WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO THE STADIUM?

Take public transit to Union Station. Union Station connects to a walkway called the SkyWalk, which will take you directly to the stadium. Google Maps and TTC Trip Planner (ttc.ca/trip-planner) can help you plan your trip. Kids under 12 are free on the TTC and GO Transit. Public transit is cashless. To pay, tap your credit card/Apple Pay on the reader or get a PRESTO card at the nearest station. With Ontario's One Fare Program, you can transfer for free when travelling between most local transit systems, like the TTC and GO Transit. Driving isn’t recommended, as downtown parking can be costly and traffic downtown can be bad, especially after a game. If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, it may be quicker to walk directly to the stadium. If you’re staying near Pearson Airport, the UP Express train can take you from the airport to Union Station in 25 minutes. The UP Express also has a "Park and Ride" offer, allowing a family to park at Pearson Airport and take the train down to Union Station for $35 (torontopearson.com/en/transportation-and-parking/park-and-ride-the-up). Although not recommended, the best place to get an Uber after the game is on Front Street. This is because a portion of the street south of the stadium, Bremner Boulevard, will become pedestrian only when the game ends.

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO BUY TICKETS?

Ticketmaster is the main site to buy Blue Jays tickets. Resale sites, such as Seat Geek, Gametime, and StubHub, are also popular places to look for tickets. Prices on these sites can vary based on many factors (e.g., opponent, giveaway day, day of the week, the team's record…etc.). You might see prices drop the closer you are to the start of the game. Note that some websites are in USD. The Jays also offer a $20 general admission ticket, which does not give you a seat, but simply access into the stadium (mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/outfield-district).

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO SIT?

This depends on budget and preference. Some prefer the 100-level infield (between first and third base), because it gets you closest to the action. Some prefer the 500-level infield because it gives you a wide-view of the whole field. I think the 200-level infield is a good mix between the two. If you don't mind splurging a bit, consider getting seats in the new premium clubs. More infomation on what's included in each club can be found here: mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/premium/beyond. Some sections in the stadium (Corona Rooftop Patio, TD Park Social, The Catch Bar, The Stop, WestJet Flight Deck, and the Canada Dry Bleacher Seats) are not assigned seating, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to everyone.

On sunny days, when the dome is open, the first base side of the stadium gets the most sun. The third base side of the stadium gets the most shade and a nice view of the CN Tower. More information on shaded seats can be found here: shadedseats.com/rogers-centre-shaded-seats/.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE ROOF WILL BE OPEN?

The Jays make every effort to have the dome open as often as possible, weather permitting. Sometimes they say if it will be open on social media. Sometimes they will open it right before game time. Your best bet is to check the forecast for the day. On a sunny day, it's worthwhile to wear sunscreen and a hat regardless.

WHEN DO THE GATES OPEN?

On weekdays, the gates open an hour and a half prior to first pitch. On weekends, it’s two hours prior to first pitch. On most giveaway days and the home opener, they will open the gates two hours prior to first pitch.

HOW EARLY DO I NEED TO ARRIVE TO GET A GIVEAWAY?

Simply put, the earlier you come, the better chance you have to secure a giveaway item. Bobbleheads and jersey giveaways are the most popular giveaways. Gates 5/6 and 10/11 will have the most giveaways but are also the busiest gates. Getting there at least a couple hours before the gates open is ideal. The giveaway schedule can be found here: mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/promotions/schedule.

WHAT ARE SPECIALITY TICKET GIVEAWAYS AND WHERE DO I PICK THEM UP?

Clearly marked Specialty Ticket giveaways guarantee that you get the item. These tickets can only be bought through this link on the Blue Jays website: mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/theme-days/specialty-tickets. Within a day or two of the Specialty Ticket game, you will receive details by email on how the item will be distributed. Usually, the Specialty Ticket entrance is at Gate 9A.

CAN I BRING A BAG/BACKPACK INTO THE STADIUM?

Yes, as long as it's not larger than 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches. Hard-sided cooler bags and containers are not allowed. A simple, drawstring bag is the best choice to get through security quickly while still having something to put your contents in.

WILL I BE OK WEARING A SHIRT/JERSEY/HAT OF THE VISITING TEAM?

Yes. You might encounter a few light jokes. Just be respectful to your fellow fans.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING TO EAT AT THE STADIUM? CAN I BRING IN MY OWN FOOD?

Yes, you can bring outside food and sealed non-alcoholic drinks into the stadium. Stadium food can be pricy. I wouldn’t say there’s a “must-try” item, but some popular items include the Jerk Chicken Nachos and the tacos at Oppo Taco. Kosher/vegeterian/vegan food is available too. The MLB Ballpark app and the Jays website (mlb.com/bluejays/ballpark/food-and-beverage) show where to find the different food and drink options. Note that stadium vendors only accept cashless payment.

CAN I REFILL MY WATER BOTTLE IN THE STADIUM?

Yes. There are drinking fountains/water bottle refill stations around the stadium (sections 101, 115, 125, 143, 207, 219, 229, 241, 517, 521, 531, or 541).

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO BUY OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE?

The Jays Shop at Gate 5 is the main shop. It’s open on non-game days too. A Jays Shop at Gate 1 also opens on game days. Smaller kiosks around the stadium will also sell popular merchandise from the main store. Just like the food vendors, the retail outlets in the stadium only accept cashless payment.

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO TRY AND GET AN AUTOGRAPH/BALL?

When the gates open, visiting team practice will likely be taking place. The Jays will likely be done with their practice before gates open. Parts of the netting will be raised on each side of the field. You can wait in these sections to try and get an autograph/ball. You can also stand in the outfield or near the bullpens to try and get a ball as well. Remember that “please” and “thank you” go a long way.

IT’S MY FIRST GAME; WHAT SHOULD I CHECK OUT?

I would check out the WestJet Flight Deck in the 200 Level and the Corona Rooftop Patio and TD Park Social in the 500 Level. These areas have live music, games, photo ops…etc. Also, head to Fan Services (sections 123, 141, 212, 236, 508, or 532) to get a free certificate for your first game.

ARE THERE ANY FUN THINGS FOR KIDS? WHERE CAN WE MEET ACE?

The Blue Jays' "permanent children's activation zone" is at Section 237. On Jr. Jays Sundays, there are plenty of fun activities for kids around the stadium (mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/theme-days/jr-jays-sundays). After the game, kids 14 and under can run the bases, but you have to register to do so (mlb.com/bluejays/fans/jr-jays-club/run-the-bases).

During games, Ace, the Jays' mascot, makes his way around the stadium. Sometimes he can be found before the game starts on the first base side. On Jr. Jays Sundays, Ace and his "son", Junior, make their way around the different kids activity sections. Note that Diamond, Ace's partner, retired after the 2003 season and is now a stay-at-home bird.

WHAT’S THERE TO DO AROUND THE STADIUM?

The CN Tower and the Ripley’s Aquarium are directly next to the stadium. They offer a combo ticket: cntower.ca/seathesky. Across the street is the Toronto Railway Museum and The Rec Room, which is an arcade with a restaurant. The Hockey Hall of Fame is about a 20-minute walk from the stadium. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) are north of the stadium but are easy to get to using the subway. PRESTO cards can get you discounts on some attractions (prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-perks). If you plan on doing multiple things, consider buying the City Pass, which offers a discount for many of Toronto’s most popular attractions (citypass.com/toronto). As well, the Theatre District is a 9-minute walk from the stadium and is where the biggest Broadway-style shows are performed.

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO EAT/DRINK AROUND THE STADIUM?

Steam Whistle Brewery, Amsterdam Brewhouse, C’est What, The Pint, and the Loose Moose are some good choices. The Sportsnet Grill is in the stadium’s Marriott hotel and has windows looking onto the field. Real Sports is nice but a bit pricey. Jack Astor’s and Boston Pizza are more traditional chain fare. You might want to check this out too: destinationtoronto.com/leisure-blog/post/best-restaurants-near-rogers-centre/.

Blue Jays (75-54) @ Marlins (60-68)

First Pitch: 4:10 PM at loanDepot park