Reply
    • CalcetinesBlancos

      2 months ago

      Is it true that you can buy all of those things with Canadian Tire money?

      Like
      Reply
  19. 92jays

    2 months ago

    I say make centre island into the new jays ballpark. Keep the nude beach.

    Like
    Reply
    • CalcetinesBlancos

      2 months ago

      Do they have nude beaches in the winter?

      1 Like
      Reply
      • 92jays

        2 months ago

        Good question. I’m not sure if the ferry is open to take you to the nude beach in the winter

        Like
        Reply
  20. expos771

    2 months ago

    Thé things is
    They will do that for thé big money condos appartement that will be build around not to please the fans whit a new nice stadium

    If Roger do somethings is for money not for baseball or baseball fans

    1 Like
    Reply
  21. SUNTV

    2 months ago

    maybe outside of downtown is a better option. Downsview has 520 acres opening up in 2024. there is also Mississauga and Vaughn.

    1 Like
    Reply
  22. bobg529

    2 months ago

    The best thing about Rogers Centre is the location. You’ve got the Hockey Hall of Fame a 10 minute walk away. Toronto is a vey nice city to visit for a couple of days. Forget getting seats to a Mapleleafs game though. That place is always sold out . The hockey fans there are rabid, which is part of its appeal frankly. The Hockey Hall of Fame is absolutely wonderful .

    2 Like
    Reply
    • JDGoat

      2 months ago

      The best part is that it’s literally built on Union Station. Can basically park anywhere you want in the GTA and end up at the ballpark.

      2 Like
      Reply
  23. prov356

    2 months ago

    I’d like them to get a new stadium just for the real grass. That black crap that flies up from the turf is distracting.

    Like
    Reply
  24. Eric Lord

    2 months ago

    I’d rather the Jays just build the stadium on the lakefront to begin with. It is a perfect place for the stadium. Also, by doing that, they could just continue to play in the Rogers Centre while it is being built.

    1 Like
    Reply
  25. Judge_Smails45

    2 months ago

    Why don’t they just relocate to the United States?

    1 Like
    Reply
    • agn1

      2 months ago

      Because Toronto is the third-largest city in MLB, and it markets to an entire country. Every comparable baseball market (NY, LA, Chicago) has not one but two teams.

      5 Like
      Reply
  26. bradthebluefishbradthebluefish

    2 months ago

    Nothing is wrong with the current stadium besides the turf. And that won’t get improved upon in the new stadium. Not worth it IMO.

    Like
    Reply
    • Eric Lord

      2 months ago

      They’re putting grass in their new stadium. So how does the turf not improve?

      1 Like
      Reply
  27. jimmertee

    2 months ago

    Man are the Rogers Board of Directors messed up. They want to spend billions on a new stadium with apartments and real estate development and can’t buy top-of-the-line players to fill in the holes. How about Brad hand for $10 million? This organization is turning into a bit of a joke. Edward Rogers needs to be replaced.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • You're A Troll

      2 months ago

      This might be the dumbest take I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying a lot.

      3 Like
      Reply
      • WereAllJustGuestsHere

        2 months ago

        It’s really not a dumb take when you use logic.

        Like
        Reply
      • jimmertee

        2 months ago

        You’re, think about it for a minute. Rogers wants to spend billions on real estate around a team that is terrible and they refuse to bring the budget into line with the big clubs. Don’t forget that Rogers also offered $3 billion for cogeco. That’s about $5 billion in spending. And the BlueJays during that time they paid $8 mill for Ray. Duh. Rogers is the richest owner in baseball and the budget should reflect that.

        Like
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        • WereAllJustGuestsHere

          2 months ago

          Perhaps the real estate game is a way for Rogers to slowly get out of the baseball ownership business or balance future losses in media revenue as more people cut cable.

          Like
          Reply
  28. James1955

    2 months ago

    Good to hear the Blue Jays will get a new stadium. The A’s will get a new stadium in 500 years.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • 92jays

      2 months ago

      Jays A’s and rays all need a new stadium. Place your bets who gets one first

      2 Like
      Reply
  29. davemlaw

    2 months ago

    This story seems like it’s out of nowhere. Why now? Could it have something to do with the Canadian government not allowing play in Toronto in 2020 and possibly 2021? Is this some sort of power play maneuver?

    Just seems an odd time to bring this up. I know the field surface has been changed in the last few years, with real dirt in the infield and better artificial turf in the outfield. This place used to draw 4 million a year when the Jays were winning World Series in the early 90s. From photos of the exterior, the stadium looks nice, blending in with downtown Toronto. I’ve never been but looks good.

    Anyway, I think there’s more to the story. Certain stadiums have inherent issues that can’t be overcome. Ballpark at Arlington? Hotter than hell even at night. Oakland Coliseum? Bad plumbing and just plain ugly. The Trop? Bad. I watched a ton of games at Candlestick and I loved it because I love the Giants. Me and the other 7000 people there. Then they moved to Pac Bell and I found out what a nice ball park should be. So What’s the real issue with Rogers Centre? Put a winning team on the field. Jays are close so filling up the park shouldn’t be that hard.

    Like
    Reply
    • KamKid

      2 months ago

      Dave, I think the big issue with it is that it was built as a multi use stadium instead of a ballpark and at a time when it was built simply for watching events. Newer parks are designed for baseball specifically and with more diverse game day revenue streams. A renovation to follow the trends in baseball has been in the cards for a long time, but the logistics of that have probably pushed the costs to the point that starting fresh without the restrictions of the current building is a better choice from a cost/benefit perspective. The timing of it might also have to do with taking advantage of potential economic stimulus supports.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • davemlaw

        2 months ago

        Thanks. I’ve never been to Toronto and it looks like a beautiful city. I’m curious to know how Canadians will feel about using stimulus money toward building a new venue. Having grown up in the SF Bay Area the previous owner Bob Lurie tried several times to get public money toward a new park and failed. Pac Bell (now Oracle park) was completely financed privately.

        Like
        Reply
  30. WereAllJustGuestsHere

    2 months ago

    It is a huge project to place a new park in nearly the exact location. There is space but not that much.

    I would have chosen Ontario Place for a new stadium. That’s near the old locations of Toronto baseball, from Exhibition Stadium to Hanlan. Ontario Place is inactive and they could really turn it into a great baseball park. The only issue would be subway transit.

    Like
    Reply
    • agn1

      2 months ago

      TTC Ontario Line is supposed to be in play on the same timeline — terminating at Ontario Place.

      Like
      Reply
    • Rww59

      2 months ago

      The proposed Ontario line subway goes there .

      Like
      Reply
    • Rww59

      2 months ago

      Ontario line and go train at exhibition place

      Like
      Reply
      • WereAllJustGuestsHere

        2 months ago

        Proposed. Because TTC has NEVER been behind schedule.

        Like
        Reply
  31. Rww59

    2 months ago

    On the opposite corner there’s room to build and I believe Rogers owns that site as well

    Like
    Reply
  32. geg42

    2 months ago

    Roberto Alomar used to live in the hotel.

    Like
    Reply
  33. bobtillman

    2 months ago

    Move the Tropicana Dome to Toronto…problem solved……..

    Like
    Reply
  34. hoosierhysteria

    2 months ago

    Classic example of long-range planning. The raptors can’t play in Toronto… This author wants to talk about a new baseball stadium in Toronto… Stupid.

    Like
    Reply
  35. DodgerOK

    2 months ago

    Do you think the taxpayers would have approved in 1989 if they were told the ballpark would only be used for 30 years? In today’s economic environment, you guys are nuts. Be thankful for what you have.

    Like
    Reply
    • WereAllJustGuestsHere

      2 months ago

      Taxpayers enjoy paying their taxes in Toronto. They don’t put up a fight.

      I agree with you. Be thankful. Walking through the rain and cold to the old Skydome gave me comfort that the team played indoors. Never had an issue with the park. It’s all about the team that takes the field rather than the field itself.

      Like
      Reply
    • Lanidrac

      2 months ago

      It’ll be at least 35 years before it’s done, and several others have lasted a similar amount of time.

      Like
      Reply
      • DodgerOK

        2 months ago

        Doesn’t make it right.

        Like
        Reply
        • WereAllJustGuestsHere

          2 months ago

          I agree DodgerOK.

          Like
          Reply
  36. MafiaBass

    2 months ago

    They’ll have to bring Jose Canseco back to christen the upper deck

    Like
    Reply
  37. jimmertee

    2 months ago

    Rogers better not intend to use tax dollars or exemptions to build this. It is not needed.

    The Rogers Center needs a renovation. Replace all blue seats with dark baseball green seats. Paint all exposed cement surfaces with faux dark red brick pattern. Replace all blue cushioning and the fences with dark baseball green. Then there would at least be some baseball feel to the place.

    Like
    Reply
    • Lanidrac

      2 months ago

      Repainting is among the least of their worries. Besides, most fans like to see their stadium decked out in their team color.

      Like
      Reply
  38. basquiat

    2 months ago

    This is the real reason Rogers hired Mark Shapiro.

    Like
    Reply
    • jimmertee

      2 months ago

      I have to give credit to Rogers and Shapiro.

      Shapiro can do renovations. Look at the Jake and the new Dunedin complex, they are amazing. Cudos to Rogers for hiring Shapiro to develop real estate, just remove him from making all baseball decisions and hire an elite baseball Pres/Gm.

      Will Rogers do that/ doubtful because Shapiro tows the Rogers BlueJays budget spin so well.

      Like
      Reply
      • basquiat

        2 months ago

        Many in Cleveland disapprove of what Shapiro did to the Jake. Those shipping container ad platforms in right field are an eyesore.

        Like
        Reply
        • WereAllJustGuestsHere

          2 months ago

          It was crazy how many Cleveland fans I’ve run into either thanking us Jays fans for taking Shapiro off their hands, or saying sorry for Shapiro landing in Toronto. They do not like him at all.

          Like
          Reply
        • jimmertee

          2 months ago

          It’s clear that Shapiro was brought to the BlueJays to tow the company line. Beeston wouldn’t have put up with the lousy budget and performance and he had the cred to sway the board.

          Shapiro is a Rogers board puppet and he is good with real estate. In cleveland, he was eventually removed from baseball decision-making.and that will eventually happen in Toronto too.

          Like
          Reply
  39. bobcavic

    2 months ago

    I went to SkyDome in ‘89 when it first opened. It was interesting because it was so futuristic but it wasn’t a ballpark and it certainly hasn’t aged well.

    Like
    Reply
  40. Robert Burke

    2 months ago

    I always though that when this time came that the Skydome would make a great year around resort or condominium complex. Turn the field into an elaborate green park with ponds and condos and stores where the seats and club houses were. It would be summer all year around. What a paradise.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Robert Burke

      2 months ago

      With a roof that opens and closes when needed over a housing complex and park would be awesome.

      Like
      Reply
  41. jimmertee

    2 months ago

    I have shared in Season Tickets at the skydome for the Toronto BlueJays. I have bought 10 game flex-packs for the Bluejays. One year I attended 40 home games in exhibition stadium.

    In the early 2000’s I wrote a letter to Paul Godfrey, then the President and CEO of the Jays. In the letter I asked him to upgrade the the look and feel of the Skydome/Rogers Center to have a more baseball feel. I explained I was a baseball purist and didn’t want the generic concrete feel of the place. I expressed I didn’t care about entertainment factor, what I wanted was hear the crack of the bat, the pitch hitting the catcher’s glove, baseball dark green seats and fences, dark red brick faux over all concrete. I might have mentioned the smell of fresh cut grass.

    Paul Godfrey was kind enough to write me back. He said that the goal was for a “complete entertainment experience for the fan”.. In other words he was more concerned entertaining the masses that he was providing a baseball experience. In short it was about money. the more people the better.

    We must remember with Rogers it is about money first, baseball and winning second. Why else would the Rogers board want to bid $3 Billion for Cogeco or spend $2 Billion on real estate and a new stadium?

    Like
    Reply

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