Toronto’s Rogers Centre is still a home run for visitors as World Series fever spreads
As the World Series plays out between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers, Toronto’s Rogers Centre is drawing visitors from around the globe. The downtown stadium, once known as SkyDome, remains a major stop for tourists exploring the city’s waterfront. With its retractable roof, skyline views and ties to the Blue Jays’ 1990s World Series titles, it’s a reminder that baseball runs deep in Canada.
Rogers Centre anchors Toronto tourism
Opened in 1989, the Rogers Centre helped shape Toronto’s modern tourism scene, transforming the city’s skyline and waterfront. Toronto welcomed nearly 9 million overnight visitors in 2024, according to Destination Toronto, many of whom include the stadium and nearby attractions on their itineraries. Its location beside the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium makes it a natural stop for visitors who come to see the stadium’s massive retractable roof in motion or take a behind-the-scenes tour.
Recent renovations have added open-air patios, upgraded seating and new dining spaces inspired by Toronto’s neighborhoods. The changes have turned what was once just a ballpark into a year-round attraction where sports, architecture and city life meet.
Sports tourism in Canada
Baseball may be an American pastime, but in Toronto, it’s part of the city’s identity. The Rogers Centre draws fans year-round, many visiting to relive the Blue Jays’ back-to-back World Series wins in the early 1990s. During the postseason, the stadium becomes a gathering point for travelers following the World Series, with sports bars and patios nearby broadcasting every pitch.
Beyond baseball, the stadium hosts a full calendar of events that keeps visitors coming long after the last out of the season. From international soccer matches to concerts and large-scale festivals, the Rogers Centre remains one of Toronto’s busiest venues. Its ability to switch from ballpark to entertainment arena has made it a cornerstone of the city’s sports tourism economy and a consistent draw for travelers seeking live experiences downtown.
Around the dome
Steps from the Rogers Centre, Toronto’s waterfront buzzes with activity that keeps visitors lingering long after a game or event ends. The CN Tower rises next door, offering panoramic views of the dome and Lake Ontario, while Ripley’s Aquarium, Roundhouse Park and Steam Whistle Brewery give travelers plenty to explore on foot. Sports bars and patios fill up during major events, especially when the World Series is on, turning the area into one of the city’s liveliest gathering spots. For many visitors, a stop at the Rogers Centre is just the start of discovering downtown Toronto’s blend of sports, food and culture.
Why it still matters
For many Canadians, the Rogers Centre represents more than a stadium. It’s a landmark tied to national pride and shared memories. The Blue Jays’ World Series wins in the early 1990s cemented its place in the country’s sports history, and its silhouette beside the CN Tower has become part of Toronto’s global identity. Even when the championship spotlight shifts elsewhere, the stadium continues to connect fans and travelers alike through the atmosphere it creates.
As renovations modernize the venue for a new generation, the Rogers Centre stands as both a symbol of Toronto’s past triumphs and its ongoing role in shaping the city’s appeal to visitors from around the world.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.