July Events Newsletter
Rogers Centre News, a monthly publication, is brought to you with the latest news and information on events at Rogers Centre.
JULY IS HOT IN THE CITY AT ROGERS CENTRE
The temperature is rising and so is fan excitement! July heats up with the start of the TORONTO ARGONAUTS official season, hard-hitting baseball by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS and an appearance by the wildly popular COLDPLAY. Fans also have the chance to get interactive with contests on our website so log on, take a virtual tour and find out what Rogers Centre has in store for the rest of the summer.
QUICKLINKS:
DO MORE THAN CLICK YOUR WAY THROUGH THE WEBSITE
WHO HAS THE BEST MEMORY IN TORONTO?
NOTHING ROUGH ABOUT JULY
LADY JAYS AND FANS READY FOR 25TH ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE
FANS WILL BE ANYTHING BUT COLD THIS JULY
THE CHANTS FOR KABADDI GROW LOUDER
DISNEY ROYALTY TAKES TO THE ICE
ROGERSCENTRE.COM WANTS TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS
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| Give us your feedback and win |
Feedback is the driving force behind rogerscentre.com and our readers provide the most valuable input of all.
When searching the site for event details, fun facts, directions and up-to-the-minute articles, please take a moment to tell us what you think of rogerscentre.com and how we can provide an even better online experience to you; our web visitors.
By clicking here and taking a few moments of your time to fill out our survey, we can learn what you love, what you like and what we can improve on.
Each completed survey will be automatically entered into a draw for 1 of 3 $100 gift certificates for Jays Shop at Rogers Centre. Contest runs from now until FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 at 3:00 p.m.
Thank you and enjoy your visit through rogerscentre.com.
ROGERS CENTRE CELEBRATES 20th BIRTHDAY WITH ONLINE CONTEST
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| Take a moment to share your favourite memories of Rogers Centre |
History was made on June 3, 1989 when the powerful beauty of Rogers Centre’s (then SkyDome) retractable roof made its grand opening. Over the next 20 years Rogers Centre witnessed WORLD SERIES wins, the end of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION and writing phenomenon J.K. ROWLING to name a few.
For every milestone there is a memory and visitors are invited to share their own cherished moments under the dome. For each comment submitted, your name gets entered into a draw for the chance to win one (1) of two (2) grand prizes which include:
- Private behind-the-scenes tour of Rogers Centre for 4 people
- Two (2) night’s stay at Residence Inn by Marriott in a Studio Suite
- $250 gift certificate for Jays Shop at Rogers Centre
The contest closes on July 3, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. so think fast and wow us with some of your greatest moments at Rogers Centre over the last 20 years.
Online contest can be found here.
ARGONAUTS FACE SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS IN FIRST HOME GAME
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| First game of the season is just days away |
The 2009 regular season just days away and all eyes are on the TORONTO ARGONAUTS, the big question of who will make the cut is on the top of everyone’s mind. With two pre-season games behind them and a new team roster to be unveiled, fans are eager for July when the TORONTO ARGONAUTS play their first regular season home game against the SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS. The excitement comes to Rogers Centre on SATURDAY, JULY 11 at 1:00 p.m.
New head coach BART ANDRUS leading the charge, the ARGOS successfully pummeled the HAMILTON TIGER-CATS during a pre-season game at the end of June. The 27-17 victory by the ARGOS marked the first win in Hamilton since September 1, 2008 and provided a balm to the players after their loss to the MONTREAL ALOUETTES earlier on in June.
Coming on strong for the ARGOS, QB KERRY JOSEPH completed 15 of 25 passes for 166 yards and threw for 147 yards in just over half the game. A feat that showed JOSEPH is fully in his groove and ready for the new season.
SB ARLAND BRUCE, who scored two touchdowns in two pre-season games, and the rest of his teammates are excited to show off their new, high-powered offence in front of the home crowd for the first time in 2009.
For the fans, they will relish the moment of seeing their beloved BOATMEN take to the field and start off the 2009 season with strength and excitement. Your game seat is waiting so do not delay in getting a ticket for an afternoon of hard-hitting Canadian football.
Single tickets are on-sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
Season Tickets are now on sale. Call the Argos at 416-341-ARGO (2746) or visit argonauts.ca to reserve your seats.
EVERY DONATION COUNTS AS THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS BLAST INTO JULY
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| Lady Jays lend a hand at the Daily Bread Food Bank |
A tradition close to the hearts of the LADY JAYS enters its 25th year this July. The annual DAILY BREAD FOOD BANK food drive gives fans three full days to come by the stadium and make a donation to this vital organization. The LADY JAYS will be on hand at Gates 3, 5, 10 and 13 to interact with fans and help with donations for this weekend homestand hosting current division leaders, the BOSTON RED SOX. Rogers Centre is the place to be on FRIDAY, JULY 17 at 7:00 p.m., SATURDAY, JULY 18 at 1:00 p.m. and SUNDAY, JULY 19 at 1:00 p.m. for a grand-slam weekend.
After a successful visit and sorting session at the DAILY BREAD FOOD BANK in late June, the LADY JAYS gained valuable insight into the essential service the DAILY BREAD FOOD BANK provides. A resource helping people throughout Toronto and one that continues to make a difference during these turbulent economic times, the DAILY BREAD FOOD BANK is in need of donations more than ever. The LADY JAYS are committed, with the help of BLUE JAYS fans, to raise more than the 3.5 tonnes of food gathered during the successful 2008 food drive.
This jam-packed month also provides the opportunity for some stellar baseball when the TORONTO BLUE JAYS host the TAMPA BAY RAYS not once but twice in July. July 1st not only marks the final day in the first three-day homestand against the RAYS but is Canada’s birthday and a cause for celebration. Post-game fireworks, free Canadian flags and patriotic fun will make WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 an especially poignant game.
Before the RAYS return on FRIDAY, JULY 24 at 7:00 p.m., SATURDAY, JULY 25 at 1:00 p.m. and SUNDAY, JULY 26 at 1:00 p.m., the BLUE JAYS will put their bats to work against the RED SOX from FRIDAY, JULY 17 until SUNDAY, JULY 19 and then against the CLEVELAND INDIANS on TUESDAY, JULY 21 at 7:00 p.m., WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 at 7:00 p.m. and THURSDAY, JULY 23 at 12:30 p.m.
July promises to be a hotbed of activity on and off the field. Fans will get more of an experience than they bargained for at these crucial games and get a chance to help the community by bringing a donation to the much-needed food drive.
Tickets sales information. Tickets are available at Rogers Centre – Gate 9, Rogers Plus video stores charge by phone at 416-341-1234 or online.
NEW SONGS AND OLD FAVOURITES DOMINATE COLDPLAY CONCERT
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| Coldplay are ready to rock Toronto this July |
Performing over 121 concert dates in the last year, grossing 50 millions albums sold and receiving the title of "the world’s most powerful British celebrities," COLDPLAY share their widespread appeal at Rogers Centre this July. Arriving in town to perform hits from their best-selling album of 2008, VIVA LA VIDA, the fans will be keeping a close watch on the calendar until these popular performers arrive. And with whispers abounding that new material is in the works, the band might provide a sneak peak on THURSDAY, JULY 30 at 7:30 p.m. when COLDPLAY performs at Rogers Centre.
Wildly popular, heavily decorated with numerous music awards and creators of memorable and addictive piano hooks, COLDPLAY continue to grow in popularity and esteem with each album released. Despite their meteoric rise and continued success over the years, the members of COLDPLAY continue to think of their fans and create a live show that thanks them for their continued support. Keenly aware at how devoted fans can be, COLDPLAY returns that sentiment by performing each show with everything they have.
Reviews of their latest tour have contained considerable praise by critics and fans alike. The mix of new songs that are peppered with older COLDPLAY anthems strikes a chord with the audience and makes for a memorable show. Songs such as “Clocks” and “In My Place” appear early on in the set, warming up the audience with old favourites while they prepare to dazzle with new material and a visually stunning stage show.
Hand-picking their opening acts, COLDPLAY continue to give fans a quality evening with British legends ELBOW and talented siblings KITTY, DAISY & LEWIS taking the stage as the opening acts.
The night will be warm, the atmosphere festive and one of the most energetic and heartfelt concerts of the 2009 season will be taking over Rogers Centre. Go through your COLDPLAY playlists and head down to hear your favourite songs; and discover a few new classics in the process.
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.
ROGERS CENTRE HOSTS INTERNATIONAL TEAMS FOR CANADA KABADDI CUP 2009.
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| Teams from around the world come to compete in Canada Kabaddi Cup 2009 |
Originating from the Indian subcontinent and spreading in popularity throughout South Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan and Iran, team sport KABADDI continues to gain worldwide popularity. Teams from CANADA, AUSTRALIA, BRITAIN, ITALY, U.S.A. and INDIA meet at Rogers Centre this SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 at 10:00 a.m. to compete for top honours at CANADA KABADDI CUP 2009.
KABADDI, a sport which blends the principles of tag with grapples and scrum from wrestling and rugby, brings two teams of seven together to outwit and outplay their opponents. Equal parts agility, strength and mental stamina, it is easy to see why this sport, which is over 4,000 years old, is gathering momentum and worldwide teams.
INDIA, the country which created the game and which KABADDI is the national game of BANGLADESH, prepares to dominate the Toronto competition. A huge part of Indian culture, KABADDI’s versatile nature appealed to everyone from royalty to rural farmers and created a great spectator sport. The team from INDIA will have many fans cheering on their win when they take to the field at Rogers Centre.
BRITAIN also has a history with KABADDI as the British Army adopted the sport to keep fit, have fun and to keep battlefield skills sharp. The use of a seven person team that must form a physical chain in order to trap an opponent encourages people to think as a group and focus on maximizing their strengths to get the win.
KABADDI and rugby share many similarities and it is easy to see why AUSTRALIA has taken a huge interest in the sport. Both sports are fully contact that require strength, quick reflexes and good communication skills. The biggest difference between the two is that in KABADDI you have to hold on to your opponent, while in rugby you have to push the opponent away. And since Australians are dedicated to watching live sporting events, it is easy to see why KABADDI is appealing to them.
Approaching the sport with growing intensity, CANADA, ITALY and the U.S.A. all have teams participating in the CANADA KABADDI CUP 2009. The physical challenges and mental challenges, including holding one’s breath and keep up a continuous and audible chant of “kabaddi” during each raid or forfeit crucial team points, is an excellent exercise for these sport-loving countries to get involved in.
This all-day event hosts international teams and exceptional athletic prowess that will delight spectators.
Tickets, priced at $45.00 for general admission and $25.00 each for a family four-pack, are currently available via all Ticketmaster Outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
BELOVED DISNEY PRINCESSES SKATE IN MAGICAL SHOW
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| The holidays get a visit from the dazzling Disney Princesses |
This upcoming December, for a few magical nights, the ice alights with royal splendour. Visiting from around the World, under the sea and from fantasy lands, DISNEY PRINCESSES dazzle fans with skating and storytelling. Tiaras and magical wands will fill the room as DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS PRINCESS CLASSICS graces Rogers Centre for MULTIPLE PERFORMANCES from FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 until SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27.
Fans got a sneak peak of the show in March when the DISNEY PRINCESS dresses were on display in great, glittering grandeur. Now, JASMINE from ALADDIN, AURORA from SLEEPING BEAUTY, ARIEL from THE LITTLE MERMAID, MULAN, BELLE from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SNOW WHITE and CINDERELLA step sequence their timeless tales to life.
Each story has captured the hearts of adults and children alike, creating fond memories and a connection with each DISNEY PRINCESS character. While the highlights of each storyline unfold on the sparkling ice surface, the audience will be whisked into a realm of fantasy and imagination.
From the gorgeous Chinese backdrop of MULAN to the underwater delight of THE LITTLE MERMAID to the Fairy Godmother who makes CINDERELLA’s wish come true and sends her to the ball, the night will make dreams come true for all in attendance.
DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS PRINCESS CLASSICS arrives in time for another magical moment: the holidays. Get your seats to ensure magical and memorable fun this December that will be the crowning jewel of your holiday season.
Tickets will be available for purchase on November 16 at 10:00 a.m. 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).