What does the Blue Jays Home Opener mean to you?
There’s something magical about the Home Opener at the Rogers Centre.
Whether you’re in the Action Seats, sitting in the back row in the 500 level, or watching the game from your own home, the Home Opener brings a feeling to Blue Jays fans that’s tough to put into words.
So what does it all mean to you when the gates at the Rogers Centre open for the first time this spring?
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In 140 characters or less (or 30 words or less), feel free what the Blue Jays Home Opener means to you. Your memories could be used in a compilation blog post I’m working on for the Home Opener.
It could be a particular memory from a previous Home Opener, your favourite part about the Home Opener, or just a general statement about it.
You can either leave your feedback in the comment section below, let me know on Twitter, or email them to me. Please include your first name or “handle” you would like to be referred as. If you would like to remain anonymous, that’s cool too.
The best entries will be included in a blog post on the day of the Blue Jays Home Opener on April 12th. Thank you and good luck!
What does the home opener mean to me? Two answers. One, it's the only time all year, outside toonie Tuesdays, that the Dome is virtually sold out. For just one game, we fans are under the illusion that the team is going to draw crowds. Then the next night, 14,000 show up…
In terms of memories, one that stands out for me is that time STARTING JAYS CATCHER Ken Huckaby gave Derek Jeter a concussion. That was pretty epic..
Ian,
I've never been to an opening day (actually never been to a game in Toronto), and so to me, the first game of the season has always held far more meaning. I'm not sure I have a home opener that really stands out.
George Bell following up an MVP season with 3 jacks on opening day off Bret Saberhagen in 1988 stands out to me – that was in Kansas though.
It means summer. It means Toronto talking Blue Jays baseball. It means hope.
ashermerlin, in addition to the Home Opener, there might be one other night where the Rogers Centre will be filled to capacity – Halladay's return (if he starts) in late June. But you're right – watch the attendance drop like a stone the night after the Home Opener.
And I didn't know Jeter received a concussion courtesy of the Jays. That's awesome!
QJays, I've only ever been to one Home Opener (last year) and the atmosphere was incredible. But even just watching it on TV is amazing. That George Bell Opening Day memory is a great one … even if it was on the road.
eyeb, you said it best my friend. Hope!
It reminds me of elementary school, sitting in the gym, with the game piped in over the PA system – when everyone loved the Jays, win or lose, and the SkyDome was filled every night.
Lasers.
Mike, I miss the days when schools, work, and life in general would come to a virtual standstill to watch or listen to the Blue Jays game.
Peter, in honour of last year's Home Opener, I also would have accepted "paper airplanes" or "drunken fights in the 500's".
Drunken fights are more of a Toonie Tuesday thing.
Toronto Blue Jays home opener = guaranteed good time.
I live in BC – I've come twice to stay in TO and see the first 10 home games to start the season.
To me the first game has been off putting. Guys fighting in the stands with police and generally making it uncomfortable for normal people with families. Generally, I've found it quite a downer. The other nine games when it's just me and – mostly – other actual baseball fans – those games I've enjoyed much more.
But, that just me I guess.
@ Mylegacy: Have you thought of getting drunk and perhaps starting a fight? I have. Perhaps that will make the experience more fun.
Mylegacy – that's one of the downsides of the Home Opener. I wouldn't really call it a "family friendly" environment. Luckily, there is a family section at the Rogers Centre where you can avoid the drunken hooligans and they don't serve alcohol there.
eyebleaf, I've never wanted to start a fight but I always enjoy watching them. I'm a great spectator, but not participator.
Ian, I say we do it this year. We get totally sloshed and start fights next to the poor sucks who are sitting next to us. What do you say? MyLegacy, you down?
Speaking as someone who has never thrown a punch in his life, I would be absolutely useless in a fight. But I'm more than willing to back you guys up!