MAY EVENTS NEWSLETTER
Rogers Centre News, a monthly publication, is brought to you with the latest news and information on events at Rogers Centre.
MAY BRINGS THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER EVEN CLOSER TO ROGERS CENTRE
Concerts abound from July through September making it one hot summer at Rogers Centre. COLDPLAY, THE JONAS BROTHERS and U2 amp up their shows with stellar opening acts who are recording giants in their own right. From one giant to another, May brings the fuzzy and loveable crew from SESAME STREET, and a pre-season TORONTO ARGONAUTS game, to centre stage for all to enjoy.
QUICKLINKS:
ELMO REACHES OUT TO CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD
TORONTO ARGONAUTS RELOAD FOR 2009
COLDPLAY RUBS ELBOWS WITH OPENING ACT AT ROGERS CENTRE
THE JONAS BROTHERS ADD A SPARK TO THEIR WORLD TOUR
U2 REUNITES WITH SNOW PATROL FOR 360° TOUR
BUFFALO BILLS READY TO RETURN TO ROGERS CENTRE IN 2009
IT'S GOING TO BE A PARTY AS ROGERS CENTRE TURNS 20!
TOURING PRODUCTION TEACHES CHILDREN ABOUT ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
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| Elmo and friends ready for fun and education |
The longest running touring show in the history of children's entertainment comes to Rogers Centre to delight children and parents alike with singing, dancing and audience participation as ELMO and friends take the stage for SESAME STREET LIVE "WHEN ELMO GROWS UP" from May 22-24, 2009.
The future is bright for beloved SESAME STREET character ELMO and for children around the world thanks to the hard work of everyone on the STREET. When ELMO and his friends bring SESAME STREET LIVE "WHEN ELMO GROWS UP" to Rogers Centre, the show does more than entertain guests with song, dance and storytelling. With the purchase of each ticket, portions of the proceeds are used to help educate children in need. Fans will have the chance to attend multiple performances from FRIDAY, MAY 22 until SUNDAY, MAY 24.
A pivotal program in the lives of children since 1969, SESAME STREET continues its strong commitment to enriching and stimulating the lives of viewers everywhere. Recognizing that some children do not have access to the learning opportunities of others, the SESAME WORKSHOP came to life. Addressing the critical developmental needs of children worldwide, this workshop created educational content in a variety of mediums, including television, radio, books, magazines, interactive media and community outreach. As a result, the workshop has been able to implement positive change in everything from tailoring learning opportunities for children in Bangladesh, South Africa, Egypt and India to creating outreach initiatives to help military families cope with deployment.
Through touring productions and shows such as SESAME STREET LIVE "WHEN ELMO GROWS UP", the WORKSHOP is able to grow and continue to help the ever-changing needs of children with the proceeds generated by each ticket sale. Each ticket provides a fun experience for kids in the audience and a chance to make a difference in another child’s life.
Join ELMO, ABBY CADABBY, GROVER, BERT and ERNIE as they explore the possibilities for their future careers and learn valuable lessons of perseverance, teamwork and the power of imagination. Not only do they provide great family memories but they continue to aid in the valuable emotional and educational growth of children worldwide.
Tickets priced at $20.00 and $30.00, with a limited number of $43.00 Gold Circle seats, are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. All Opening Night seats (excluding Gold Circle) are available for only $20.00. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail or call 416-341-2255.
ARGO FANS GET EARLY LOOK AT RELOADED 2009 TEAM IN PRE-SEASON GAME
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| Argos and their fans ready for strong season |
2009 brings big changes and the return of some familiar faces to the TORONTO ARGONAUTS. Keeping focus, determination and the desire to win at the forefront of their 2009 game plan, the reloaded BOATMEN pull on the Double Blue and get ready for a new season.
2009 starts with a pre-season game against East Division rivals the MONTREAL ALOUETTES at Rogers Centre on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Under the watchful eye of new head coach BART ANDRUS and his experienced new coaching staff, the team is ready to tackle the challenges of the 2009 season and steer the ARGOS back to the playoffs. The ARGOS scouting staff, led by GM/Vice President, Football Operations ADAM RITA and Assistant GM/Director, Football Operations GREG MOHNS, have uncovered some exciting new talent this off-season to compliment the strong veteran presence already in place. Every position is being reloaded as 2009 will boast one of the most competitive training camps in recent memory.
Single game tickets will be on-sale soon via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Fans can also visit the Argonauts official website for additional ticket options. Season Tickets are now on sale. Call the Argos at 416-341-ARGO (2746) to reserve your seats today.
ACCLAIMED BRITISH BAND ELBOW WARM UP THE STAGE FOR COLDPLAY’S JULY CONCERT
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| Award winning band sets the stage for Coldplay |
Ensuring Toronto fans get the highest quality when they are in town this July, COLDPLAY enlists the MERCURY PRIZE winning band ELBOW to start the night off on the right note. Friends off the stage, these two British bands share a love of good music and the thrill of performing live. Fans will have a night to remember when these bands bring their arsenal of critically-acclaimed and award-winning songs to Rogers Centre on THURSDAY, JULY 30 at 7:30 p.m.
A staple of the alternative rock scene for the last 18 years, ELBOW wowed critics for years but never gained commercial success or fame. The 2008 release of their fourth album "THE SELDOM SEEN KID" changed all of that when they beat out RADIOHEAD, ROBERT PLANT and ALISON KRAUSS to win U.K.’s prestigious and career-defining MERCURY PRIZE. The award, the British equivalent of the U.S. SHORTLIST MUSIC PRIZE, celebrates the best album of the year and garners the winner considerable commercial attention. This accomplishment is only matched by the fact that this was the band’s second MERCURY PRIZE nomination in less than a decade.
Known for their innovative sound and lead singer GUY GARVEY’S evocative lyrics, ELBOW has established itself as a masterful and creative band. Growing from their roots as teenage school friends to award-winning musicians, the multi-talented members not only wrote and performed the music on their latest release but self-produced, mixed and recorded the album without outside help.
Their opening concert will be the perfect lead into COLDPLAY’s fun and high-energy show. Buoyed by the incredible success of their 2008 release "VIVA LA VIDA", this multi-platinum album marks another critical and commercial hit for the band. Having gained a solid reputation for putting on an incredible live performance, the Toronto stop in COLDPLAY’s tour is no exception. Bright visuals, strong musicianship and of course, the songs that have dominated the radio and music charts since 2000 provide a thrilling evening for fans.
In one night, these two mammoth musical groups bring the house down at Rogers Centre, closing out July with a set list of masterful tunes.
Tickets priced at $39.50; $79.50 and $99.50 are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
AMERICAN IDOL WINNER JORDIN SPARKS SET TO OPEN SHOW WITH A BANG
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| American Idol opens for teen idols The Jonas Brothers |
Who better to join a few American idols on tour than another AMERICAN IDOL! Hot teen sensations the JONAS BROTHERS have fans eager with anticipation for their upcoming tour and with 2007 AMERICAN IDOL winner JORDIN SPARKS opening the show, this is going to be one night to remember. This superstar group and superstar singer will raise the temperature in Toronto when THE JONAS BROTHERS WORLD TOUR 2009 arrives at Rogers Centre on SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 at 7:30 p.m.
SPARKS, the charming and enthusiastic singer who became the youngest winner of the AMERICAN IDOL title, showed her superstar potential week after week during the season. Never in danger of elimination while on the show, her consistent improvement and show-stopping delivery of songs like "I (Who Have Nothing)" made her a clear fan favourite.
After an emotional win, SPARKS moved quickly into the recording studio and released her self-titled debut album in late 2007. Her mix of pop and R&B was an instant hit with fans and singles "Tattoo", "No Air", and "One Step at a Time" quickly climbed the charts.
2009 brings great news for SPARKS’ fans throughout the world. Touring with the JONAS BROTHERS will make for a sizzling summer as will the release of her second album. The still untitled album is expected to drop in early summer, just in time for SPARKS to belt out some of the new tunes at the August concert. An album described as having more R&B and dance influences, SPARKS is on her way to having a few sure-fire summer hits on her hands.
Hot new music, teen heartthrobs and a state-of-the art stage show makes for a scorching August when THE JONAS BROTHERS WORLD TOUR 2009 perform live.
Tickets priced at $15.50; $29.50; $65.50; $85.50 and $95.50 are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
OPENING FOR U2 IN 2005, SNOW PATROL RETURNS FOR SELECT DATES IN 2009
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| Catch Snow Patrol on tour with U2 at select concert dates in 2009 |
When U2 was in the market for an opening band to kick off their explosive 360° TOUR they looked no further than SNOW PATROL. Having toured together during the European leg of U2’s VERTIGO TOUR in 2005, it was a natural choice to team up again with a band that impressed and made a huge fan of U2 lead singer BONO. The stage is set for two spectacular acts to rip through a series of their most popular songs on the Roger Centre stage on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 and THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 at 7:00 p.m.
2003 was a monumental year for little-known alternative rock band SNOW PATROL. After recording three albums that were received critically but with little fanfare, the band was slowly fading into obscurity. The release of the mega-popular record "FINAL STRAW" saw a change in fortune for the band as their songs "Run", "Chasing Cars" and "Signal Fire" became huge hits and radio staples.
After extensive touring, which included the prestigious opening spot in the VERTIGO TOUR, the band retuned to the studio and reinforced their mega star status with the release of "EYES OPEN". Named the UK’s best-selling album of 2006 and maintaining a strong hold on the BILLBOARD 200 list for over 15 weeks, it was clear that SNOW PATROL had the talent and the fan base to keep them on top.
In support of their popular 2008 release "A HUNDRED MILLION SUNS", the band joins U2’s latest world tour to play a few exclusive dates in North America and Europe. With solid favourites like "Chasing Cars" and their newest hit "Take Back The City", SNOW PATROL have a tight set list that will leave fans wanting more.
Be sure to head over to Rogers Centre in September when things really do go full circle for SNOW PATROL and U2.
Tickets priced at $32.00; $97.00 and $252.00 for reserved seating and $57.00 general admission floor seating are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
BUFFALO BILLS AND NEW YORK JETS TAKE THEIR RIVALRY TO ROGERS CENTRE
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| Bills meet Jets in high octane showdown |
Football fans eagerly waiting for news on the BUFFALO BILLS 2009 Rogers Centre game can breathe a sigh of relief. Pageantry and pride returns to Toronto for the BILLS second regular season game to be held THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3. A New York State sized clash kicks off at 8:20 p.m. as the BUFFALO BILLS host the NEW YORK JETS.
This match-up between long-time AFC EAST rivals will be a big draw for NFL fans on both sides of the border. The JETS started strong in 2009 signing REX RYAN as head coach and also bringing linebacker BART SCOTT and safety JIM LEONHARD into the fold. Only time will tell how this team holds up when the regular season begins in September.
Determined to make their second regular season appearance at Rogers Centre a winning one, the BILLS are in the process of building a strong team for 2009. The recent acquisition of veteran wide receiver TERRELL OWENS brings added strength and energy to the team, while boosting fan morale to an astounding level.
The mood will be festive, the tailgate party in full swing and mascot BILLY THE BUFFALO in his finest for a day of football and fandom.
Tickets are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
REASONS TO LOVE ROGERS CENTRE AS IT TURNS 20 YEARS OLD
History has been made within the walls and levels of Rogers Centre with many more waiting to be written and experienced. Rock stars, entertainers, athletes, inspirational leaders and numerous trade organizations have all delighted audiences under the dome. Here's a quick glimpse into the life of the venue:
- First stadium to have a fully-retractable motorized roof
- When the roof is open, 100% of the field and 91% of the seats are uncovered
- Donovan Bailey defeats Michael Johnson in a winner-take-all race for title of World's Fastest Man in 1997
- Along with recycling paper and bottles and cans, Rogers Centre also recycles cardboard, metal and organic waste
- WRESTLEMANIA X8 drew 68,237 fans to the venue marking the largest single event attendance mark in history
- Over 55 million people have visited SkyDome/Rogers Centre since its opening
- Under one roof, guests can enjoy everything from sushi to sandwiches to souvlaki at one of the newly renovated concession stands
- The venue is home to $5 million in Canadian artwork
- Defines the Toronto skyline and is a reminder of what this great city has to offer