December Events Newsletter
Rogers Centre News, a monthly publication, is brought to you with the latest news and information on events at Rogers Centre.
TREASURE THE HOLIDAYS WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND MOMENTS AT ROGERS CENTRE
The busy elves at Rogers Centre have worked overtime to make sure your holidays are memorable. Responding to numerous wishes, they have wrapped up the best of high school and ground-breaking NFL football to bring festive cheer. A sprinkle of fairy dust in the stockings and Disney on Ice arrives for an extra holiday treat. And sparing some time to provide help in the community Rogers Centre gives the month of December an extra glow.
QUICKLINKS:
ONTARIO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TALENT SHINES AT OFSAA BOWL GAMES
HISTORY IS MADE AS FIRST EVER REGULAR SEASON NFL GAME IS PLAYED ON CANADIAN SOIL
ROGERS CENTRE PAYES IT FORWARD
A DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE IS THE ICING ON THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
THE ROCK ‘N ROLL TRAIN ROLLS BACK INTO ROGERS CENTRE
THIRD TIME CHARM FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BOWL
THE YEAR OF THE OX IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
TALENT AND TOUCHDOWNS MEET FOR CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES AT ROGERS CENTRE
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| The best of Ontario's high school football teams battle for championship status. |
The teams played with heart and determination and now their hard work is about to pay off for Ontario’s high school football teams. Ten teams have earned a coveted spot in the ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS (OFSAA) BOWL GAMES and a chance to take home a championship. These competitors have tackled their opponents across the province to be a team in one of five divisional games played for an audience of thousands. Get a head start on Friday Night Lights and cheer on the future stars of football this WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 for the five BOWL games taking place throughout the day starting at 9:00 a.m. at Rogers Centre.
The WESTERN BOWL starts off the day at 9:00 a.m.. During the season, teams throughout Southwestern Ontario played each other for their shot at championship glory. Proving victorious, Kitchener's Resurrection High School will face Windsor's W.F. Herman to determine who will take home the championship title. The Resurrection Phoenix are rolling to Toronto after defeating Brantford Collegiate 43-0 in the regional final. The Phoenix are only the second Kitchener area school to qualify for the bowl since area schools began participating in the yearly championships five years ago. Herman clawed out a win against London's Catholic Central, 28-24, in the other semifinal game.
Staying warm and dry under the Rogers Centre closed roof, the NORTHERN BOWLM kicks it into high gear at 11:45 a.m. with ST. MARY’S COLLEGE KNIGHTS playing against the HAMMARSKJOLD VIKINGS. Sault Ste. Marie’s ST. MARY’S COLLEGE KNIGHTS cemented their place at the OFSAA BOWL SEMI-FINALS with a 47-0 win over their rivals in the semi-finals. Their desire to win is fierce as they suffered a devastating NORTHERN BOWL championship loss in 2007 and plan to turn the tides. Not to be outdone, Thunder Bay’s HAMMARSKJOLD VIKINGS have played a season of spectacular comebacks. Thanks to two touchdowns within 15 seconds at their semi-final game, the VIKINGS clinched their NORTHERN BOWL spot with sheer grit and determination. Pride is on the line for this nail biter of a championship game.
Excitement swells in the afternoon as the FRONTENAC FALCONS meet up against the CRESTWOOD MUSTANGS for the NATIONAL CAPITAL BOWL at 2:30 p.m. This marks the second year in a row that the Kingston and Peterborough high school teams will face each other on the field. In 2007 the FALCONS took the championship in a 15-10 win over their rivals. This year with the strength of QB Marshall Ferguson, receiver Ben O’Connor and WR Trent Winton, the FALCONS are in a great position to win consecutive championship honours for the first time since 2001/2002. The MUSTANGS will need to pull out all the stops with QB Dylan Kemp, RB Steve Hons and SB Wayne Beaushaw if they want to walk away with the title.
The action continues when the NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH from Burlington face the LAKESHORE CATHOLIC GATORS from Port Colborne for the GOLDEN HORSESHOE BOWL at 5:45 p.m. Solidifying their places in the BOWL game a mere week before they take to the field for the championship, both teams will need to maintain their focus and energy leading up to the game. The FIGHTING IRISH have a tight unit with S Ryan Dirisio and K Stephen Dennis adding extra power, while the gritty GATORS have a strong team with RB Corey Davidson and QB Gary Snyder.
The day closes with a fierce battle to determine the champions of the METRO BOWL at 8:00 p.m.. Powerhouse ST. MICHAEL'S COLLEGE KERRY BLUES bowled over the competition again and earned a spot in the METRO BOWL for another year. The seasoned and established KERRY BLUES will use their experience against the DONALD WILSON GATORS to determine the 2008 METRO BOWL champions. The GATORS, a relatively new team that formed just five years ago, will need the strength and skill of QB Josh Smith, FB Rashad LaTouche and receiver Austin Giuntoli in this crucial match. They face the KERRY BLUES powerhouses QB Tyler Pritty, WR Brendan Morgan and RB Chris Patrician for a game that will have fans on the edge of their seats.
If you cannot make it down to Rogers Centre to watch the exciting football action live, Rogers Television will be broadcasting both the Western Bowl and the Metro Bowl. The Western Bowl can be seen on Rogers TV cable 20 in the Kitchener, Brantford, Guelph and Stratford region while the Metro Bowl will be broadcast live on Rogers TV cable 10/63 in the Toronto, Peel, Durham and York Regions.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance and can be purchased online or via any Ticketmaster outlet including Rogers Centre-Gate 7. Tickets are $15.00 on game day and can be picked up at the Ticketmaster outlet at Rogers Centre-Gate 7. All seating will be in the 100 Level - east side and is general admission.
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| NFL fever hits historic highs with first regular season game played on Canadian soil. |
Starting off the season as a Cinderella story, the BUFFALO BILLS are looking to be the comeback kids in Toronto. Playing their first regular season NFL game at Rogers Centre, the BILLS are still fighting for a playoff spot as they face their AFC-East rivals the MIAMI DOLPHINS. Planning to pay back MIAMI for their upset win earlier this season, the BILLS head north to Rogers Centre on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 at 4:00 p.m.
After a strong 4-0 start to the 2008 season, the BILLS need to bounce back from their recent hardships to pull them up in the standings. BILLS coach Dick Jauron maintains his strong vote of confidence in his team and especially RB MARSHAWN LYNCH continues to be a hot commodity rushing 119 yards against Cleveland. This season-high rushing total was accompanied by his first touchdown of the year. A player who runs with power and is dangerous after a catch, LYNCH will be one to watch on the turf.
A little pre-game excitement is the cornerstone of every football game and the BILLS TORONTO SERIES organizers bring a tailgate party like no other to Toronto. Open to anyone 19 year of age or older, the BUDWEISER BILLS TAILGATE PARTY invites you to get into the spirit of the game from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Located at Blue Jays Way and Wellington Street West, the festivities are sure to warm up every fan. Entertainment by the FLUTIE BROTHERS BAND and OTIS DAY AND THE KNIGHTS along with THE NFL BUNGEE RUN, CRAZIEST FAN CONTEST and a special appearance by the BUFFALO JILLS are just a few of the highlights guaranteed to get everyone ready for the big game.
This monumental day is filled with many historic firsts and is a game not to be missed. Leave the inclement outdoor weather behind and experience NFL football in the friendly confines of Rogers Centre for a day that will go down in the history books.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. A limited number of tickets remain and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-872-5000 or online. For VIP/Premium packages please visit Bills Toronto Series. If you are interested in a luxury suite rental for the game, please call 1-888-860-3728.
WORKING WITH THE CITY OF TORONTO, ROGERS CENTRE PROVIDES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW VENURE
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| Mayor Miller congratulates Rogers Centre for their hard work with PAYE Program. |
A conscientious member of the Toronto business community, Rogers Centre does not wait until the holidays to give back. Since being contacted by the CITY OF TORONTO in spring 2008 to take part in an exciting new employment venture called PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT (PAYE), the stadium has played an active role in developing new employees.
"This initiative was the first of its kind and was a great fit," said Julie Minott, Coordinator, Event Services. "We had the opportunity to not only be employers but mentors and role models as well."
The seeds for this partnership grew from the recognition that youth from Toronto’s 13 priority neighborhoods could benefit from positive employment opportunities. The City began to pave the way for the PAYE program by reaching out to notable private sector employees. Approaching Rogers Centre was a natural choice as the stadium is a hub of activity with over 150 event days happening throughout the year.
The stadium responded with enthusiasm to the venture, and quickly began to determine where Rogers Centre could provide terrific employment opportunities to the participants. A bustling section of the stadium, the Events Services Department, which encompasses staff departments such as uhers, ticket takers, guest services and wardrobe personnel, was a great fit that could accommodate a variety of schedules and work needs. Event Team Leaders Christina Craft and Brittany Monague gave invaluable help to the hiring process and ensured that candidates would get the best possible training for their position responsibilities and future goals.
"We knew that these were young people that needed a door opened and wanted to connect with them," said Minott. "It was important for us to hire qualified candidates but to also to provide a positive work environment and the chance for our PAYE employees to gain solid experience."
Apart from providing content for a resume, PAYE employees had the opportunities to participate in team work, develop and enhance customer relations and manage their time in a busy environment. Building on these practical skills that are invaluable in any position in any workplace, employees were able to grow on a professional and personal level.
A successful first year with the PAYE program resulted in Rogers Centre hiring and nurturing 20 youths with positions in the Events Services Department. In honour of their hard work and dedication, the City invited Minott and her team to the PAYE RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION EVENT to receive an award from Mayor David Miller for their participation. Proud of the achievement given to the team and the stadium, and even more thrilled with the results the program had on the staff they hired, Minott looks forward to 2009 when Rogers Centre once again, participates in the PAYE program.
DREAMS COME TRUE AS MAGIC KINGDOM COMES TO LIFE IN DISNEY ON ICE – A DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE
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| This holiday treat comes complete with Disney's Magic Kingdom as A Disneyland Adventure skates into town. |
It really DOES become a small world for THE INCREDIBLES vacation when their archenemy SYNDROME makes an unexpected appearance in DISNEY ON ICE – A DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE. Determined to foil SYNDROME’s nefarious plans, THE INCREDIBLES glide and twirl through THE MAGIC KINGDOM for a night of figure skating, fun and favourite DISNEY landmarks at Rogers Centre from DECEMBER 19 – 28 for multiple performances.
The holidays would not be complete without a little extra sparkle from DISNEY ON ICE and they have outdone themselves with an ice show designed to dazzle and delight. This is one night where the whole family will be on the edge of their seats with excitement. Elaborate costumes, sets replicating sections of the MAGIC KINGDOM and pyrotechnics compliment spectacular figure skating choreography that brings smiles of appreciation to the faces of the audience.
A cast of stellar skaters, the DISNEY ON ICE performers bring a wealth of experience to the rink. Their feet hardly touching the ice, these professional skaters spend hours perfecting the intricate choreography and exciting moves of each dance. In fact, their initial interest in figure skating could very well have happened at a DISNEY ON ICE performance when they came to watch a show with their family.
This love and desire for figure skating is apparent as the extensive cast takes to the ice. Along their journey to uncover SYNDROME and prevent his villainy, THE INCREDIBLES run into the likes of GOOFY, PLUTO, DONALD DUCK, CHIP AND DALE and characters from THE JUNGLE BOOK and TOY STORY who lend a helping hand.
The sets, which look as if they had been brought right from DISNEYLAND, add an extra dash of magic to the show. BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD, JUNGLE CRUISE, HAUNTED MANSION, MAD TEA PARTY, IT’S A SMALL WORLD and the iconic entrance of the CINDERELLA CASTLE become the stunning background pieces in this whirlwind chase.
The battle against SYNDROME and his army, the training sessions with BUZZ LIGHTYEAR and the mesmerizing finale make DISNEY ON ICE – A DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE the must-see show this December. And maybe in the audience the next DISNEY ice skating prodigy will be inspired by the magic of the evening.
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).
STILL GOING AT FULL STEAM AC/DC RETURNS FOR ANOTHER OFF THE RAILS SHOW
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| AC/DC rock to the rafters at Rogers Centre. |
Rocking the stadium to its rafters, AC/DC stormed into Rogers Centre with their BLACK ICE WORLD TOUR on November 7 for a night fans could not stop talking about. The air was electric, the 45,000 fans were chanting in anticipation and AC/DC delivered a set that was pure, unadulterated rock. The 100-minute long show merely whetted fans appetite and in response to the overwhelming demand, AC/DC return to Rogers Centre on FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. for a highly anticipated second show.
The only stadium stop on their arena tour, Rogers Centre worked around the clock to make sure the building was ready to rock out. Giant screens flanked the stage to add additional focus on the band as well as their elaborate set and introductory video which played with crystal clarity. Adding to the impressive visual displays was an audio set-up that magnified lead singer BRIAN JOHNSON’S unparalleled vocals and ANGUS YOUNG’S searing guitar licks. The band was in impressive form and had the pulsating sound to prove it.
The night showcased new material from their latest album, BLACK ICE, and celebrated the best of classic AC/DC. Exuding more energy than a room full of preschoolers, the band was ready to rock and loving every minute on stage. JOHNSON hung, with obvious glee, off a giant bell while it was lowered onto the stage and YOUNG writhed on the floor, tearing through guitar solo after guitar solo. Having more fun with each decade of touring, AC/DC proved that they get better with age, giving a performance that was infectiously energizing.
Having released an album that is enjoying massive success, it is easy to see why the members of AC/DC are having such a good time. BLACK ICE, their first album in eight years has reached No. 1 on the music charts throughout the world and was No. 1 for the three straight weeks in Canada. Selling 27,000 copies in its first week of release in Canada, the demand for BLACK ICE continues with the album surpassing 200,000 in sales within the last month.
Astounding fans, critics and themselves, AC/DC are reveling in this demand and are saluting the fans with a tour they will never forget. Taking the chill out of January, the BLACK ICE WORLD TOUR will be anything but icy when the band returns to the Rogers Centre stage.
Ticket information is available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
ONLY NCAA BOWL GAME PLAYED OUTSIDE THE U.S. RETURNS TO ROGERS CENTRE
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| U.S. college football heads north of the border. |
Bringing the best of college football across the border to Toronto, for the third consecutive year, fans of NCAA college football are getting ready for another exciting INTERNATIONAL BOWL game. A football event that is growing in leaps and bounds, the BOWL features top teams from the BIG EAST and MID-AMERICAN (MAC) CONFERENCES. Though participating teams have yet to be announced, we do know that this is the only postseason bowl game played outside of the United States. Get your tickets and join us at Rogers Centre on SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2009 at 12:00 p.m.
Whittling down the competition one game at a time, there are only a few more chances for the competing teams to secure their place in the INTERNATIONAL BOWL. In the BIG EAST CONFERENCE, a division that covers universities in the northeastern, southeastern and midwestern United States, Bowl projections have the HUSKIES from the University of Connecticut making a trip north of the border. In the MAC, sentimental favourite University at Buffalo, will take on 2007 International Bowl participant Ball State in the Championship game. The University at Buffalo Bulls have not been to a Bowl game in over 50 years and on Friday they have a chance to hand Ball State their first loss of the year.
Teams will not be announced for another week or so but that has not stopped the mood and energy surrounding the INTERNATIONAL BOWL from growing each year. The addition of marching bands, mascots, cheerleaders and fanatical fans, Canadian NCAA football fans have the chance to see the stars of tomorrow shine today. The only other Bowl game played outside of the U.S. was the BACARDI BOWL which was played in Cuba on January 1, 1937.
Tickets are priced at $20.00, $35.00, $45.00 and $55.00 (plus applicable service charges) and are on sale via Ticketmaster outlets including Rogers Centre-Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-872-5000 or online. Groups of 10 or more are invited to call (416) 341-2255 or send an email to our Group Sales Office.
A WEEKEND OF FESTIVITIES RING IN THE CHINESE NEW YEAR AT ROGERS CENTRE
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| Rogers Centre rings in the Year of the Ox. |
The first day of the Chinese calendar is a cause for great celebration and the CHINESE NEW YEAR is the most important of the traditional holidays. Festivities, feasts and time with family are just a few events that commemorate this significant time of the year. In 2009, the Chinese calendar marks the YEAR OF THE OX and ROGERS CHINESE NEW YEAR rings in the arrival of this new year with three days of traditional celebration. A weekend of prosperity and luck awaits at Rogers Centre from FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 to SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2009.
Promising to be a year of prosperity, through hard work and resilience, The YEAR OF THE OX officially begins on JANUARY 26, 2009. A year which celebrates patience, helping others and frugality, the Year of the Ox will surely help to stem the current tide of uneasiness especially since U.S. President Elect, Barack Obama is one of many born in the YEAR OF THE OX.
NEW YEAR celebrations continue for a number of days and are traditionally centered on visiting relatives and friends and enjoying meals with them. One of the biggest gatherings is a family dinner which serves foods that signify prosperity in the coming year. Dumplings symbolize wealth and are eaten after dinner around midnight while families also bake a new years cake to send pieces of it as gifts and wish prosperity to their family and friends.
Other popular NEW YEAR practices involve wearing all new clothing to symbolize the change in the year. This clothing is usually in red as red is a lucky colour that will scare away bad fortune. Flowers are also hugely symbolic and are used as decoration during the NEW YEAR. Peach Blossoms are considered very lucky while Kumquat and Narcissus symbolizes prosperity. Chrysanthemums are used to bring longevity and the cheery Sunflower means to have a good year.
Markets or village fairs are an integral part of the festivities and are set up as the NEW YEAR approaches. They sell predominately new year related products including flowers, clothing, lanterns, toys and even fireworks. Families gather to buy gifts for their new year visits and also to decorate their homes in preparation of the event.
To experience these time-honoured traditions and more, head down to Rogers Centre to celebrate CHINESE NEW YEAR. Bring good luck and prosperity to your year with a visit to the traditional market, cultural exhibitions, daytime live performances and a CHINESE NEW YEAR Gala.
For ticket information, please click here.
To see other events taking place at Rogers Centre, click here.