Rogers Centre

Still called the SkyDome by many Blue Jay fans, the Rogers Centre is home of Canada’s only professional baseball franchise. An architectural marvel at the time of its opening, it was the first retractable roof stadium, allowing events to be held year-around in Toronto, regardless of the weather. Toronto was awarded an expansion franchise in 1976 after relocation attempts by several other baseball teams failed, including the San Francisco Giants. The city did not have a baseball only facility for the team and had to retrofit the football only stadium, Exhibition Stadium. In 1977 the Blue Jays made their debut in Toronto, playing at Exhibition Stadium for 12 seasons. In the late 1970s city officials began working on plans to build a new stadium in Toronto. A site west of the CN Tower in downtown Toronto was selected with groundbreaking ceremonies occurring on October 3, 1986. The new stadium was not just for the Blue Jays, but a multipurpose venue that could host any event. It would also feature a retractable roof allowing events to occur throughout the year regardless of the season. Stadium officials allowed the public to participate in part of the stadium process by providing suggestions for a name. Over 12,879 fans submitted a large variety of suggestions to name the stadium including Alfresco Stadium, Railway Place and the Zipper Dome. The name chosen for the stadium was announced on May 11, 1987, SkyDome.