Rogers Centre Sports Fan Tips
Rogers Centre is a venue in or near Toronto that is most often used for Baseball
Best insider tip for Rogers Centre?
If you are going with a few mates to the baseball game and you are interested in having a few beers, head to the Steam Whistle Brewery Tour which is right behind the stadium. You can do the Brewery tour for about $15 and you get a 6-pack of Steam Whistle with that and get to taste some of the beers. It only takes about 30-45 minutes to do, so is a great start to the day!
Stores to hit up at Rogers Centre?
If you are after fan gear, head to Real Sports Apparel as they have everything Bluejays/Raptors or Mapleleafs! Inside the stadium they have some great merchandise in some officially licensed shops too… just expect to pay a bit.
Dealing with scalpers at Rogers Centre?
The best bet for scalper tickets is on Front St, right opposite Boston Pizza. You will see (and hear!) a heap of scalpers around there, and you can use them to get a better price also, keep walking up the stairs and there will be a lot more scalpers. Make sure if you have an accent you say you live in Toronto - or else they will overcharge ya.
Rogers Centre seating?
Depending on the day, tickets aren't generally cheap for games . The best view is anywhere behind home plate, but expect to pay a fair bit for that. Rogers has good viewing from anywhere around the stadium - but try and get as close to home plate as you can.
Best food and drink at Rogers Centre?
Bring your wallet and credit card if you plan to buy drinks at Rogers Matty - definitely very expensive. There's only a couple of small bars at Rogers - nothing worth going out of your way for really. Most people will just buy a few drinks and sit in the stands. If you are going opening week of the baseball just be warned, there are massive lines and 2 drink minimums which isnt ideal. Food wise there aren't a heap of options at the stadium, mostly just your standard Pizza, Popcorn and Hot dogs, which you cant go wrong with really!
What to expect from the Rogers Centre crowd?
Depends how the Jays have been going! There's not too many cities up and down like Toronto is. If the Jays are winning, expect a packed Rogers with everyone on the edge of their seats and the atmosphere to be electric. If the Jays have lost a few, expect Toronto-nians to jump off the bandwagon. Generally though, it is a great time. If you can try and get to a Sunday game and its sunny, then there's no better experience!
Artifacts to look for at Rogers Centre?
There are some statues of former players near Gate 3 which is great to see. Other than that all across the stadium there are paintings and arcitecture which is pretty cool to see!
Directions to Rogers Centre?
If you tried to get lost getting to Rogers you would struggle, it's right in the heart of city which makes it very easily accessible. If you are planning to drive - there is alot of paid parking around the city, just expect to pay $20 - $30 for the game, but there are a heap of parking spots, so driving to games isnt too bad. By public transport all you have to do is get to Union Station and its a short walk, or catch the street car down Spadina Avenue. All you need to do is keep an eye out for the CN Tower - and walk towards that, as Rogers is right next to it.
Traffic around Rogers Centre?
If you are driving to the stadium along the Gardiner expressway then get ready to wait in a fair bit of traffic so leave plenty of time. The city, especially if its a big game or concert will be jam packed - so definitely leave early and give yourself heaps of time to make it. One of the largest cities in Nth America and they love their sports, so expect traffic.
Things to checkout around Rogers Centre?
The CN Tower is obviously the main attraction to look out for - and you can easily go up and down it before a game, so its a great thing to do pre-game. If you want to do a bit of shopping, head up to the Eaton Centre (about a 20 min walk) as there is always a lot going on up there.
Rogers Centre parking?
Parking is pretty good for the Rogers Centre - there are alot of paid parking lots around the city, so even if you are running late or short of time, you will be able to find a spot. Might be a short walk but you can definitely find a spot!
Best restaurants near Rogers Centre?
Depends what you're after mate, if you are after a good pub meal then Boston Pizza is probably the best option! It's literally right opposite the stadium so you can stay there until nearly the first pitch and they actually do really good food!
Best giveaways at Rogers Centre?
The Bluejays do a lot of great giveaways actually! You just need to keep you're eye out for what special games they have! They have done Bobblehead giveaways at certain games and even replica jersey days for fans. You have to jump on their website (or sportswhereiam!) prior to a game, especially if you are going to a game on the weekend, or a big series - as they generally only use the giveaways for the first 10,000 fans - so you'll have to be in line well before gates open!
Best bars near Rogers Centre?
With Rogers Centre being in the heart of the city of Toronto, there are no shortage of good bars to visit! This is what makes Toronto such an impressive sporting city, the experience before and after games! If you want an experience like no other, by far the best bar would be Real Sports Bar and Grill. Voted one of North Americas best sports bars, for any out of towner (or local for that matter) it is an experience like no other. As soon as you walk in you will get a glimpse of their 40 foot HD big screen, and it is always packed in there and you will always be guaranteed a great experience. Couple of tips for Real Sports though: 1. Pre-book if you want to go there before a game! 2. If you are on a tight budget, then this isn't the place to go! Few other really good bars to hit up with a great atmosphere: Definitely check out 'Loose Moose' if you want more of a local bar feel, the live televised dancefloor they show always provides good laughs. If you want a good Roof Top bar in Summer - then The Porch on Adelaide St and Wayne Gretzy's bar are always good options. Along John St is the place to go pre-game if you dont know exactly what you want though. With Hooters, Ballroom, Jack Astors and Boston Pizza all on John, you are bound to find something you like!
Safety at Rogers Centre?
Never felt unsafe at the stadium ever! You won't have to worry about anything near the stadium or even in Toronto generally.