October Events Newsletter
Rogers Centre News, a monthly publication, is brought to you with the latest news and information on events at Rogers Centre.
ROGERS CENTRE UNFOLDS A FULL FALL SCHEDULE
Rogers Centre trades loaded bases for triumphant touchdowns heading into autumn. The TORONTO ARGONAUTS, high school football, American college football and the NFL all head to the field in the coming months. A dream come true for sports fans, these various games have every facet of football covered. Add additional events including the annual POLICE GAMES, an Indian Diwali festival and those loveable Aussies, THE WIGGLES, and Rogers Centre remains the hottest spot in the city.
QUICKLINKS:
127 YEARS OF SPEED AND STRENGTH RETURN
ARGOS BRING TRICKS AND TREATS TO FANS THIS OCTOBER
BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY AND BIG CROWDS
SWING INTO THE STADIUM WITH THE WIGGLES
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GETS A LITTLE NFL FLAIR THIS NOVEMBER
THE BILLS AND JETS TAKE THEIR DIVISION RIVALRY NORTH OF THE BORDER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL MARCHES ONWARD TO ROGERS CENTRE
ANNUAL POLICE GAMES TAKE OVER THE TURF AT ROGERS CENTRE
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| Excitement reigns during the relay races |
A tradition that has captivated Toronto, York region, Durham region and the rest of Ontario, the 127th ANNUAL POLICE GAMES return for another successful year. This is an evening that celebrates the athleticism of numerous Police Services, and Emergency Services Units, through friendly competition. Thrilled to host these annual games for the 17th consecutive year, Rogers Centre opens its massive field on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 starting at 7:00 p.m. to see which teams will dominate.
These games bring together EMERGENCY SERVICES AGENCIES and the community at large, they also serve as a pivotal fundraising opportunity. Dedicated to the TORONTO POLICE WIDOWS & ORPHANS FUND, a portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to this worthy organization. A FUND set up to reach out and financially support families of fallen officers, it currently serves approximately 8,500 active and retired members and has paid out over $14 million in survivor benefits since 1984.
The 2008 POLICE GAMES provided excitement and tension for the numerous fans in attendance. Both the male and female RELAY RACES were a nail-biting good time as the teams raced to a photo-finish. YORK REGIONAL POLICE edged out the CORRECTIONS team for the male RELAY RACE while TORONTO POLICE SERVICE took the winning lead over BARRIE POLICE SERVICE in the female RELAY RACE.
Not to be outdone the TUG OF WAR competition, a perennial favourite at the POLICE GAMES, got plenty of fan support especially since the teams went co-ed in 2008. Teamwork was key in getting the win and TORONTO POLICE SERVICE dominated in the event. Relying on communication, strength and working together, TORONTO quickly took the lead and pulled their way to the podium.
Will 2009 be another stunning win for TORONTO? Make sure you get your ticket to cheer on the competitors and see if TORONTO upholds their title.
The SUPERSTARS OBSTACLE COURSE showed a true test of stamina for the six teams who competed in 2008. Strength, agility and endurance were the main ingredients for success and each team showed they had all of those abilities in abundance. Additional practice, on top of regular workout regimes, gave the teams a strong start which they maintained for the duration of the course. An extra surge of strength and speed near the finish put DURHAM REGIONAL POLICE ahead of the pack and gave them a first place win.
The whole family will be going wild in their seats on this night of fun and fundraising. Pick your favourite team and bring your loudest cheers for this upstanding and proud tradition.
Tickets priced at $15.00 for general admission or $48.00 for a family pack (2 adults and 2 children) are on sale via all Ticketmaster Outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Groups of 20 or more can purchase tickets by contacting our Group Sales Office via e-mail
THREE HOME GAMES MAKE FOR AN EXCITING MONTH
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| Argo action goes into overdrive in October |
TORONTO ARGONAUT fans get a treat with three home games happening in one month. Pitting themselves against team from the East and West Divisions, the BOATMEN get ready to deliver a powerhouse blow as the season comes to a close. The action begins on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 at 1:00 p.m. as the TORONTO ARGONAUTS and the MONTREAL ALOUETTES get down and dirty on the Rogers Centre field.
It will be a tough fight for the ARGONAUTS as they face the ALOUETTES, the top-ranked team in the East Division, for the second time in the 2009 regular season. Heart and determination will be on the side of the ARGONAUTS as they prepare to dominate over their rivals.
After a Thanksgiving break, the pace picks up again when the TORONTO ARGONAUTS take on the EDMONTON ESKIMOS on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 at 7:30 p.m. Playing each other for the first time in the 2009 regular season, the ARGONAUTS are itching for a win against the 3rd ranked team in the West Division.
Closing out the month is a highly-charged game between the TORONTO ARGONAUTS and their bitter rivals the HAMILTON TIGERCATS on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 at 7:00 p.m. Stakes are high, both in points and pride, for the BOATMEN and a win would have fans cheering into November.
The opportunities for fan support and team spirit are endless in the month of October. Get your tickets and cheer the ARGONAUTS to victory!
Single tickets are on-sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online.
MAHAUTSAV CELEBRATES THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST OF THE DIWALI FESTIVAL
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| Diwali traditions take over Rogers Centre for 30 hours |
Considered the most important and enchanting festival held in India, the DIWALI FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS is an experience to remember. It is only fitting that in honour of this huge cultural event, MAHAUTSAV comes to Rogers Centre to celebrate the traditions of DIWALI for 30 continuous hours. Music, dance and a Bollywood movie premiere make for an exciting weekend beginning FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 at 5:30 p.m. and ending SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 at 11:30 p.m.
An important family occasion, DIWALI is a festival of lights that symbolizes the bright future ahead and shuns the darkness which can consume a person and bring ignorance into their life. It also celebrates the GODDESS LAKSHMI who brings prosperity and wealth. A festival that encompasses so many meanings, traditions and dates back centuries, DIWALI unfolds over five whole days.
The first day of DIWALI is called DHANTERAS or DHANTRYAODASHI and has a connection to wealth. It is a day which households traditionally buy gold and utensils in keeping with the theme of wealth.
The second day of DIWALI is called NARAK CHATURDASI. This day honours LORD KRISHNA and his successful battle against the demon NARAKASUR. LORD KRISHNA’s victory freed the world from fear and brought light in place of darkness.
The third day is called DIWALI. This takes place on the night of a new moon and homes, streets and markets twinkle as thousands of oil lamps are lit in celebration. Fireworks illuminate the sky while children and adults set off fire crackers, adding additional glimmer to the evening.
Households decorate their floors and walls drawing traditional images and motifs of RANGOLI designs using different color powders to welcome the GODDESS LAKSHMI. Not only do households wish wealth and prosperity in their own homes, the day of DIWALI is the last day of the financial year in traditional Hindu business. The new business year begins and this day is considered the best time to start new ventures.
On the fourth day, commonly known as PADWA, people mark the start of the new year and the coronation of KING VIKRAMADITYA. Most families dress in new and colourful clothes, wear jewellery and visit family and friends. It is also customary to bring sweets, dry fruits and gifts to hand out on these joyful visits.
The fifth and final day is dedicated to sisters. Called BHAIDUJ, this event follows the traditional story of YAMARAJ and his sister YAMUNA which pledged that if a brother receives a tilak (traditionally a red dot placed on the forehead) from his sister on this day, he will have a long life and happiness. Since then, it is customary for a brother to visit his sister at her house and help bring DIWALI to a close.
A festival steeped in tradition and full of fun and revelry, DIWALI is a delight for many. MAHAUTSAV captures the spirit and festivity of this important occasion with a wide variety of entertainment and cultural traditions over 30 hours. Experience the glitter and merriment of this important event, so close to home, at Rogers Centre this October.
Ticket information for the event is available at tickets@mahautsav.com or by calling 1-877-577-5559.
THE WIGGLES WORLD GOES BANANAS WITH THEIR LATEST LIVE SHOW
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| The Wiggles bring undeniable charm to their songs and fans |
Lighting up stages and children’s faces wherever they go, THE WIGGLES are a non-stop whirlwind of activity. Only a year after they last appeared at Rogers Centre, the Aussie phenomenons are back on the road eager to perform new material from THE WIGGLES GO BANANAS! Returning to Rogers Centre, their home away from home, THE WIGGLES present THE WIGGLES GO BANANAS LIVE! on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 at 1:30 p.m. and :00 p.m.
Known for their boundless enthusiasm, ability to connect with preschoolers and their love of music, THE WIGGLES have become a household name for many families. Together for almost two decades, the band has remained true to their roots as early childhood educators and maintained an unwavering passion to creating meaningful and memorable songs. The members of the band ANTHONY FIELD, THE BLUE WIGGLE, JEFF FATT, THE PURPLE WIGGLE, MURRAY COOK, THE RED WIGGLE, and SAM MORAN, THE YELLOW WIGGLE, are keenly in tune with their preschool fans and see the world through their eyes. Maintaining distinctive personalities to match their vibrant colours, encouraging their small fans to dance in the aisles and keeping any dance movements simple and repetitive, to name a few, THE WIGGLES have tapped into preschooler enjoyment and created legions of loyal fans and sold millions of albums.
An impressive feat for four musicians who were told there wasn’t a market for their style of entertainment!
For the first time in the group’s history, THE WIGGLES take a walk on the wild side with their latest release and live show. THE WIGGLES GO BANANAS bring the sounds of lions, monkeys, tigers and hippos to their fans. Knowing how fascinated their young audiences are with the animal kingdom, THE WIGGLES sought to create tunes that would engage fans to the fullest. The band even got a little vocal help from Aussie superstar KYLIE MINOGUE on their big track “Monkey Man.”
In keeping with the animal kingdom theme, THE WIGGLES GO BANANAS LIVE! will have preschool fans monkeying around the aisles in delight. Interactive and educational, the show brings old and new hits together on stage with a good dose of hijinks and fun. With special visits from CAPTAIN FEATHERSWORD, DOROTHY THE DINOSAUR, HENRY THE OCTOPUS, WAGS THE DOG and the WIGGLY DANCERS, plus an appearance by a new monkey friend, the new live show is sure to get wild and wacky!
Wiggle your way to Rogers Centre with a poster of your favourite member of the band and a bone for WAGS THE DOG for these special shows.
Tickets priced at $25.00, $35.00 and $45.00 are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets by contacting our Group Sales Office via e-mail.
OFSAA PARTNERS WITH THE BILLS TORONTO SERIES FOR A MEMORABLE DAY
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| High football gets a taste of the big leagues |
It has been an anxious wait for high schools throughout Ontario but the news is out and teams are ready to cheer. The 2009 OFSAA BILLS TORONTO SERIES FOOTBALL BOWLS return to Rogers Centre on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25. High school teams will be giving it their all as they play for that desirable spot in one of five BOWL games. The day starts early at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 11:00 p.m. The opportunity to see the potential football stars of tomorrow at their best only comes once a year, so bring your high school spirit to Rogers Centre and let out a cheer.
Partnering with the BILLS TORONTO SERIES, the ONTARIO FEDERATIONS OF SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS (OFSAA) brings the atmosphere of the NFL to these highly competitive BOWL games. Ontario’s high school football players will get a chance to play in an NFL environment and includes the opportunity to meet NFL alumni during the event.
In 2008, legendary quarterbacks JIM KELLY (BUFFALO BILLS) and DAN MARINO (MIAMI DOLPHINS) were on-site at Rogers Centre to meet the qualifying teams and pass on words of encouragement to the hard working high school students. In the presence of such notable football heroes, teams worked exceptionally hard to bring home the coveted OFSAA title and impress these decorated NFL stars.
BOWL champions in the 2008 games ran the gamut from teams winning another consecutive title to teams who were bringing a long-awaited win to their school. They played with conviction and enough team spirit to fill the stadium and enthusiastic fans brought additional support by the busloads.
Will the ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE KERRY BLUES be in the running for the METRO BOWL and clinch their fourth consecutive win in 2009? Do the LAKESHORE CATHOLIC GATORS have a team in 2009 who can defend their GOLDEN HORSESHOE BOWL championship win from last year? Fans will find out this November and for those coming to watch a game, or five, the tentative times are:
- 9:00 a.m. NORTHERN BOWL
- 11:45 a.m. GOLDEN HORSESHOE BOWL
- 2:30 p.m. NATIONAL CAPITAL BOWL
- 5:15 p.m. WESTERN BOWL
- 8:00 p.m. METRO BOWL
Tickets are $10.00 in advance and can be purchased online. Tickets are $15.00 on game day and are on sale at Rogers Centre - Gate 7. All seating will take place on the 100 Level – east side and is general admission.
SECOND BILLS IN TORONTO SERIES GAME JUST AROUND THE CORNER
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| Trent Edwards brings the Bills to Toronto this December |
Fall ushers in the excitement of the NFL regular season and by December BUFFALO BILLS fans will really be cheering with joy. For the second sensational year, the BILLS TORONTO SERIES brings the NFL north of the border to Rogers Centre for another action packed game. This year, the BUFFALO BILLS face division rivals, the NEW YORK JETS on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 at 8:20 p.m. for a regular season game with possible playoff potential. Rogers Centre will be packed to the rafters for a night of tumultuous touchdowns and fan spirit.
Both teams are gearing up for a fierce fight as the top-ranked JETS hope to maintain their division lead over the BILLS and overall lead in the AFC. These two popular New York teams will have diehard fans cheering for their favourites in what will surely be a spirited game.
2009 has been an exciting ride for the BILLS. The major acquisition of veteran wide receiver TERRELL OWENS brought his skill and flamboyant nature into the fold, injecting the team with extra drive and ambition. This colourful free agent contributed his first regular season touchdown in September and is on the hunt for more as December quickly approaches. Quarterback and fan favourite, TRENT EDWARDS, continues to keep the fans wanting more as he works the field.
For head couch DICK JAURON, the objective is clear: Win all the way to the SUPERBOWL. For fans, the desire to see their team dominate and provide enough spirit to echo down to New York the answer is clear: Get to Rogers Centre for the experience of a lifetime.
History was made in 2008. The momentum keeps rolling in 2009 as these two teams battle for division supremacy.
Individual game tickets are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. For VIP/Premium packages please call 416-341-1440. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets by contacting our Group Sales Office via email.
INTERNATIONAL BOWL RETURNS FOR AN AFTERNOON OF PAGEANTRY AND PLAY
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| Rogers Centre turns the field over to college football for an action-packed day |
Hosting high school, CFL and NFL football under its roof, it is only fitting that Rogers Centre welcomes the INTERNATIONAL BOWL back to Toronto for the fourth consecutive year. This BOWL, the only NCAA college post-season bowl game played outside of the United States, brings the colour, charm and competitiveness of college football for one exciting championship game. College pride heads to town on SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2010 at 12:00 p.m.
Part of the NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (NCAA), the bowl brings teams from the MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE (MAC) and BIG EAST CONFERENCE together for a thrilling afternoon of football. Becoming a fast favourite of the BOWL circuit, the teams are out to prove their mettle and take home the championship title.
Not to be outdone and adding additional excitement, the competing teams also bring their pep bands and cheerleaders along. Showing that exuberant team spirit is not just a thing of the movies or television show, the college bands participate in a BATTLE OF THE BANDSRogers Centre and surrounding areas
To see college football in all its glory without having to cross the border, Rogers Centre is the place to be for a thrilling afternoon of sport and spirit.
Tickets priced at $30.00, $45.00 and $55.00 are on sale via all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre - Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets by contacting our Group Sales Office via e-mail.