November Events Newsletter
Rogers Centre News, a monthly publication, is brought to you with the latest news and information on events at Rogers Centre.
THE SKIES MAY BE GREY AND THE DAYS MAY BE WET BUT ROGERS CENTRE PROVIDES EVENTS FANS SOON WON’T FORGET
The wait is over this November as the masses descend on Rogers Centre for two highly anticipated concerts that have been months in the making. Internationally appealing shows, high profile upcoming events and a state-of-the art broadcast facility is a reminder that Rogers Centre is a premier destination.
QUICKLINKS:
HEAVEN’S REHEARSAL KNOCKS ON ROGERS CENTRE DOOR
LIVE IN THREE…TWO…ONE…ACTION!
15TH ANNUAL CANADIAN ABORIGINAL FESTIVAL GATHERS TO CELEBRATE
ONLINE WINNERS WIGGLE IN DELIGHT AT WEEKEND CONCERT
NFL FOOTBALL DEBUTS FIRST REGULAR SEASON BUFFALO BILLS GAME
IT’S AN INCREDIBLE NIGHT OUT AT DISNEY ON ICE – A DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE
THIS IS A JOB FOR SUPERMAN…OR A SUPER-SIZED MONSTER TRUCK!
BACK IN…TOWN: AC/DC ADD NEW ROGERS CENTRE CONCERT DATE
SNEAK A PEEK: ADDITIONAL EVENTS COMING SOON TO ROGERS CENTRE
THE TIME HAS ARRIVED FOR HEAVEN’S REHEARSAL TO SHINE AT ROGERS CENTRE
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| Voices rise in unity during multi-cultural gathering |
Months of planning and dedicated preparation come to fruition as HEAVEN’S REHEARSAL brings international representatives of 127 nations of the world under one roof. Gathering together to present uplifting songs and intricate dance performances, artists from around the world stir the soul with a message of global unity. An experience and lasting impact that many have waited for takes place at Rogers Centre on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Music is one of the many ways HEAVEN’S REHEARSAL conveys its message of unity during this momentous evening. A 500-voice choir, brought together to share faith and love, will lift their voices and fill Rogers Centre with rich, complex choral harmonies. Drawing from a repertoire of well-known spirituals, classical, sacred and contemporary Christian works, this impressive choir will include 22 new arrangements of worship songs and hymns for the occasion. Basking in the light of worship, these choir members from multicultural communities throughout Toronto and Ontario sing to help lead thousands through their spiritual journey.
Dance brings a visual impact to HEAVEN’S REHEARSAL through beautifully choreographed numbers that celebrates the many cultures joining together in worship. Using elements of song and spoken scripture to provide a greater depth to the performances, the pieces resonate with the desire to celebrate one common goal; to come together and worship in the name of Christ Jesus.
An occasion that brought a sold-out audience to its feet in 2007, HEAVEN’S REHEARSAL responded to the overwhelming demand of fans by creating a new show. Large-scale performances in a larger venue with a larger audience, HEAVEN’S REHEARSAL creates room for international audiences of faith to meet in one space and feel a unity amongst the crowd and through the performances.
Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Groups tickets are available for $20.00 and can be ordered by calling 905-231-1701.
WE PAUSE FOR STATION IDENTIFICATION - ROGERS CENTRE HOUSES ITS OWN BROADCAST CENTRE
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| Videoboard content comes from every angle |
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| Audio and visual elements come together in braodcast control room |
Lights, camera, action! On any given day, for any given event, the video control room at Rogers Centre is working just as fast and furious as the 6 o’clock news. Every event that takes place at the stadium, whether sport, music, family or thrill, not to mention private and corporate field events, has a hots of technical and broadcast requirements. And with a deft hand, Video Production keeps everything, and everyone, moving forward seamlessly.
"It’s not as simple as coming in, flipping a switch and everything just happens," said Anastasia Stenhouse, Manager, Sports & Event Production. "We have the same set-up as a television show and in most cases we operate much like the big broadcasters."
And like television, Stenhouse and her crew work closely with gameday or event producers ensuring audio and video content, which is part of over 120 events per year, is nothing short of spectacular. Along with a Technical Producer of Sports and Events Mike Christiansen and Engineer Steph Gagnon, the department can swell to upwards of 28 when freelancers are called in to handle camera work and other broadcast duties. During the baseball season, games are covered just like a sports television show, using 5 manned cameras and 4 robotic cameras to record every crucial second. Watching a panel of television screens, a director calls the shots in the control room to decide what content should be aired on the Videoboard.
"Sometimes an event has set requirements like wiring for audio or only needing a transmission feed," said Christiansen. "And other times we’re getting Videoboard content ready, managing broadcast logistics and making sure all broadcast feeds are in order."
It’s never a dull day for video production and with a major injection of technical upgrades from Rogers Communications Inc. the responsibilities and capabilities of the department have grown immeasurably.
In 2005 the impressive addition of two Ribbon Boards, that each measure 434 feet long, brought additional pop to the stadium. Wrapping around each side of the field between the 200L and 300L, these new boards add visual dimension and allow for different content. Immediately eye-catching to spectators while they are at an event, these displays are the perfect compliment to the immense Videoboard, which is a focal point of the stadium.
This new Videoboard, also part of the 2005 upgrade, is a marvel of technology that is a complete viewing experience. Originally one screen that used CRT's to provide light and had 200 lines of resolution, the DAKTRONICS Videoboard was installed into the north end of the stadium, redefining how content is viewed during an event. Despite being the exact size as its predecessor, this new Video display spans a height of 32 feet tall and 108 feet wide but the comparisons end there.
Now, seven display panels take the place of the original screen and require a whooping 1,866,240 individual LED lights which produce over four trillion colours that light up the board. What happens when a light needs to be changed is a secret only video production knows! This advanced technology brings intensity to the Videoboard with 432 lines of resolution and makes any picture displayed on the screen twice as clear as the old screen.
Operating and executing the audio and video components for a full and varied schedule has its challenges and also fond memories. Both Stenhouse and Christiansen worked the June 21, 2003 SARS benefit concert that involved swapping audio and video feeds back and forth to the Air Canada Centre.
"We had Sum 41, Our Lady Peace and The Tragically Hip playing here," said Christiansen. "And while each band set up for their set, we would air the content of Sarah McLachlan or Remy Shand performing down the street."
The use of fiber-optics made it possible to show this live footage immediately and Stenhouse and Christiansen, as with all events at Rogers Centre, got immense satisfaction working on the project and seeing it come to life.
Another groundbreaking project Rogers Communication Inc. has undertaken is the Broadcasting Infrastructure within the stadium. Running just under 1,000,000 feet of cable throughout the building now connects the audio, video, camera and fiber-optic signals from various broadcasting areas all over the stadium to one central hub. Now broadcasters and in-house production crews can connect their equipment to grab the required signals all throughout Rogers Centre.
"We make sure to shoot the best footage and provide top-notch content for fans," said Stenhouse. "Depending on the event, we can have 50,000 eyes on that screen and we’re going to give the audience the best show we can."
And with spectators and other broadcasters alike buzzing about the high quality content that Rogers Centre produces for their events, Stenhouse and her crew are doing more than creating the best show they can, they’re on the road to an honorary Gemini.
A WEEKEND OF MUSIC, TRADITION AND CELEBRATION SHOWCASES CANADIAN ABORIGINAL ACHIEVEMENT AND HERITAGE
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| Lively music, colourful garments and educational stations highlight festival |
Honouring a part of Aboriginal culture, the 2008 CANADIAN ABORIGINAL MUSIC AWARDS celebrates the work of many talented artists both in front of and behind the microphone.
This year, Canadian legend BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE is the recipient of the LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION TO ABORIGINAL MUSIC award for her unprecedented involvement with music and aboriginal awareness. In a career spanning over 40 years, SAINTE-MARIE has been a singer, composer, actor, visual artist, social activist and educator who has earned great praise for her work. The composer of many hit songs including "UNTIL IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO GO" developed many admirers in the music community including JANIS JOPLIN, CHER, and ELVIS PRESLEY who have all covered her songs. Contemporary artists such as KANYE WEST have also sampled her work.
Receiving an ACADEMY AWARD for BEST SONG in 1982 for her work on “UP WHERE WE BELONG”, which appeared in AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, she considers her work in the Aboriginal community part of her top achievements. Having acted as spokesperson for the UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION and founding the CRADLEBOARD TEACHING PROJECT to bring Native American culture into mainstream classrooms and beyond, SAINTE-MARIE has touched many people through her music and work.
On FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, the 2008 CANADIAN ABORIGINAL MUSIC AWARDS celebrate her work as an icon while also pointing the spotlight on all other deserving artists. This red carpet night officially leads into the 15th ANNUAL CANADIAN ABORIGINAL FESTIVAL happening throughout the rest of the weekend.
As the largest Aboriginal festival in Canada, this weekend event running NOVEMBER 28 – 30 celebrates a dynamic cultural experience that includes music, education, sports and visual arts. Bringing history and tradition to life, the FESTIVAL showcases many key elements of Aboriginal culture as a way to share the significance of first peoples customs.
The vibrant and energetic POW WOW is a cornerstone of the FESTIVAL. With close to 1,000 participating native dancers, it also makes the POW WOW one of the most memorable events. The weekend holds a multitude of fun and exciting elements including an OPEN DRUM COMPETITION, LACROSSE COMPETITION, FASHION SHOW, and MARKET PLACE.
In response to numerous requests from interested schools, the FESTIVAL added a special EDUCATION DAY which has quickly become popular with teachers and students. During the day on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. the FESTIVAL is set up with over 30 teaching stations which aide in the development of a deeper and more knowledgeable understanding of Aboriginal culture. Combining presentations with hands-on activities, students are able to participate in TRADITIONAL DANCE, LACROSSE, HAND DRUMMING, STORYTELLING and LANGUAGE.
A weekend of celebration, education and memorable performances, the 15th ANNUAL CANADIAN ABORIGINAL FESTIVAL provides thrills and entertainment to everyone who crosses the threshold.
Tickets for the 2008 CANADIAN ABORIGINAL MUSIC AWARDS are available in advance for $35.00 (floor seats) and $20.00 (100L seats). Individuals can purchase tickets at the door on Friday night for $40.00. Advance tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
Tickets for the CANADIAN ABORIGINAL FESTIVAL are priced at $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children (12 years and under) and $25.00 for a family pass (2 adults and 2 children). Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail.
Schools interested in participating in Education Day are encouraged to visit the Canadian Aboriginal Festival official website and download an application form.
WIGGLING INTO THEIR FLOOR SEATS, ROGERSCENTRE.COM CONTESTANTS ENJOY BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE
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| The Wiggles entertain a stadium full of children and parents including our online contestants |
Savvy Wiggles fans turned to the internet to help them secure the best seats in the house as Australia’s #1 preschool band performed at Rogers Centre in October.
Instead of lining up in the dark and crisp fall morning air for their chance to be the first to purchase Wiggles tickets, Karen H. of Elmira, Michelle D. of Aurora and Susan T. of Whitby registered at the rogerscentre.com exclusive online contest and walked away with four of the best seats in the house for themselves and their little ones.
As part of rogerscentre.com’s exclusive contest, entrants had the chance to win a set of four (4) first row, second row or third row seats in addition to a prize pack containing a Wiggles toy, Wiggles CD, Pop Go The Wiggles program and a Wiggles DVD. Not only did they enjoy the magic of the live show but they have goodies to enjoy each night at home as a family.
Visit rogerscentre.com often for your chance to subscribe to special online promotions not available anywhere else.
THE BUFFALO BILLS PREPARE FOR REMATCH VERSUS THE MIAMI DOLPHINS
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| NFL regular season history is made at Rogers Centre in December |
Thundering into Toronto last August, the BILLS TORONTO SERIES kicked off with an exciting exhibition game that saw the BUFFALO BILLS take on and defeat the PITTSBURGH STEELERS.
With the regular season underway and the BILLS tied for first in the AFC, history will be made at Rogers Centre when the BILLS play the MIAMI DOLPHINS on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 at 4:00 p.m. On this historic day, the BILLS will be looking for payback against the DOLPHINS who recently defeated them in week 8 of the schedule.
To the surprise of many, except die-hard BILLS fans everywhere, Buffalo tore up the turf with a strong start to the year. Strategy, teamwork and strong athletes have made the BILLS fierce competitors in each and every match. They have dominated in their home games going 3-0 to date and have 2-2 record when playing on the road.
Buffalo returns to the friendly confines of Rogers Centre with QB Trent Edwards, RB Marshaun Lynch, WR Lee Evans and OLB Kawika Mitchell leading the charge. With an electric and highflying offense backed up by a fierce and determined defense, this game is sure to be one for the highlight reels.
All the makings of a memorable day are underway and fans will have the experience of a lifetime at this inaugural regular season NFL game.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 416-872-5000 or online. For VIP/Premium packages please visit the online VIP Section. For luxury suite rental information, please call 1-888-860-3728.
FAVOURITE DISNEYLAND ATTRACTIONS HEAT UP THE ICE IN HOLIDAY SKATING SPECTACULAR
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| It’s pretty incredible when Disney on Ice laces up |
Even superheroes want to take a vacation but when the PARR family, otherwise known as THE INCREDIBLES, pack their bags for a relaxing trip to DISNEYLAND it’s only a matter of time before adventure ensues. Join BOB, HELEN, DASH, VIOLET and JACK-JACK as they skate their way through the Magic Kingdom in DISNEY ON ICE – A DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE happening from DECEMBER 19 – 28 for MULTIPLE PERFORMANCES at Rogers Centre.
Heading to DISNEYLAND for fun and family time, THE INCREDIBLES can only shake their heads when SYNDROME shows up to cause trouble and put a crimp in their vacation. Twirling, lutzing and lifting their way through DISNEYLAND’S most beloved attractions, THE INCREDIBLES work together to prevent SYNDROME from causing any mischief.
SYNDROME keeps THE INCREDIBLES on their toe picks as he takes them on a merry chase through the HAUNTED MANSION, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, SPACE MOUNTAIN and the MAD TEA PARTY. Even a mighty family like THE INCREDIBLES needs assistance, and who better to act as guides and help out than DISNEYLAND residents. A few friends with nimble skating moves of their own, MICKEY MOUSE, MINNIE MOUSE and other popular DISNEY characters lend a hand to catch the dastardly villain.
Does SYNDROME get caught? Do THE INCREDIBLES have adventures in FRONTIERLAND, TOMORROWLAND, ADVENTURELAND and FANTASYLAND? And most importantly, do The Incredibles ever get a chance to take in some rest and relaxation? A visit to see DISNEY ON ICE – A DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE will tell the tale, while transporting audiences to the famed park. Perk up the mouse ears and spruce up your sense of adventure for a holiday treat that involves the whole family.
Tickets are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Tickets are priced at $15.00, $26.00, $39.00, $65.00 (VIP) and $90.00 (Rinkside).
ABLE TO LEAP TALL BUILDINGS IN A SINGLE BOUND, MONSTER TRUCK SUPERMAN RETURNS TO CLAIM VICTORY IN MONSTER JAM 2009
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| Size matters when it comes to Monster Jam supremacy |
It’s a plane…it’s a bird…it’s a 10,000 pound Monster Truck named SUPERMAN that will fly through the air when MONSTER JAM roars into town. Big and brazen, these modified marvels of steel, rubber and torque have been touring North America and Europe to the delight of cheering fans. Leaving a swath of mangled cars in their wake, Toronto audiences will be in for an awe-inspiring display of showmanship on SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. and SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Rogers Centre.
No longer the little engine that could, SUPERMAN upset MONSTER JAM favourite GRAVE DIGGER at a recent race in Arnhem, Holland. CHAD FORTUNE, the driver for SUPERMAN who so masterfully guided the behemoth through the course, hit the biggest racing victory of his career with this win. Using speed and strategy, FORTUNE rolled through his half of the bracket to power his way through the competition and reach a first place finish.
The FREESTYLE portion of the night had Dutch fans holding their breath as these monsters muscled their way on the track. Wild landings, destroyed tires and wheelie contests added a spectacular flourish to the breakneck event. The suitably named MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION swept the FREESTYLE competition and took first place each and every time.
All eyes will be on FORTUNE and his super-powered monster truck in January 2009. Close to victory in 2008 when MONSTER JAM was last at Rogers Centre, he lost by a thin margin to SAFE AUTO MINIMIZER. Emboldened by his European success and ready for further victories, FORTUNE will be ready for a fight when he turns on the ignition in Toronto. He has been waiting all year for the chance to claim top prize in Toronto and with determination as titanic as his vehicle, he will surely pull out all the stops.
The always popular PIT PARTY is all about fan excitement and will be roaring from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009. Drivers get to thank fans for their enthusiasm and support by coming out and interacting with the crowd. This opportunity to check out the raw power of the competing monster trucks and chat with the drivers about their experiences is a highlight of MONSTER JAM that is not to be missed. Stay tuned to upcoming editions of the newsletter for Pit Party ticket information.
Tickets are currently on sale for $27.00 (adults) and $15.00 (children ages 2 – 12). Super Value Seats (located on the north side of the 100 Level and the 200 Level) are also available for just $18.00. Tickets 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.
THUNDERSTRUCK BY FAN RESPONSE, AC/DC HEAD BACK TO ROGERS CENTRE FOR SECOND CONCERT DATE
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| Once is never enough. AC/DC return in January for second show |
Fans were not beating around the bush when they found out AC/DC would be playing at Rogers Centre. Lining up at Ticketmaster locations, calling on the phone and online ordering, ticket demand was overwhelming and excitement for the upcoming concert date went through the roof. Responding to their fans and appreciating their dedication, AC/DC added another concert date at Rogers Centre in support of their latest release BLACK ICE. High voltage will be in the air on FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. as AC/DC tear up the Rogers Centre stage for this second date.
Starting their BLACK ICE WORLD TOUR with a twist, AC/DC and Ticketmaster Canada introduce paperless ticketing technology for select seats at Rogers Centre at the FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 show. This marks the Canadian debut of the Ticketmaster technology.
Entering Rogers Centre to a capacity crowd, the stadium will be shaking to the core of its foundations as fans revel in a blistering performance that only AC/DC can provide.
Mere days after its release, BLACK ICE, the band’s latest album, is selling out in stores across North America. In its first week of release in Canada, the album has sold a blockbuster 118,759 units. A wildly impressive debut, this marks the largest first week album sales in Canada since 2003. Not surprisingly, the album skyrocketed to the number one position on the BILLBOARD TOP 200 on the day of its release. Fans have eagerly waited since 2000 for a new offering from these rock n’ roll icons and their rush to get the new album shows the popularity for the band is stronger than ever.
Working their signature sounds, the thunder from down under keep their fan base fully rocked out with BLACK ICE. BRIAN JOHNSON adds his signature shriek to SMASH AND GRAB while the YOUNG brothers riff their way with a vengeance in ROCK N ROLL TRAIN and SPOILIN' FOR A FIGHT. Produced with a deft touch by the world-renowned BRENDAN O’BRIEN, and recorded in Vancouver, British Columbia the album keeps the raw energy of the band front and centre while the cords and rhythm maintain a crisp, polished sound.
Ticket information is available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
SNEAK A PEEK: ADDITIONAL EVENTS COMING SOON TO ROGERS CENTRE
OFSAA BOWL: Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations Football Championships head to Rogers Centre for a rousing day of high school football. Wednesday, December 3 shows the mettle of future football stars. Ticket information coming soon, visit OFSAA online for more information.
INTERNATIONAL BOWL: The best of NCAA College Football comes to Rogers Centre as the BIG EAST takes on MAC on January 3, 2009. Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
2009 CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW: Cars of every shape, size and model make their way to Rogers Centre from Friday, February 13, 2009 to Sunday, February 22, 2009. Tickets are available on-site at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre as well as Rogers Centre – Gate 7 Box Office.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: This international competition takes to the field from Saturday, March 7, 2009 to Wednesday, March 11, 2009. Top MLB players participate in this event as Team Canada, Team Italia, Team USA and Team Venezuela open competition at Rogers Centre. Visit the official website for ticket purchasing information.
2009 MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS: From qualifying to the final event of the night, a full day of racing returns to Rogers Centre. Cheer on your favourites as they race around the track on March 29, 2009. Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.