OCTOBER EVENTS NEWSLETTER
Rogers Centre News, a monthly publication, is brought to you with the latest news and information on events at Rogers Centre.
THANKSGIVING COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR AND SO DO OCTOBER EVENTS AT ROGERS CENTRE
October has a multitude of events for fans of all ages at Rogers Centre. Toronto traditions, football fanfare and wiggling musicians all perform under a roof that is both impressive and legendary. Pack some turkey and stuffing, leaving a little room for pumpkin pie, and head down for a full month of fun.
QUICKLINKS:
WIGGLE YOUR WAY TO ROGERSCENTRE.COM FOR A CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS
126th ANNUAL POLICE GAMES MAKE THEIR MARK IN TORONTO HISTORY
MORE TO ROGERS CENTRE ROOF THAN MEETS THE EYE
HICKORY DICKORY DOCK, THE WIGGLES SET OUT TO ROCK
TORONTO ARGONAUTS HIT HOME TURF HARD IN OCTOBER
AC/DC TAKE THE HIGHWAY TO…ROGERS CENTRE
TORONTO BLUE JAYS SET THEIR SIGHTS ON THE 2009 SEASON
THE WIGGLES KEEP IN TUNE WITH THEIR FAN BASE
THANKSGIVING AND REFLECTION ON NOVEMBER MENU
THE WIGGLES WANT YOU TO ENTER AND WIN A POP GO THE WIGGLES LIVE! CONCERT PACKAGE
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| The Wiggles want YOU in the front row |
Looking for a way to wiggle into front-row seats for the upcoming POP GO THE WIGGLES LIVE! shows? Rogers Centre and THE WIGGLES put on their thinking caps and thought of a HOT POTATO way to do that. Enter online today for your chance to win one of three (3) packs of four (4) tickets to see the 6:30 p.m. show on Friday, October 24, 2008.
Enter yourself and let all your family and friends know about the aisle-dancing good time the POP GO THE WIGGLES LIVE! show will be. It’s a hot October event. SAM, JEFF, MURRAY and ANTHONY are excited to have you join in the fun.
Winners will be selected October 14, 2008.
ANNUAL POLICE GAMES CELEBRATE AN IMPORTANT PART OF TORONTO’S HISTORY
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| Known as the Annual Police Field Day in 1956, the Toronto tradition continues on as the Annual Police Games |
It was a balmy July day in 1955 and fans from both sides of the border made their way to the CNE for the ANNUAL POLICE GAMES. A day-long affair, events for girls and boys took place during the day while the police teams did their final practices for the main event. Over the years this long-standing tradition may have evolved but it has always maintained the spirit of sport, showmanship and spectacle.
The fun continues on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 at Rogers Centre as the 126th ANNUAL POLICE GAMES take to the field at 7:00 p.m.
These games were a tradition that brought police divisions, and the community, together for fun, friendly competition. Each year, spectators waited eagerly for the TUG OF WAR match fought fiercely between TORONTO POLICE and DETROIT POLICE. This competition began as a behind the scenes showdown but grew to become a featured event and one of the main highlights fans flocked to watch. For 16 straight years, TORONTO POLICE claimed victory at the TUG OF WAR battle. Through the years, a good-natured rivalry grew as both teams practiced tirelessly to prepare for their annual match-up. Toronto Police was ultimately dethroned by Detroit Police but the camaraderie remains today. The TUG OF WAR event remains intensely competitive. Now featuring both a men’s and women’s division, all participating teams look forward to the start of the event.
Competitors also lined up to prove their speed and agility in the HALF-MILE RUN competition that in 1955 was dedicated to the memory of HEE PHILIPS. The former coach of the police team was an instrumental figure to the participating teams and in memory of his dedication, the HEE PHILIPS TROPHY was awarded to the winner. Since then, the run has expanded into a RELAY RACE that celebrates the athleticism and teamwork of both male and female participants.
Another top drawing card was the MISS TORONTO BEAUTY PAGEANT that became part of the ANNUAL GAMES starting in 1937. Contestants would compete in preliminaries throughout Toronto to reach the finals held on the day of the games. Local Torontonians including KAY DUNKLING, MARJORIE DAWSON, JUDY WELCH, SHEILA BILLING and MARIANNE LENCHAK participated in this pageant that awarded scholarships and donated proceeds from the contest to the TORONTO POLICE WIDOWS & ORPHANS FUND. The beauty pageant evolved over the years and today, a bit of sparkle is added to the games with high-energy musical performances by the CANADIAN IDOL TOP 10.
While the games celebrate fun and showmanship, it is also a pivotal fundraiser for the TORONTO POLICE WIDOWS & ORPHANS FUND. Since its inception in 1952, the organization is the first to financially support families during their time of grieving. Currently the Fund serves approximately 8,500 active and retired members and has paid over $14 million since 1984 in survivor benefits.
For an evening of tradition, fun and entertainment, come out and support the TORONTO, DURHAM, YORK, PEEL and BARRIE POLICE, along with TORONTO FIRE and the MILITARY POLICE as they demonstrate their athleticism while supporting a good cause.
Tickets priced at $15.00 (general admission) or $48.00 for a family pack (2 adults and 2 children) are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Groups of 20 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail or call 416-341-2255.
WORLD’S FIRST RETRACTABLE ROOF TRANSITIONS FROM CLOSED TO OPEN THROUGH TEAMWORK
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| Iconic roof provides a window to the sky |
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| Dave McCormick oversees a dedicated group of roof technicians |
Fans heading to Rogers Centre on bright and sunny days have been surprised to see the roof closed. And then, on a gray, gloomy afternoon the same roof is open leaving 90% of the stadium at the mercy of the elements. These openings and closings are not based on the whims of the stadium but on information far more advanced than the naked eye can see.
Tracking weather is incredibly sophisticated and goes beyond the mere view of sun and clouds for Dave McCormick, Supervisor Engineering for Rogers Centre, and his roof operations team. A state-of-the-art weather tracking system is used to pinpoint potentially inclement weather and track developing changes. These predictions, monitored through The Weather Network (Pelmorex) satellite weather tracking system, are the defining factors when making the final decision to open the roof or keep it closed.
Filtering information from a satellite camera located on Toronto Island, this Pelmorex system gives a detailed picture of weather pattern movement, precipitation and if any area weather pattern is moving towards the stadium. In the event where weather conditions could change for the worse, McCormick and his team receive a call directly from The Weather Network advising them to close the roof or refrain from opening it altogether.
“Considering the weather we’ve had this summer, we’re happy that the roof was open for the majority of the games,” said Dave McCormick. “Typically, it’s rainy during the days but by game time we’ve lucked out and the weather has cleared up.”
This streak of good luck partly comes from cooperating weather patterns and also from keeping a constant watch on the satellite images. Knowing that baseball and football fans want the roof to be open, McCormick and his team do their best to make that happen. However, when the roof is open it is not a time to rest easy. Always keeping in mind that it takes 25 minutes to close the roof, all four members of the team and The Weather Network stay on top of any shifting weather patterns and in some cases the roof has closed within minutes of a storm front hitting.
“Rogers Centre is an open-air stadium with the ability to close,” said McCormick while entering the roof operations control room. “This type of precision tracking has allowed us to open when the weather didn’t look like it was cooperating and also close right before a storm approaches.”
While the venerable building enjoys the open air, weather conditions in Toronto dictate the months the roof can open and close. From the end of October until April, the Rogers Centre roof goes into hibernation so that the inside of the stadium is protected from snow, ice and cold weather.
Keeping on top of the weather is only one element of operating the architectural marvel that was the first retractable roof in existence and the only roof to have all four panels rotate to one side. This innovative design and engineering consists of four panels: two barrel-shaped panels and one quarter-domed panel that maneuver to stack on top of the fixed fourth panel.
Given the unparallel design of this structure, roof operation demands a specialized and confident team. McCormick is joined by Lee Brennan, Alfred Jantos and Peter Binczyk who, with their combination of experience, expertise and calm demeanor, keep the roof opening and closing in a smooth and timely fashion.
“These guys are the heart and soul of roof operations,” said McCormick. “They know this place like the back of their hand and know when things are running smoothly and when it’s time to double-check certain areas.”
Brennan has his eye on everything from weather patterns, to watching the speed of panels opening and closing. Bringing 18 years of experience at the stadium to his role, Brennan knows the right combination to letting the sun shine in with ease. While Rogers Centre is similar to other stadiums with retractable roofs using computers to monitor openings and closings, the stadium goes one step further to ensure the roof will be open for game time. A giant control panel, complete with levers and buttons, allows Brennan extra control and precision. With a deft hand, he can move the panels mere millimetres at a time to ensure the panels open in conjunction with one another. If they are out of line by even the slightest measurement, Brennan can artfully bring them back through manual manipulations on the control panel.
Keeping on top of things with a daily trip to the roof Jantos or Binczyk, both skilled electricians, begin the roof inspection at 2:00 p.m. rain or shine. Jantos, who has been with the stadium for 20 years, makes sure the joints, pin-type connections and trusses are in perfect condition. Bincyzk, who has five years of solid experience with the stadium, also inspects the bogies, tracks and steel arches to ensure the roof panels open smoothly and quickly. After checking every nook and cranny of each panel, and maintaining communication with Brennan in the control room, Jantos or Binczyk make their way to either the east or west side of the roof, in conjunction with the on-duty building operator and the on-duty maintenance mechanic, listening and watching while the panels open. Their vast knowledge associated with roof operations becomes especially beneficial as they are aware of every movement and sound that occurs when the panels begin to move along the bogies into the open position.
All in all, McCormick credits the numerous roof openings to precision-timed good weather, a committed team and maintaining numerous procedures to keep track of roof functions. From preventative maintenance to backing up close to 100% of operating components and doing rigorous opening and closing of the roof, both simulated and physical, during the off season, has kept the iconic dome in peak operating condition. With everything up to speed and in good working order, McCormick gets the opportunity to appreciate one of his favourite elements of roof operations.
“When you’re on the roof and it’s opening, it’s extremely quiet,” said McCormick pointing to the door in the far west corner of the dome. “For something that massive to barely make a sound is amazing.”
And thanks to this dedicated teamwork, fans can enjoy the open air and the outdoor feel when they take their seats.
POP GO THE WIGGLES LIVE! ADDS A LITTLE BIT OF ROCK N’ ROLL TO CLASSIC NURSERY RHYMES
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| The Wiggles are ready to rock |
Wiggling out new interpretations of standard classics, THE WIGGLES go back to their youth and reinvent classic nursery rhymes for their hit album POP GO THE WIGGLES. Taking the tunes from this upbeat album and creating a few signature dance moves, POP GO THE WIGGLES LIVE! brings a combination of song, dance, kaleidoscopic sets and special guests to Rogers Centre for four shows. THE WIGGLES recently announced the addition of a 3:00 p.m. show on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 to go along with a 6:30 p.m. performance. On SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25 they are back on stage at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
This energetic and colourful live show brings a refreshing new outlook on such classics as THE FARMER IN THE DELL, TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STARand MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB. Fans will cheer in the aisles as Sam (YELLOW WIGGLE), Murray (RED WIGGLE), Jeff (PURPLE WIGGLE) and Anthony (BLUE WIGGLE) limbo their way across the stage and into the hearts of young and old alike.
Adding more fun and special moments, close friends DOROTHY THE DINOSAUR, CAPTAIN FEATHERSWORD, WAGS THE DOG and HENRY THE OCTOPUS also take to the stage to twist along to their favourite nursery rhymes. Loved by the crowd, DOROTHY is sure to receive many roses from fans who know that roses are her favourite treat and WAGS always has a bone or two waiting for him from his cheering fans.
POP GO THE WIGGLES LIVE! is a high energy show that includes new nursery rhymes along with crowd favourites, plenty of interactive fun and a possible appearance by the BIG RED CAR. Brush up on your SKIP TO MY LOU, practice a few WIGGLES moves and take in the newest stage show by the world’s #1 preschool band.
Tickets are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Tickets are $45.00, $35.00 or $26.00 each. Children 1 year of age or older requires a ticket. There is a ticket purchase limit of 10 per customer for these shows.
Groups of 15 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail or call 416-341-2255.
THE TORONTO ARGONAUTS PLAN TO WORK THE HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
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| The Argos muscle their way into the fall season |
The B.C. LIONS roar into Rogers Centre for the first time in the 2008 season. Roaring back will be Toronto’s Defensive Tackle, ADRIANO BELLI who will step up to the microphone to sing the national anthem before heading out to tame the LIONS. The TORONTO ARGONAUTS give it their all against B.C. LIONS, the second place leaders in the Western Division, at Rogers Centre on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 at 7:00 p.m.
The excitement continues as the ARGONAUTS have the home field advantage for the second time this season as take on the MONTREAL ALLOUETTES at Rogers Centre on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 at 3:00 p.m. This visit from their Eastern Division rivals will be a match to remember for fans as the ARGONAUTS look to snatch victory from the first place leaders.
The final game of the regular season pits the ARGONAUTS against SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS at Rogers Centre on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 at 7:30 p.m. After the ROUGHRIDERS were roughed up by the ALLOUETTES, they will be looking for redemption on the field of play. The Boatmen will have something to say about the final outcome as they strive to turn their season around.
Flex packs and individual game tickets are on sale. Call the Argos at 416-341-ARGO or visit all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-872-5000 or online.
GET READY TO BE THUNDERSTRUCK: AC/DC HEAD TO ROGERS CENTRE IN FIRST WORLD TOUR SINCE 2001
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| The Thunder from Down Under bring the noise |
AC/DC, the most-loved and hardest rocking band in the world, are back doing what they do best: Taking centre stage and cranking the volume to 11. In support of their soon-to-be released album BLACK ICE, this iconic band chose Toronto as the fifth of 24 stops in their highly anticipated BLACK ICE WORLD TOUR. Their first stop in Canada, and their only stadium show in 2008, takes place at Rogers Centre on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Known throughout the world for their no-frills rock and roll, BRIAN JOHNSON’S distinctive vocals, and lead guitarist ANGUS YOUNG’S schoolboy outfits, AC/DC has remained a musical powerhouse for over three decades. With a career spanning 16 albums, an induction into the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME (2003) and a street named after the band in Melbourne, Australia, AC/DC has firmly planted themselves in the lexicon of music history.
Their 15 track album, BLACK ICE, is the first studio release since 2000 when they created the critically-acclaimed STIFF UPPER LIP. Fans eagerly awaiting the October 18 release of their latest offering have whet their appetites on the first single, ROCK N’ ROLL TRAIN. A few short weeks after the official release of the album which is set for October 20, AC/DC takes over Rogers Centre, electrifying a capacity crowd with an all-out rock show performance.
Remembered for their explosive set at the 2003 SARS FEST held in North York, AC/DC stole the hearts of Torontonians with their extraordinary performance. Dominating the stage with power chords and energy and donating their time for a charitable cause, AC/DC reminded Toronto, and the world, of their remarkable musicianship. With over 200 million albums sold worldwide, fans will shake all night long when AC/DC takes over Toronto.
Tickets priced at $69.50 or $99.50 are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. There is a ticket purchase limit of four (4) per customer for this concert.
BOYS OF SUMMER FLY HOME AS 2008 SEASON COMES TO AN END
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| Spring 2009 can't arrive fast enough for Blue Jays squad |
The 2008 Toronto Blue Jays finished the season with a resounding 10-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday afternoon. With the victory, the Jays finished the season 10 games above .500 with an overall 86-76 record. Under Manager Cito Gaston, who took control of the team on June 20, the team posted a 51-37 record.
Finishing the season above .500 for the third consecutive season, the Toronto Blue Jays have their sights set on a strong start in 2009. With a core nucleus of returning players along with a handful of top young prospects making their names known, the Blue Jays have a lot to look forward to.
Manager Cito Gaston leads the charge after signing a contract extension prior to the end of season. Gaston, along with the coaching staff, proudly wear the blue and white.
Over the course of the 2008 season, Blue Jays players fought hard until the end and in the process set new Club or personal career best marks. Some of note are:
Batting Marks:
Doubles:
Alex Rios (47) - sets new career high
Lyle Overbay (32)
Scott Rolen (30)
Triples:
Alex Rios (8) - sets new career high
Joe Inglett (7) - sets new career high
Adam Lind (4) - sets new career high
Home Runs:
Vernon Wells (20)
Lyle Overbay (15)
Alex Rios (15)
RBI:
Alex Rios (79)
Vernon Wells (78)
Lyle Overbay (69)
Pitching Marks:
Wins:
Roy Halladay (20) - most since 2003; T-3rd in Major Leagues
A.J. Burnett (18) - sets new career high
Jesse Litsch (13) - sets new career high in sophomore season
Strike Outs:
A.J. Burnett (231) - sets new career high; 1st in American League; 3rd in Major Leagues
Roy Halladay (206) - sets new career high; 3rd in American League; T-5th in Major Leagues
Shaun Marcum (123) - sets new career high
Innings Pitched:
Roy Halladay (246.0) - most since 2003
A.J. Burnett (221.1) - sets new career high
Jesse Litsch (176.0) - sets new career high
ENTERTAINING AND ENGAGING, THE WIGGLES CONTINUE TO CAPTURE THE HEART OF PRESCHOOLERS THROUGH MUSIC
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| Fans come first for The Wiggles |
When four Australians came together to create children’s music that was fun and educational, they had no idea that 17 years later they would continue to reign as the world-wide phenomenon THE WIGGLES. Founding members Greg Page, Jeff Fatt, Murray Cook and Anthony Field embarked on a journey that brought rock music and early childhood education together while winning the hearts of preschoolers along the way.
Field and Fatt were members of THE COCKROACHES, a decidedly adult pop band that specialized in catchy rock songs. Field eventually enrolled in university to complete his early childhood education, and for a school project he created THE WIGGLES with fellow classmates Cook and Page. Fatt was recruited for his musical knowledge and soon all four members were writing catchy songs for preschoolers with titles like DO THE MONKEY and GET READY TO WIGGLE. The original members of the band remained together until 2006 when Page retired from THE WIGGLES due to health reasons. After great consideration, the other band members invited Sam Moran, the understudy for Page and a member of the organization for five years, to continue entertaining and educating children.
The combination of knowing how children learn and creating fun, interesting tunes struck a chord with kids and THE WIGGLES grew to enchant millions of preschoolers throughout the world. Engaging youngsters through music and song turned THE WIGGLES into a children’s entertainment giant all while they maintained a modest philosophy: use simple concepts familiar to young children and add several genres of music and types of instruments. This approach created an unprecedented fan base and a love for all things WIGGLES.
Committed to keeping their music simple and accessible to fans, THE WIGGLES also added colour and personality to help preschoolers relate to and remember each member of the band. Fans immediately identify with Sam, the YELLOW WIGGLE who performs magic tricks to entertain the young audience. Murray, the RED WIGGLE, plays his signature guitar, Jeff, the PURPLE WIGGLE, falls asleep all the time and Anthony, the BLUE WIGGLE likes to eat. Speaking, and singing, to their fans on a preschool level has given THE WIGGLES the opportunity to entertain and educate for close to 20 years.
Equally important to the band was the need to create an energetic and colourful live show. At the start of their career they travelled across Australia in a van stopping at various pre-schools or shopping centers to entertain their growing fan base. Recognizing that a young child is curious and loves to master basic movements, THE WIGGLES created stage shows that incorporated action, audience participation and simple choreography to further reach out to preschool children. Their dedication and passion to education and engagement with children continues to grow as THE WIGGLES bring their latest show POP GO THE WIGGLES LIVE! to ROGERS CENTRE this October.
Tickets are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Tickets are $45.00, $35.00 or $26.00 each. Children 1 year of age or older requires a ticket. There is a ticket purchase limit of 10 per customer for these shows.
NOVEMBER STARTS WITH FAITHFUL DAY OF CELEBRATION
On Saturday, November 1 Rogers Centre invites the world to join together in an evening of inspirational song and performance as HEAVEN’S REHEARSAL fills the air.
This non-denominational evening of celebration is the second of its kind in Toronto. In 2007, a capacity crowd filled the Air Canada Centre and this year attendance is expected to double. Tens of thousands will come together from all over the world to worship and come together as one family. Through song and dance, spirits will be lifted, voices will be heard and prayers will be answered.
Tickets for the event, priced at $25.00 each, are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Group tickets, available for $20.00 if purchased in groups of 10 or more, can be ordered by calling 905-231-1701.