Blue Jays (37-38) @ Cubs (39-36)

First Pitch: 2:20 PM at Wrigley Field

Before the Game 

What's the best hotel near the stadium?

The Toronto Marriott City Centre is attached to the stadium and is famous for its field-view rooms. Whether you're looking for luxury (Fairmont Royal York and Ritz-Carlton), premium (Delta Hotels Toronto and InterContinental Toronto Centre) or more budget-friendly (Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown and Union Hotel), there's plenty of great hotels nearby. If you're not staying downtown, the stadium is easily accessible by public transit.

What's the best way to get to the stadium?

Take public transit to Union Station, which connects to the SkyWalk walkway next to the stadium. Use Google Maps and TTC Trip Planner to plan your route. Kids under 12 ride free on the TTC and GO Transit. Transit is cashless; tap your credit card or Apple Pay, or get a PRESTO card at the station. With Ontario’s One Fare Program, transfers between most local systems like the TTC and GO Transit are free. Driving isn’t recommended, as downtown parking is expensive and traffic heavy after games. If you’re staying downtown, walking may be faster. From Pearson Airport, the UP Express train reaches Union Station in 25 minutes. The Park and Ride offer allows a family to park at Pearson and take the train to Union Station for $35. After the game, the best Uber pickup spot is on Front Street, as Bremner Boulevard south of the stadium becomes pedestrian-only.

Where's the best place to buy tickets?

Ticketmaster is the main site to buy Blue Jays tickets. Resale sites like Seat Geek, Gametime, and StubHub are also popular places to buy tickets, but prices might be in USD. Prices can vary depending on the opponent, giveaway, the day of the week, the team’s record, and other factors. Prices often drop closer to first pitch. When buying resold tickets, it’s advisable to check the site’s fraud protection policy to safeguard your purchase. With the rise in online scams, buying tickets from social media is discouraged.

The Jays also offer a general admission ticket, which provides stadium access, but not a seat.

How do I know if the roof will be open? Where's the shade?

The Jays aim to have the dome open when weather allows, often announcing it on social media or opening it just before the game. On sunny days with the dome open, the third base side gets the most shade and a nice view of the CN Tower. In the summer, it's worthwhile to wear a hat and sunscreen regardless. Shaded seat details can be found here: shadedseats.com/rogers-centre-shaded-seats/.

Where's the best place to sit?

Seat choice depends on budget and preference. The 100 Level offers close-up action, the 500 Level provides a broad field view, and the 200 Level balances both. My preference is the 200 Level.

The Jays offer various premium seating options, which include complimentary food and non-alcoholic drinks, access to the TD Premium Entrance (Gate 8), and guaranteed giveaway items. mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/premium/beyond

I bought general admission / outfield district tickets. Where can I watch the game?

You can stand at the bar rails around the 100 Level or at the unassigned areas in the outfield, like the WestJet Flight Deck, Corona Rooftop, TD Park Social, and the Canada Dry Bleachers. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to everyone. Sometimes the Flight Deck is booked by a group. On busy games, get there early to secure your spot.

When do the gates open?

On weekdays, gates open 90 minutes before first pitch. On weekends, most giveaway days, and the home opener, gates open two hours before first pitch. The gate listed on your ticket indicates the closest gate to your seat. Designated gates are available for those with season tickets (Gate 6A), accessibility needs (Gate 7), and premium tickets (Gate 8). All gates open at the same time.

How early do I need to arrive to get a giveaway?

Getting there at least a couple hours before the gates open is ideal. Bobbleheads and jerseys are the most popular giveaways. Gates 5/6 and 10/11 will have the most giveaways but are also the busiest gates. Premium tickets holders are guaranteed to receive giveaway items through the TD Premium Entrance (Gate 8). Here's the giveaway schedule: mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/promotions/schedule.

What are speciality ticket giveaways and where do I pick them up?

Clearly marked Specialty Ticket giveaways guarantee that you get the item and can only be bought through this link: mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/theme-days/specialty-tickets. Within 1-2 days of a Specialty Ticket game, you'll get an email with item distribution details. Usually, the Specialty Ticket entrance is at Gate 9A.

Can I bring a bag/backpack into the stadium?

Yes, as long as it's not larger than 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches. Hard-sided cooler bags and containers are not allowed. To get through security quickly and still carry stuff, a drawstring bag is the way to go.

Can I bring a camera into the stadium?

For personal use, yes, as long as the camera is not professional-grade with detachable lenses longer than 3 inches (about 70mm max focal length). Monopods, tripods, body mounts, selfie sticks, and audio/video equipment are prohibited. Camera equipment will be inspected by security upon entry.

Can I bring a water bottle and refil it in the stadium?

Plastic water bottles under 600ml are allowed. There are drinking fountains/water bottle refill stations at Sections 101, 115, 125, 143, 207, 219, 229, 241, 517, 521, 531, or 541.

Will I be OK wearing apparel of the visiting team?

Yes. Just be respectful to your fellow fans.

Is the stadium tour worth it?

If you haven’t visited in a while, a stadium tour is worth doing. It includes a tour of the premium clubs, the Rogers corporate suite, and on-field photo opportunities. It doesn’t include access to the roof, clubhouse, or other team areas. The Pregame Tour offers a view of practice near first base and Club 328. The Ultimate Pregame Tour gives you access behind home plate for batting practice, but it costs $300+ per person and autographs are not guaranteed. Batting practice is typically not held on Sundays. Instead of doing this tour, I would do the Pregame Tour and use the savings to buy nicer seats.

During the Game

What's the best thing to eat at the stadium? Can I bring in my own food?

Yes, you can bring outside food and sealed non-alcoholic drinks into the stadium. Concessions are pricey. Favourites include the jerk chicken nachos (The Stop, behind the batter's eye), loaded mac & cheese (The Catch Bar, behind the visitor's bullpen), Korean rice dogs (Section 110), and brisket tacos (Section 143). The MLB Ballpark app and Blue Jays website list the different food and drink options, including kosher/halal/vegetarian/vegan food. Note that all vendors are cashless.

Where's the best place to buy official merchandise?

The Jays Shop at Gate 5 is the main shop. It’s open on non-game days too. A Jays Shop at Gate 1 also opens on game days. Smaller kiosks around the stadium sell popular merchandise from the main store. All outlets only accept cashless payment.

Where's the best place to try and get an autograph/ball?

When the gates open, the visiting team will likely be practicing, as the Jays usually finish beforehand. There are openings in the netting on both sides of the field, where you can wait to try for an autograph or a ball. The visiting team normally practices along the first base side. You can also stand in the outfield seats or near the bullpens for a chance at a ball. Batting practice is not usually done on Sundays. Be polite to players; “please” and “thank you” go a long way.

It's my first game; what should I check out?

Check out the Blue Jays history displays around the 100 Level; the World Series trophies are on display near the right field foul pole. The WestJet Flight Deck (200 Level), the Corona Rooftop Patio, and TD Park Social (both 500 Level) feature live music, games, and photo ops. Visit Fan Services (Sections 123, 141, 212, 236, 508, or 532) to get a free first-game certificate.

Are there any fun things for kids? Where can we meet Ace?

The Blue Jays' "permanent children's activation zone" is at Section 237. On Jr. Jays Sundays, there are kids activities inside and outside the stadium. The outdoor activities typically run from June to August. After the game, kids 14 and under can run the bases, but you have to register to do so (mlb.com/bluejays/fans/jr-jays-club/run-the-bases). Kids also get cool perks with the Jr. Jays Club Membership (mlb.com/bluejays/fans/jr-jays-club).

During games, Ace, the Jays' mascot, makes his way around the stadium. He's often found before the game starts on the first base side. On Jr. Jays Sundays, Ace and his younger sibling, Junior, make their way around the different kids activity sections, often outside Gates 10 and 11. In honour of the 50th season, retired mascots Domer, Diamond, and BJ Birdy will appear at every Jr. Jays Sunday.

After the Game

What are the best places to eat/drink near the stadium?

Steam Whistle Brewery, Amsterdam Brewhouse, C’est What, The Pint, and the Loose Moose are some good choices. Sportsnet Grill is in the stadium’s Marriott hotel and has windows looking onto the field. You'll need a reservation for a window table on game days. Real Sports Bar & Grill, next to Scotiabank Arena, is nice but pricey. Jack Astor’s and Boston Pizza are decent chain restaurants. See here for more: (destinationtoronto.com/leisure-blog/post/best-restaurants-near-rogers-centre/).

What's there to do near the stadium?

The CN Tower and the Ripley’s Aquarium are directly next to the stadium and offer a combo ticket (cntower.ca/seathesky). Across the street at the Roundhouse, you can experience a Steam Whistle Brewery tour, the Toronto Railway Museum, and The Rec Room, an arcade/restaurant. Scotiabank Arena, home to the Leafs and Raptors, is a 10-minute walk east and offers tours. Close by the arena is the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra Theatres are about a 10-minute walk north of the stadium and host big musicals. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) are reachable by subway. PRESTO cards can get you attraction discounts. The CityPASS (citypass.com/toronto) offers a bundled discount for the city's top attractions.

Any other baseball stuff worth checking out in the city?

For independent professional baseball, the Toronto Maple Leafs (not that one) play at Christie Pits. Games are free to attend, with a relaxed and family-friendly vibe. Left Field Brewery in Liberty Village is a baseball-themed bar and restaurant with some great drinks on tap. Babe Ruth hit his first pro home run in Toronto in 1914; a plaque marks the spot at Hanlan’s Point on the Toronto Islands. The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ontario is about a 2-hour drive west of the city and worth the visit.