Blue Jays get HUGE ratings

[craig01]

I'm surprised that the Jays did not go to a dirt infield (like Tampa)....it would certainly make the field look better.

[DIEHARD_005]

Was at the game last night in the 500s and it was humid as hell up there. When you're drinking you automatically feel really warm so sitting up top with an alcohol buzz means you start to break a bit of a sweat. I went to a ball game last September and sat up in the 500s with the dome open and it was beautiful. I still don't think RC is as obsolete as people say even with the dome down, but the experience of a Jays game is definitely better when its open.

[gei]

I find all the whining about the SkyDome just typical Torontonians complaining for the sake of complaining.

I've been to several ball parks around the league over the years, and I find the skydome to be perfectly fine. The sightlines are very decent. Recently I sat up in the 500s and I was amazed how good the view was from way up there.. I hadn't sat there since I was a kid and just assumed the view was terrible with all the whining you hear.

The lower level concourse is wonderful since the renovations a few years back... bright and very open (compared to some of the terrible ones like old Yankee stadium or fenway park). And the atmosphere is excellent with the roof open.

Speaking of which... the skydome has been incredibly practical over the years. The roof has worked great since day 1, and we don't have any of the major issues that other domed/retractable-roof ballparks had (or still have) like balls hitting the roof while still in play (has that ever even happened). Or playing with the roof stuck open or closed for a year (ie olympic stadium)... or major disasters. I hear the new turf is quite decent too.

Overall I have no major issues with it. It does indeed get a bit hot up in the 500s with the roof closed... but do you people realize what you're complaining about? They only close the roof when it's raining or when it's too cold. So it's either be a bit hot up in the 500s, or be soaking wet, freezing cold, or just have the game canceled all together. Which would you prefer?

They could build a brand new state of the art ballpark and people would still find something to whine about... that's what people in Toronto do. Perhaps it's just the nostalgia from back in the days when we have 50,000+ every game.. but to be perfectly honest the skydome is my favourite ball park, period.

Oh... and I forgot to mention the location. How awesome is it having our ballpark located in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in north america? Not one of these suburban ballparks way out in the middle of nowhere like in the states... surrounded by nothing but parking lots. I know some of the poor suburban folk complain about this... but they arent the mississauga blue jays or the markham blue jays... they are the toronto blue jays. Anyone living in Toronto can easily take public transportation to the dome. Personally I live only a few minutes walk away and find it incredibly convenient.

[ItsDanger]

Personally, my HDTV is very good, excellent room to watch the game, mini-bar, cheap snacks. I go to 1 or 2 games per year. Parking is outrageous, beer is overpriced, food is overpriced, seats are too small for me, if roof is closed, its way too humid, etc.

Those TV #'s are very good and Im not surprised. Most people stay plugged these days.

[J-Roc]

I'm surprised that the Jays did not go to a dirt infield (like Tampa)....it would certainly make the field look better.

It makes it easier to changeup the stadium for concerts, monster truck shows, etc. Definitely unfortunate.

[Randle McMurphy]

I find all the whining about the SkyDome just typical Torontonians complaining for the sake of complaining.

Yes, it's basically just a weak excuse that people make not to go to ballgames.

[hsb]

They could build a brand new state of the art ballpark and people would still find something to whine about... that's what people in Toronto do.

I feel like being ironic. I'll leave it at terrible post.

[nbrapsguy]

As a guy who live in NB and can only go to games every few years I love the Skydome.

Nothing worse for a fan to drive 15 hrs, spend $ on hotels, gas, food etc and miss a weekend series due to rainouts.

I saw Halliday 2 hit the Yankees 2 years ago, the dome was open, beautiful day.

The dome is only 21 years old, cost a crap load of $ to build and is going to be around for a while.

Plus, Rogers owns it, bought it a few years ago for 4% of its construction costs, extremely good deal for the team.

[James_Raptors]

I used to go to live sporting events as often as I could.
Back in the 80's my friends and I would have a blast out at CNE stadium, even on days where it was a bit cold. But my health deteriorated over the years and frankly I'm not very mobile anymore. Not to mention that back then I weighed 220lbs and now I'm 300 lbs (and 6'7). So even without the health issues I simply find the seats to be very uncomfortable. It's basically the same reason I stopped going to movie theatres too.

[gei]

Your post isn't really an issue with the Rogers Centre.. it's moreso an issue with yourself. I think at 300lbs you probably qualify for some sort of handicap status? I'm sure the Rogers Centre has plenty of handicapped areas where you could bring in a wheelchair or your own seat.

I'm not huge but I relatively big... 6' 195lbs.. and I remember the worst seats were at Fenway... absolutely NO room for your legs, and the tightest seats I have ever been in. the skydome is heaven compared to that place.

[James_Raptors]

Your post isn't really an issue with the Rogers Centre.. it's moreso an issue with yourself. I think at 300lbs you probably qualify for some sort of handicap status? I'm sure the Rogers Centre has plenty of handicapped areas where you could bring in a wheelchair or your own seat.

I'm not huge but I relatively big... 6' 195lbs.. and I remember the worst seats were at Fenway... absolutely NO room for your legs, and the tightest seats I have ever been in. the skydome is heaven compared to that place.

I took my mother in law to a Raptors game this season and I could hardly make it through the game.
The seat size was problematic, but the length was the biggest issue. My knees were up against the person in front of me and I had a difficult time finding spots to keep my feet comfortable (I have all 10 toes amputated so this isn't simply a heaight issue in my case).

I also don't live down in Toronto anymore. We bought a home up in Barrie in 1995. So when you factor in a couple of hours of driving on top of it, it just didn't seem as worth it as in years past.
Basically with my health going south the home suits my needs more, unfortunately, because I really do absolutely love seeing sports live, in-person. But, for example, if I'm at home and I'm going through some pain issues we can pause the live game on our tv and pick it up 30mins later, or an hour later, or whatever. Washroom breaks are easier to manage too.

My situation is probably a little abnormal than the usual fan though and I wouldn't expect this to be the reason they don't attend games at the Rogers Center.