For one night it was all about Carnival; Toronto Caribbean Carnival teams up with Toronto Blue Jays

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The fans sitting around us were cheering and high fiving my guest Rayon Brown (Founder of Helping Neighbourhoods Implement Change) who had just caught a fly ball, and we had only been there five minutes. Catching a fly ball is one of the most visually impressive feats in the sport of baseball, and when a fan catches a fly ball, it often attracts attention from other spectators, leading to applause and cheers, which was exactly what was happening. Within minutes, there was a sense of camaraderie between Rayon and the fans sitting around us, and it set the tone for the rest of the night.

On Friday July 28^th, 2023, the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the annual Caribbean Carnival celebration done in partnership with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. The Jays were taking on the Los Angeles Angels, and they had added a special edition for the night. As we walked up to Rogers Center, we heard Soca blaring over the sound system. For one night it was all about carnival, and it was great to see fans engaged with the festivities.

The night featured Caribbean Mas bands, Soca music, and performances directly from the festival. The 2023 Jr. King and Queen and individual winners threw the ceremonial first pitch and throughout the night, the Caribbean was a full display. I had a chance to sit down with Jessica Wood (Director, Promotions, Blue Jays), and she shared some insights not only on the night, but what baseball fans have to expect when they visit the Rogers Centre.

“This is our second year working with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, and we love it because it allows us to tap into a different market,” Jessica began.

“We are pleased that we were able to provide an authentic Caribbean Carnival experience, and this was only possible because we worked closely with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival team, which allowed us to really make the experience amazing for the fans.

We pulled out all the stops this year, we even had a specialty cocktail (The Pineapple BayBreeze). We sold Trini doubles and Jamaican patties. It was definitely creative leaning in with the team.”

“What made your team decide to incorporate the Caribbean Carnival,” I inquired? “For us, it is all about creating an inclusive environment,” Jessica replied. “We are always looking at ways to engage the entire city, so that coming to Rogers Centre is more of a social outing.”

While I was there, I had the chance to see how the Rogers Centre is delivering a modernized fan experience. A lot has changed, and if you haven’t had a chance to visit, there is so much to see.

Earlier this year Mark Shapiro, President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays, was joined by Edward Rogers, Chair of the Toronto Blue Jays and Chair of Rogers and Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reveal the largest-scale infrastructure project since Rogers Centre opened in 1989. The new Outfield District is part of a multi-year $300 million privately funded renovation that will be completed between 2024 and 2025.

“Rogers Centre is home to Canada’s baseball team, and I’m delighted to see the first phase of this renovation project come to life for Blue Jays fans,” exclaimed Edward. “We’re proud of the team and we’re proud to invest in the ballpark, a landmark in the heart of downtown Toronto.”

“We’re deeply committed to supporting the team and to delivering the best fan experience both on and off the field,” Tony explained. “These renovations will bring the heart of the city into the ballpark and create a sense of community for fans attending the game.”

The result of the recent renovations is a dramatically different Rogers Centre experience, immediately noticeable when I entered the ballpark. Designed with Populous, the new Outfield District – available to every fan with a game ticket – features social spaces to gather with friends and get closer to the action; live entertainment off the field; and food and beverage menus that reflect the city of Toronto. These changes include:

Corona Rooftop Patio (500L right field)

This rooftop patio oasis is the new place to be; nestled in Toronto’s iconic skyline, fans can gather with friends while enjoying live music beneath the CN Tower.

Park Social (500L left field)

A park within the park for fans of all ages, featuring games and comfortable places to hang out while watching the game.

The Stop (100L center field behind the batter’s eye)

This is your neighbourhood bar where you can grab a quick drink and bite with friends on the way to your next Outfield District destination; an ode to stadium history in a space originally planned as a transit stop.

The Catch Bar (100L right field above the visitors’ bullpen)

This is the place to see and be seen; grab a cocktail and perch above the visitors’ bullpen with unprecedented views to catch all the action up close

WestJet Flight Deck (200L center field)

It is the place fans know (and love!) has a refresh with retro arcade games and the same great vibe.

There is also: Schneiders Porch (200L right field corner), Rogers Landing (right field corner beside the visitors’ bullpen), Bleacher Seating (100L bowl behind the visitors’ bullpen), the Left and Right Field Balconies (100L concourse outfield corners overlooking the home and visitors’ bullpens respectively), and Drink Rails (throughout ballpark).

With all of the added features, the music, the fact that the Blue Jays won, and my guest catching the ball, the night out is exactly what makes Toronto great.  I am proud and excited that The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, traditions, and heritage. I appreciate the Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Centre team for showcasing the rich diversity and contributions of Caribbean communities in Canada. Adding this cultural aspect resonates with both Caribbean diaspora and people from diverse backgrounds who come to experience and appreciate the festivities.