November 2007 Rogers Centre Newsletter
Rogers Centre News, a monthly publication, is brought to you with the latest news and information on events at Rogers Centre.
CHAMPIONS WILL BE CROWNED THIS MONTH
Rogers Centre remains the home of champions as they crown a winner in the Desjardins Vanier Cup and 95th Annual Grey Cup on the football field this month. It’s all about football this month as the Argos play host to a playoff game leading up to the Grey Cup Championship. If football is your sport, Rogers Centre is your destination for fun and excitement.
QUICKLINKS:
SEASON'S PASS CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED
ARGONAUT PLAYOFF PICTURE COMING INTO FOCUS
CANADIAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETES LEAD WAY ON CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND
CFL WILL CROWN 95th GREY CUP WINNER
ABORIGINAL CULTURE HIGHLIGHTED AS PART OF WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
RIEU ADDS CANADIAN DISTINCTION TO TORONTO CONCERTS
EVENT RECAP: HIS HOLINESS SEES SUN EVEN IN DARK DAYS
ON SALE THIS MONTH
2008 CALENDAR JUST AS BUSY
SEASON'S PASS CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED
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| Family to enjoy full year of events at Rogers Centre |
Rogers Centre is pleased to announce that Mr. Michael Erdle of Toronto has won the Rogers Centre Season's Pass Contest that was recently offered exclusively on-line on the newly unveiled Rogers Centre website.
A Toronto resident, Micheal, along with his wife and three children were very excited to hear the news and have already attended two events this fall season.
"My wife would remind me every day to enter the contest," commented Michael when reached by phone. "I'm glad she did."
"We are excited about all the great events at Rogers Centre - football and concerts and special events," he went on to say. "My girls are really excited about Disney's High School Musical in December."
The Erdle family is looking forward to the upcoming 2008 Blue Jays season as well.
ARGONAUT PLAYOFF PICTURE COMING INTO FOCUS
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| Argonauts battle hard for every win at Rogers Centre |
Ardent fans and true believers will tell you they predicted the Argos would be at the head of the class heading into the last week of the season but after dropping six of their first eight games this season, doubt had started to creep in.
Thanks to an impressive second half of the season, the Toronto Argonauts are guaranteed to host one playoff game in Toronto at Rogers Centre. The question on everyone’s mind is "which one"?
This weekend, the team has the chance to lock up first place overall in the East Division and secure a bye in the first round of the playoffs. On Saturday, November 3 the Argonauts take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina.
The outcome of the game will have a direct result on which playoff game the Argonauts will host in their march to the Championship. Should they win or tie the game, or both Winnipeg and Toronto lose, the Argonauts will claim top spot in the East Division and will host the Division Finals on Sunday, November 18, 2007.
Should the team finish second overall, they will host the East Division Semi-final game on Sunday, November 11, 2007.
Final game information, including start time and ticket information will be available online at the conclusion of the regular season.
Information will also be posted on the Rogers Centre Website when available.
CANADIAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETES LEAD WAY ON CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND
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| Canadian Football Chapmion to be crowned |
A Canadian University Football Champion will be crowned during the Desjardins Vanier Cup on Friday, November 23, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Vanier Cup, awarded annually in Canadian Univeristy Football, was created in 1965. Named after the former Governor General of Canada, Georges Vanier, the Championship returns to Toronto after a three year hiatus as part of Grey Cup festivities.
The Saskatchewan Huskies have appeared in four of the last five championship match-ups, including the last three in a row, but have failed to earn the title each time. Currently seventh in the season ending top 10 poll, they will face Regina on Saturday in the Canada West semi-final game. Having claimed the championship in 1998 and 1996, the Huskies are hoping to keep their appearance record alive and make a splash in the Championship game.
The Laval Rouge et Or finished the season with a record of 8-0 and received 14 of 15 first place votes to retain top spot in the season ending top 10 poll. The school has appeared in three of the last four championships claiming the trophy in each of their appearances.
Canadian Interuniveristy Football action heats up this weekend with semi-final match-ups being contested in the OUA, QUFL, AUFC and Canada West Regions. Visit Vanier Cup for your complete event details, history, statistics, photos and ticket information.
To help gear up for the football weekend, head to Toronto City Hall on Tuesday, November 20 at noon for the Vanier Cup & Grey Cup Festival Kickoff. This is a free celebration designed to get you in the mood for some great football action. Before the game on Friday, November 23 at approximately 5:30 p.m., head to Front Street to participate in the Doritos Rish Hour Concert.
Tickets for the game are available for as little as $30.00 and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-872-1111 or online at ticketmaster.ca.
CFL WILL CROWN 95th GREY CUP WINNER
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| East and West meet in final game |
Despite the slight chill in the air with the arrival of fall, weather will not be a factor in the playing of the 95th Annual Grey Cup on Sunday, November 25, 2007. After all, the world’s first fully retractable roof stadium, Rogers Centre, plays host to the event. Players, coaches and fans alike are excited that this is one element for which a magic ball is not required. However, who will play in the game and walk away with the bragging rights for a year remains to be worked out on the field of play.
Semi-final division playoff games will be played on November 11, 2007 with Divison Finals being decided the following week on Sunday, November 18, 2007. Win and move on is the magic formula every team will aspire to on their march to Championship Sunday.
The Montreal Alouettes have appeared in four of the last five Grey Cup Championships with their only victory coming in 2002. The last time the Toronto Argonauts appeared in the Championship game, 2004, they walked away with the title. The B.C. Lions are the defending Grey Cup Champions. They have already clinched the West Division Title and will face the winner of the Calgary / Saskatchewan match-up in the Division Finals.
For all your Grey Cup information, visit Championship Central online.
ABORIGINAL CULTURE HIGHLIGHTED AS PART OF WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
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| Learning is always relevant |
With open arms, Rogers Centre welcomes the Canadian Aboriginal Festival back for its 14th Anniversary from November 30 – December 2 for three days of cultural awareness and education.. The festival, a cross-cultural event, is a wonderful event for everyone as it offers diverse and interesting areas such as shopping, food, traditional dancing, lacrosse, contemporary music and art as well as much more.
As Canada’s largest Aboriginal Festival, your presence would both teach you about the Aboriginal culture as well as honour them with your involvement. All ages will enjoy the diverse offerings over the December 1 – 2 weekend.
Here is a quick glimpse of some of the planned program activities:
Saturday, December 1, 2007
open 9:00a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Lacrosse Skills Competitions
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Market Place open
11:45 – 12:45 p.m. Main Stage Concert
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Grand Entry
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Main Stage Concert
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Grand Entry
Sunday, December 2, 2007
open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Market Place open
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Main Stage Concert
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Grand Entry
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Dance Award Presentation
*times and activities are subject to change
If you are a teacher and are interested in bringing your class to the event, please visit The Education Day Brochure and complete the registration form.
Education Day runs from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. while the event is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Do not miss your chance to experience the colourfulness of the Aboriginal culture.
Education Day tickets are $7.00 for teachers and students. Click on the link above to download the application.
On Friday evening, Rogers Centre will dim the lights and celebrate the best in Aboriginal Music with the Annual Aboriginal Music Awards from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The 9th Annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards recognize top Aboriginal artists and music industry professionals in Canada in 24 categories. Leading the nominations, with five each, are Donny Parenteau from Saskatchewan and Shane Yellowbird from Alberta – both country music artists. Also out front are Digging Roots (ON), Sandy Scofield (BC), Little Hawk (MB), Arvel Bird (ON), and Joe Byrne & Eye of Charm (ON), with nominations in three categories each.
Tickets for the awards show are $35.00 in advance and $40.00 at the door. General Festival Admission is $10.00 per adult or $5.00 per child (12 years of age and under). A family pass (2 adults and 2 children) is also available for $25.00.
Tickets for the Festival are currently on sale as of via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000, or online at Ticketmaster.
Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail or call 416-341-2255.
RIEU ADDS CANADIAN DISTINCTION TO TORONTO CONCERTS
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| Romance takes centre stage with show |
Adding a distinctly Canadian flair to his concert spectacular, Rieu has tabbed two up and coming Canadian Pairs figure skating teams to participate along side him in his full-stadium show at Rogers Centre. This latest announcement comes on the heels of interest from The Guinness Book of World Records as they have their eye on a number of records he could set in Toronto with the unveiling of his World Stadium Tour: A Romantic Viennese Night.
The Guinness Book of World Records has their eyes on André Rieu’s full-stadium show as the extravaganza may set three new world records. This show, with the full opulence of a romantic Viennese night, could potentially set new records for the biggest set ever built; the largest logistical operation ever undertaken; and the largest number of performers for one show.
Master craftsmen in Europe are working hard to get all the intricate details of the Castle of Schonbrünn just right in preparation for its shipment to Canada in an incredible 125 sea containers. In addition to the magical castle, 250 performers will dazzle audience members through music, dance and even skating during Rieu’s world premier concert series on December 14 and 15, 2007.
Be part of history and join the largest crowd to ever watch an indoor classical music concert. Tickets, ranging in price from $84.50 to $124.50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-872-1111 or online at ticketmaster.ca.
Groups of 20 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail or call 416-341-2255.
EVENT RECAP: HIS HOLINESS SEES SUN EVEN IN DARK DAYS
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| Peace is possible for everyone |
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet treated over 16,000 spectators to a 90 minute tribute of the human spirit and how individuals can help lead change through peaceful resolutions on Wednesday, October 31 at Rogers Centre.
With his tradition and good natured laugh, His Holiness took the stage to warm applause, cheers and whistles. That was the last noise the crowd would make until a three minute standing ovation closed the ceremonies. Spectators sat in complete silence fully taking in the stories and wisdom being shared by His Holiness.
In speaking about peace, His Holiness spoke at great length about the fact that it is the responsibility of each member of the population, no matter race or religion, to look within first.
“Genuine peace must come first from inner peace,” proclaimed His Holiness. He went on to further explain that peaceful resolutions can only come through dialogue. The crowd roared in appreciation when we stated, “This century should be the century of dialogue.”
After sharing his insights and thoughts with the very appreciative crowd, His Holiness participated in a questions and answer session touching on such topics as depression, religion, and a shift from suffering to happiness.
With his traditional candour, His Holiness was honest in explaining that it is very difficult to offer blanket suggestions on dealing with depression as first one needs to understand the precise factors involved in driving those feelings.
“We have to identify causes and conditions then we can try to help,” offered His Holiness.
As for addressing the choice to switch from a suffering focus to a happiness focus in his teachings, His Holiness simply responded that “the theme of happiness is common sense. No need for further explanation.”
With his final thought, His Holiness challenged all individuals in attendance to look inward to find happiness and peace and then to help spread those messages outward.
ON SALE THIS MONTH
DISNEY PHENOMENON HEATS UP THE ICE
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| Wildcats heat up ice |
The hottest phenomenon is now on ice! Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour, the only live fusion of songs, dancing, and non-stop, team-spirited fun inspired by the smash hit Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2," is coming to Rogers Centre from December 21 - 30, 2007.
Get'cha head in the game and celebrate the sounds, the songs, the bop and the pop in this awesome ice show starring a cast of world class skaters portraying the roles of East High's own, Troy, Gabriella, Ryan, Sharpay, Chad and Taylor. They will be performing to the chart-topping tunes with signature choreography made popular in the Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel Original Movie and pop culture craze. And, for the first time live, fans will have the opportunity to experience moments from Disney's High School Musical 2.
Experience the Wildcat frenzy and rock the house in Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour produced by Feld Entertainment and Kenny Ortega.
Tickets for all 14 currently listed shows can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 and online at ticketmaster.ca.
For more information, visit High School Musical:The Ice Tour Offical Site.
PLAN AHEAD FOR NEW YEAR OF SHOWS
MONSTER JAM RETURNS IN 2008
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| Man tries to tame machine |
Monster Jam’s roaring engines, crushing sounds and high flying freestyle competition returns to Rogers Centre on Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20, 2008. Top trucks from the Monster Jam Series will entertain fans with unbelievable jumps, stunts and even some thrills and spills. Expect the unexpected every time the trucks leave the starting line.
On Saturday, Rogers Centre will host the action packed Pit Party from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. Get a behind the scenes look at the monstrous machines and the fearless drivers who try to tame them each night. This is your chance to interact with drivers, take photos and collect autographs.
Tickets are $27.00 and $22.00 for adults while all children’s tickets (ages 2 – 12) are just $15.00. We are also offering unique Super Value Seats (located on the north side of Rogers Centre’s 200 Level) for just $15.00. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or purchase online at ticketmaster.ca. Groups of 10 or more can contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail or call 416-341-2255.
AMA SUPERCROSS SERIES SELECTS TORONTO AS ONLY CANADIAN STOP
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| Only International Stop of Race Schedule |
Fans of the AMA Supercross Series will be happy to know that Toronto was selected as the only international stop on the 2008 calendar. As the premier off-road full stadium motorcycle racing series in the world, the excitement and action is sure to be revving high on Saturday, March 29, 2008 as the riders take to the course.
Last season Chad Reed took the race win in front of now retired Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart.
Tickets range in price from $20.00 - $40.00 while children ages 2 – 12 pay only $15.00. They are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or purchase online at ticketmaster.ca. Groups of 20 or more can contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail or call 416-341-2255.
The items in this publication are intended for your information and should not be reproduced without the written permission from the Rogers Centre Communications Office.