JANUARY EVENTS NEWSLETTER
Rogers Centre News, a monthly publication, is brought to you with the latest news and information on events at Rogers Centre.
KICK START THE NEW YEAR AT ROGERS CENTRE THIS JANUARY
Leave the January chill behind by checking out the hot events at Rogers Centre. Housed in the warmth and comfort of the stadium, college football takes over the field with plenty of pageantry to whip up crowd excitement for the INTERNATIONAL BOWL. AC/DC heats up the stage with their second electric show, MONSTER JAM gets pulses racing as dirt and trucks fly through the air and ROGERS CHINESE NEW YEAR celebrates prosperity and warm-hearted thoughts of good fortune for the upcoming year. 2009 gets off to a sizzling start with a calendar of spectacular events.
QUICKLINKS:
POM-POMS OPTIONAL
COLLEGE FOOTBALL HEADS NORTH OF THE BORDER FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BOWL
SMOOTH OPERATORS: THE CONVERSIONS TEAM AT ROGERS CENTRE ROTATE EVENTS WITH EASE
MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION REWRITES THE RULES OF THE ROAD
CELEBRATE HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY THIS CHINESE NEW YEAR
CAR DESIGN TURNS A NEW CORNER AT INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
JUST A HAIRPIN TURN AWAY: SUPERCROSS RAMPS UP THE COMPETITION IN 2009
SNEAK A PEEK: ADDITIONAL EVENTS COMING SOON TO ROGERS CENTRE
COLLEGE FOOTBALL GETS SPIRITED WITH PRE-GAME EVENTS TO SUPPORT THE INTERNATIONAL BOWL
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| College football fanfare takes over the streets of Toronto. |
Strike up the marching band and join the cheer teams: College football with its pageantry and spirit are out in full force this January. Adding a little pomp and circumstance to the 2009 INTERNATIONAL BOWL, fans will get a chance to cheer on the BUFFALO BULLS or the UCONN HUSKIES in advance of the big game which kicks-off on JANUARY 3, 2009 at noon at Rogers Centre.
Drumming up excitement, each team’s marching band takes over the streets of Toronto trumpeting team pride at the BATTLE OF THE MARCHING BANDS. The drums will be beating loudly, the cymbals crashing and the trumpets, trombones and tubas all beating in precision timing at METRO HALL SQUARE starting at 5:30 p.m. on FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2009. Witness school spirit in its finest form and watch the competition between the two schools heat up before the opening kick.
The bold blue and white colours of the THUNDER OF THE EAST will usher in the marching band for the BULLS as the sounds of their theme song, VICTORY MARCH, echo down the streets. This band, with a history dating back to 1920, is ready to herald the success of the BULLS with a vibrant musical performance. Not to be outdone, the sounds of UCONN HUSKY, performed by the UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT MARCHING BAND will fill the air and pump the crowd. All of life’s a game but in this moment, team, school, and city pride are all on the line as the Marching Bands command centre stage. The action is not just on the gridiron anymore!
On SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2009, Rogers Centre will host a huge game day pep rally just before the INTERNATIONAL BOWL gets underway. Both marching bands and team cheerleaders will be on hand, at the stadium plaza, for a pre-game performance and rally before heading in and catching the start of the game. It will be a sight to see when college football descends on Rogers Centre with its fun and festive spirit. Head down early to add some extra cheer and support these fantastic college students.
Tickets, priced at $20.00, $35.00, $45.00 and $55.00 (inclusive of all service charges), are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-872-5000 or online. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail or call them at (416) 341-2255.
BUFFALO AND CONNECTICUT COLLEGE TEAMS MAKE THE CUT FOR A CHANCE AT THE INTERNATIONAL BOWL TITLE
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| 3rd International Bowl to go down in college football history. |
It all comes down to this. After a 12 week regular season schedule, a handful of teams in the country get the chance to add one more trophy to their collection. For Mid-American Conference (MAC) Champions, the University of Buffalo Bulls and the Big East’s University of Connecticut Huskies, they will be battling for the right to lay claim to the title of 2009 International Bowl Champion. It all kicks-off on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at noon as the two teams clash on the Rogers Centre gridiron.
The Big East has claimed the first two International Bowl titles (Cincinnati – 2007; Rutgers – 2008) but with the sometimes claimed destined appearance by Buffalo, it is anyone’s ball game.
Earlier than anticipated by the architect of the Bulls football program, head coach Turner Gill, the BULLS took care of the competition when it mattered and saw a good season become memorable when they defeated then undefeated Ball State for the MAC Conference title. In so doing, the team earned only their program’s second Bowl invitation in its 94-year history and will participate in its first Bowl game on January 3 in Toronto. Despite losing four of their first six games, Coach Gill had the team refocus on fundamentals and teamwork which lead to several stunning overtime victories. With new-found confidence in each other, the Bulls have the momentum and drive to bring the school its first ever Bowl title.
The Bulls’ invitation and appearance at the International Bowl comes exactly 50-years after the school’s first ever Bowl game invitation. In 1958 the University at Buffalo was invited to participate in the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando Florida where it was to face the Florida State Seminoles. Due to a venue rule that prohibited players of colour from participating in the game, the Bulls unanimously voted to turn down the invitation as it wasn’t fair to two of their players who had helped them achieve their on-field successes. This act of unity left a mark on the school and the City and in tribute to that team, members from the 1958 squad will be in attendance at Rogers Centre to enjoy "their" bowl game experience.
By comparison, the Connecticut Huskies have enjoyed a lot of athletic success in the school’s history including five consecutive conference championships when they were part of the Yankee Conference. This year, the Huskies football team started strong, posting a 5-0 start. Despite a mid-season slump, the team managed to refocus their effort and finish Bowl eligible thereby cementing their invitation to Toronto. This marks the Huskies’ second consecutive Bowl game appearance and third in five years.
Coach RANDY EDSALL credits the players determination for earning a BOWL spot two years in a row. Running Back DONALD BROWN has made huge contributions to the team leading with 1,822 rushing yards and scoring 17 touchdowns in the season. Named BIG EAST OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, BROWN will be a force to be reckoned with when the HUSKIES take the field.
As the only Bowl game to be played outside the United States, the International Bowl brings the passion and pride of NCAA college athletics north of the border. The MAC will be looking to claim its first International Bowl title while the Big East Conference looks to continue its winning streak at the game. NCAA college football crosses the border and hopes to see you in the stands.
Tickets, priced at $20.00, $35.00, $45.00 and $55.00 (inclusive of all service charges), are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-872-5000 or online. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail or call them at (416) 341-2255.
TIMING AND CREATIVITY LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR THE CONVERSIONS TEAM TO PREPARE ROGERS CENTRE FOR EACH UNIQUE EVENT
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| While half of the field for the International Bowl is ready for January…. |
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| ….the other half currently hosts the December Disney on Ice shows. |
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| Two different events housed in the same space. |
Every time an event comes to Rogers Centre, Frank Grespan, Director of Conversions, looks at the inside of the stadium like he’s staring at a blank canvas. A canvas that just happens to be 143,000 square feet of event space in need of multiple conversions to make each unique event come to life. It takes a creative mind to plan and execute the many intricate conversions of the field; a task Grespan and his team excel at completing.
In a building always abuzz with a full schedule of events, Grespan and his team work hard to meet the precise conversion needs for each event, along with the tight timelines. Preparing for a football game, a rock concert, monster truck racing and a Chinese New Year celebration this month alone, plus pre-preparation for an upcoming auto show, all require Grespan and his team to execute with meticulous attention to detail.
"It’s like working with a huge jigsaw puzzle," said Grespan when describing the work involved in converting the field. "Every piece has someplace to go and we make sure they fit just right."
It’s a jigsaw puzzle that Grespan and his team know well, and one that takes an infinite amount of creativity to ensure that everything comes together smoothly. Even before an event is confirmed, key details from timing, to layout, to staffing outside contractors are taken into consideration. Assessing the specifications and timelines are crucial: seeing if the stands need rotating or if the event calls for turf, bare floor, or in the case of MONSTER JAM accommodating 100 trucks worth of dirt are factored in when planning for an event.
Grespan, his team of eight full-time field technicians, two 12-month field technicians and one supervisor balance the intricate pieces with finesse. On any given day they can be working on the schedule for events happening six to eight months, sometimes even a year, down the road or handling daily conversion needs. Thinking ahead or in the moment, Grespan credits team success with strong planning and execution.
"There are so many determining factors, including timing, the promoter and the time of year the event will take place," said Grespan, nodding as another email announced its arrival in his inbox. "We work backwards in the schedule to make sure everything fits, the promoter needs are met and the guests will have an enjoyable experience."
Depending on the event, converting from baseball to football mode is carefully studied. Seats must be reconfigured to best accommodate viewer sightlines and switching from football mode for the INTERNATIONAL BOWL to baseball mode for the AC/DC concert and then back to football mode for MONSTER JAM was taken into consideration when initial preparation for the events began.
Always looking ahead and finding ways to meet event promoter needs and requirements, Grespan is keenly attuned to when additional work can be completed ahead of time. With every minute counting, any time Grespan can utilize the floor space he does so. Despite a hectic conversions schedule for January, Grespan finds the time to work on the CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW coming in February. Handling a lean turnaround time to get ready for the AUTOSHOW, a team will start to pre-rig lighting grids in mid-January which ultimately puts them ahead of schedule.
All in all, it’s Grespan’s desire to "find a better way of doing it" that has made conversions operate smoothly and efficiently. In his 20 years with the stadium, Grespan has analyzed all conversion related elements to find ways of saving conversion time and over the years has modified 95% of the elements factoring into a conversion. This keen interest in engineering elements and a rich knowledge of a building that once was the only three professional sport stadium in North America (when the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Toronto Argonauts (CFL) and Toronto Raptors (NBA) were in residency), keeps Grespan at the top of his game and always looking forward to the next event.
CRUSHING THE COMPETITION IS ALL IN A DAYS WORK WHEN MONSTER JAM 2009 ACCELERATES INTO ROGERS CENTRE
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| Feel Nothing slows down the beasts of Monster Jam. |
To the delight of European fans, MONSTER JAM came, went and conquered. Come January, the traditional competitive season begins and a legion of drivers will be hungry to prove themselves as contenders for the 2009 WORLD FINALS. That drive and desire to out maneuver the competition roars full speed ahead on SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. and SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. when MONSTER JAM rolls back into Rogers Centre.
After a successful tour in Europe that covered 17 live performances and entertained capacity crowds at every stop, the drivers and their monstrous mobiles are back in North America to prepare for the next round. Getting a head start to the 2009 season, MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION and AVENGER RULE strutted their stuff in Minneapolis during the start of December. TOM MEENTS, Maximum Destruction’s driver, wowed the crowd with his signature freestyle moves and showed that he is gunning for a spot in the 2009 Monster Jam World Finals. Invited to the 2008 WORLD FINALS, the race looked to be MEENTS for the taking until mechanical problems forced him to turn off the engine. Sitting on the sidelines, MEENTS watched as BATMAN, driven by JOHN SEASOCK, won the racing title while TAZ, driven by ADAM ANDERSON, took home the freestyle crown. Eager to reclaim a shot at the 2009 podium, MEENTS is sure to be in fine driving form, performing cyclone donuts with zeal when at Rogers Centre.
With a winter season that runs for only a couple of months, each race is a huge step towards an invitation to the WORLD FINALS. Selected for their performance over those two months, only 24 trucks and their drivers have the chance to dominate the competition and win the title. Tension will be thick when MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION takes over Rogers Centre to demonstrate the power and finesse with which this beast commands the track.
The opportunity to be up close and personal with these tremendous trucks happens at the PIT PARTY on SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Drivers and trucks will be stationed on the track to give fans a chance to heighten their MONSTER JAM experience. The chance to take photos, get autographs and chat with the drivers makes MONSTER JAM a super-sized day!
Tickets are on sale now and priced at $27.00 for adults and $15.00 for children (ages 2 – 12). Super Value Seats (located on the north side of the 100 and 200 Levels) 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.
ROGERS CENTRE USHERS IN THE YEAR OF THE OX WITH THREE FULL DAYS OF CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES
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| Take part in Chinese New Year traditions at Rogers Centre. |
Kung-his or congratulations will herald in 2009 as those celebrating CHINESE NEW YEAR wish this popular greeting to friends, family and loved ones. A centuries-old tradition in the Chinese culture, 2009 officially begins on January 26 as CHINESE NEW YEAR heralds in the Year of the Ox with fifteen days of celebrations. In honour of this, the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays, ROGERS CHINESE NEW YEAR transforms Rogers Centre for three full days. The fun and festivities begin on FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. – Midnight, SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 from 12:00 p.m. – Midnight and wraps on SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Featuring traditional Chinese cultural exhibitions, flower market, fortune-telling, daytime live performances and a CHINESE NEW YEAR GALA, this weekend brings jubilant Chinese customs to life, and celebrates good fortune for the upcoming year. Steeped in tradition and legend, many people incorporate events and items into the everyday to rain good luck upon family, the household and to expel the old year.
To get into the spirit of the CHINESE NEW YEAR, and to bring luck and prosperity to you, your family and friends, the following are a few traditional customs that are practiced during this time:
- DO keep flowers in the home as they are symbolic of wealth and high positions in one’s career. Plum Blossoms signify reliability and perseverance, Bamboo is known for its compatibility and Evergreen Pine signifies longevity and steadiness.
- DO keep Oranges and Tangerines on hand to present to family and friends during the two weeks of CHINESE NEW YEAR celebrations. Oranges symbolizes abundant happiness and Tangerines (with leaves) reaffirms the strength and security of relationships.
- DO create a circular or octagonal candy tray as a sweet way to start the New Year. Candied Melon, celebrating growth and good health, Lychee Nut, celebrating strong family relationships and Peanuts, celebrating long life, are just a few of the sweet treats that help to bring good fortune.
- DO open every door and window in your house at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve (January 26, 2009) to allow the old year to leave.
- DO wear the colour red to keep bad fortune at bay.
- DO NOT reference the past year on New Year’s Eve as the focus is on new beginnings.
- DO NOT offer anything in fours as the number four is considered very unlucky.
- DO NOT use knives or scissors on New Year’s Day as this may cut off good fortune.
Learn more about these vibrant traditions and customs by visiting ROGERS CHINESE NEW YEAR; happening just days before CHINESE NEW YEAR gets into full swing. The luck of the NEW YEAR echoes around Rogers Centre this January.
The event can be enjoyed on a General Admission ticket or with a Reserved Seat ticket. General Admission tickets allow you full access to the festival and unreserved seating for the performances. A Reserved Seat ticket ensures you have a floor seat for the shows while also enjoying the full array of displays and kiosks.
Tickets for this event are available as General Admission, which allows access to the event but not a dedicated seat for the live performances, or as a Reserved Seat allowing access to the event and a guaranteed floor seat for the live performances. General Admission seats are available for $35.00 (adults), $25.00 (adults 65 and older) and $9.00 (children 10 and under). Reserved Seat tickets are available for $138.00, $88.00, and $48.00. Tickets are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Groups of 20 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail.
THE 36th ANNUAL CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW SETS THE STAGE FOR A NEW ERA OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMICAL AUTOMOBILES
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| A new era of car design and functionality is unveiled in 2009. |
Experiencing a wind of change, the worldwide automobile industry is facing the need to create new economically and environmentally sound products. For car enthusiasts, this is a dream come true as the 36th ANNUAL CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTOSHOW looks to deliver innovative concepts that will delight any automobile fan. Ten full days of automobile joy awaits at Rogers Centre and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 until SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2009. Doors open daily at 10:30 a.m.
Innovation, experimentation and new technologies are the main themes of this perennial favourite. Coined THE NEW ERA, this 36th installation of the AUTOSHOW will showcase new engine technologies, the next generation of hybrids, advanced fuel cell and electric plug-ins. Guests traveling the 850,000 square feet of display space can see new concepts come to life in a stunning combination of technology, design and mechanics. With several North American and Canadian debuts expected, this will be 10 days of pure automotive delight.
More than an opportunity to access over 1,000 vehicles in the Canadian market, the AUTOSHOW turbo-charges the experience with displays and interactive areas including CORVETTE!, CLASSICS COLLECTION, GTA IN MOTION, NASCAR PAVILION and KIDS PLAYCARE CENTRE. One of the most popular attractions, the RED ZONE returns to the AUTOSHOW. This feature area is high in demand and presents and unequaled fusion of cutting edge music, art, fashion and automobiles.
Chrysler, VW, Volvo, Nissan, Infiniti and Mitsubishi will be the featured manufacturers at Rogers Centre.
February heralds the dawn of a new automobile industry so head on down to Rogers Centre and tour through the stadium and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to see the future of vehicles brought to life.
Guests can purchase tickets for the Auto Show at the Rogers Centre - Gate 7 Ticketmaster Box Office as well as on-site at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre during the event's run. Tickets are priced at $20.00 for adults, $7.00 for children (ages 7 – 12) and $40.00 for a Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children). Groups of 20 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail.
BULLDOZING ALL THE STOPS ARE PULLED OUT IN TORONTO FOR THE HOTTEST RACE IN THIS ELECTRIC SERIES
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| A race track like no other. Toronto gets a custom designed course for 2009. |
The New Year can’t come soon enough for fans of MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS. 2009 promises intense action and competition with the triumphant return of JAMES STEWART and the creation of six new courses designed by popular riders. All engines will be on full throttle when SUPERCROSS peels into Rogers Centre on SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2009 with the qualifying session starting at 12:30 p.m. and the final races starting at 7:00 p.m.
Sidelined in the beginning of 2008 with an injury that led to corrective knee surgery, STEWART picked up the pace for a strong finish to the year. Winning all 12 rounds of the AMA TOYOTA MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP series, STEWART completely dominated the track. Refusing to rest on his laurels, STEWART crossed the ocean a couple of times, competing in England and France and returned to take part in the ROCKSTAR ENERGY U.S. OPEN OF SUPERCROSS. Leading the pack in all of these races garnered STEWART the top honour of AMA SPEED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR. Eager to make 2009 an equally distinguished racing year, STEWART comes to Toronto hungry for another win.
A natural who has raced numerous tracks in his career, STEWART will definitely be challenged with the Toronto race. For the second year in a row, certain race tracks have been designed by some top riders in SUPERCROSS. Three-time AMA SUPERCROSS champion JEFF STANTON is putting his personal touch on the Toronto track and it is sure to be an exhilarating ride. Known in the industry as one of the hardest working riders in the history of the sport during his SUPERCROSS career, STANTON is sure to apply that same work ethic in designing a track that will push the riders to the limit.
After Toronto, only four races remain before the season ends and all the riders will be gunning for the championship. This is shaping up to be a race to remember for the riders and fans alike at this, the only Canadian stop in the series. Rogers Centre is the place to be for excitement, skill and showmanship this March.
Tickets for the event, ranging in price from $45.00 and $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 12 years and under, 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.
SNEAK A PEEK: ADDITIONAL EVENTS COMING SOON TO ROGERS CENTRE
AC/DC BLACK ICE TOUR: Returning for a highly anticipated second show, the Thunder from Down Under return on January 9, 2009. Rocking out to tunes from their latest release, these iconic performers guarantee to put on the concert of a lifetime. Go online or call 416-870-8000 for more ticket information.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: This international competition takes to the field from Saturday, March 7 to Wednesday, March 11, 2009. Top professional baseball players, including those from Major League Baseball (MLB), compete as members for their national teams including Team Canada, Team Italia, Team USA and Team Venezuela. Six-game ticket packages are currently on sale. Individual game tickets will go on sale in mid-January. Call 416-341-1234 or 1-888-654-6529 (toll free) for additional information or visit the official website.
DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS WORLDS OF FANTASY: After the success of a DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE, Disney On Ice brings WORLDS OF FANTASY to Rogers Centre from Wednesday, March 18 to Sunday March 22, 2009. Disney On Ice is pleased to present a special pre-sale offer entitling you to save $5 on select tickets now until Monday, January 5, 2009. Use the code: DECEMBER to join in the non-stop fun when this brand new ice spectacular showcases beloved characters from Disney/Pixar’s Cars and Disney’s Tinker Bell, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid right in your hometown! Tickets are on sale to the public starting February 14 at Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, or call 416-870-8000. However, don’t wait! Get your tickets TODAY through January 5! Simply click here.
Tickets prices are: $15.00, $26.00, and $39.00, with a limited number of $65 VIP and $90 Rinkside seats.
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| Family memories created under one roof. |
SPRING FLING: Leave the parkas behind and spend a day at the carnival for March Break fun. For five straight days over March Break, Rogers Centre transforms itself into a one-stop family fun location as Spring Fling 2009 returns with traditional rides and carnival fun. Perfect for your young children, ages 2-8 years old, Spring Fling brings the convenience of one price all-day family fun under one roof.
17 rides, including all-time favorites the Merry Go Round, Ferris Wheel and new this year a Haunted House, highlight this year’s event. Rogers Centre is the place to be when filling up your family activity calendar.
Spring Fling will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20. Additional details to be released at www.rogerscentre.com shortly. Visit often to get the lastest infromation on how you can create fun March Break memories.