Blue Jays celebrate opening night and weekend at Rogers Centre
The Toronto Blue Jays are set to open their season at Rogers Centre for the first time since 2019. Photo: Toronto Blue Jays/Twitter
April 8, 2022
Official Toronto Blue Jays News Release
It’s been three years since the Toronto Blue Jays last opened a full season at Rogers Centre, making Opening Night and Weekend presented by TD an incredibly emotional and monumental moment for the organization and fans across Canada.
The club today announces its Opening Night ceremonies and what’s new at the ballpark for 2022. Whether at the game or celebrating from home, fans will be treated to special opening ceremonies airing on Sportsnet and SN NOW, preceded by a special edition of Tim & Friends followed by Blue Jays Central, live from Rogers Centre starting at 5 p.m. E.T.
Opening Night Ceremonies
2021 individual awards presentations:
-Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Hank Aaron Award and Silver Slugger
-Teoscar Hernandez – Silver Slugger
-Marcus Semien (2021 Blue Jay returning with the Texas Rangers) – Silver -Slugger and Gold Glove
-Matt Chapman will have his Gold Glove presented during next weekend’s homestand vs. his former team, the Oakland Athletics
Opening Night Highlights
-14 Canadian 2022 Winter Olympians and Paralympians celebrated on the field, with Sarah Nurse (hockey) and Natalie Wilkie (cross country skiing) throwing the first pitch
-240 members of the Canadian Armed Forces carrying the Canadian flag, and the Argyll and the Sutherland Highlanders of Canada presenting the colours
-National anthems performed by Sole Power’s Kibwe Thomas and Vaness Alegacy
Land acknowledgement
-Land acknowledgement given by Chief (Gimaa) R. Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, to be acknowledged pregame on video at every 2022 Blue Jays home game
Opening Night and Weekend Highlights
-Fans attending Opening Night are encouraged to arrive early to catch the special ceremonies, with gates opening at 5 p.m.
-All fans attending Opening Night will receive a Blue Jays Panel Hat giveaway presented by TD, as well as a 2022 magnet schedule on exit
-Opening Weekend festivities continue through Sunday, featuring a George Springer Bobblehead giveaway presented by TD, for the first 15,000 fans on Saturday, and 2022 Winter Olympians throwing the first pitch through Sunday
-Jays Care Foundation is hosting an extended 50/50 Mega Jackpot presented by theScore Bet, to celebrate the start of the season, with sales open now through Sunday, April 17 (in-stadium and at bluejays.com/5050 for fans aged 18 and older located in Ontario) and a guaranteed minimum $30,000 prize in honour of Jays Care’s 30th anniversary
What’s New at Rogers Centre
-The Blue Jays have listened to fan feedback and expanded the craft beer offerings at Rogers Centre, introducing a dedicated Craft Beer Korner (Section 104) with 16 different craft options, also available on each level of the ballpark
-These additions include a specialty collaboration with Mill St. Brewery: Blue Wave, brewed especially for Blue Jays fans as the perfect pairing for game day
-Mary Brown’s signature all-Canadian chicken has joined the team at Section 134, while Dugout Deals and Loonie Dogs (offered every Tuesday home game) return by popular demand
Stadium Upgrades
-A brand-new videoboard features an 8,076 sq. ft. display with lower wings that span more than 250 ft. and a 2.5x greater resolution from the old board
-The stadium lights have been completely replaced with a state-of-the-art LED system; Rogers Centre is the first MLB ballpark (with the Miami Marlins) to feature independent red, green, blue, and amber fixtures meaning millions of colours can be cascaded throughout the stadium for an infinite number of scenes