With the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series for the first time since 1993, many hardcore baseball fans – and new ones swept up in the excitement - will be eager to catch the big games.
The bad news is that Toronto’s four potential home games against the LA Dodgers at Rogers Centre sold out within 30 minutes on Tuesday, with the cheapest tickets going for $495 (plus taxes and fees). That means, securing a ticket to see the game in person may not be a realistic option for many fans.
The good news is there will be plenty of places in the GTA to catch the games, including historic bars and city-hosted watch parties. You can even catch Games 3 and 4 when the Jays will be in Los Angeles at the Rogers Centre.
Here are some of the places you can watch the game in a crowd of other Blue Jays fans.
Rogers Centre
The Blue Jays have announced that they are hosting watch parties for Games 3 and 4 at the Rogers Centre on Monday and Tuesday.
Those two games are in Los Angeles. The team says it will broadcast the games on the videoboard.
“Fans can expect the energy of a live game, complete with fanfare, free popcorn, ballpark concessions, and access to Jays Shop – all while cheering on the team together in the home of the Toronto Blue Jays,” the team said in a news release on Thursday.
Tickets are $15 and will go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. Proceeds will go to Jays Care Foundation.
Nathan Phillips Square
Located in the heart of Toronto, the city’s official public square will be hosting Blue Jays viewing parties. There will be a giant outdoor screen and a DJ playing live music and testing the crowd’s Jays trivia knowledge in between innings.
With chilly temperatures in the forecast, it’s recommended to bring blankets and chairs to sit on. Located at 100 Queen St W. Both Game 1 on Oct. 24 and Game 2 Oct. 25 start at 8 p.m.
Garden Square
Brampton’s public square, known as Garden Square, will host a broadcast of every World Series game on big screens. Admission is free to the all ages event and attendees are encouraged to grab a bite beforehand at one of the many restaurants located nearby.
Garden Square is located at the northeast corner of Queen Street (Highway 7) and Main Street (Hwy. 10).
Both Game 1 on Oct. 24 and Game 2 on Oct. 25 start at 8 p.m.
Celebration Square
Mississauga’s civic square, commonly known as Celebration Square, will be re-named the Bird’s Nest for their World Series viewing parties.
The free, all ages events will take place this weekend on Friday, Oct. 24 for Game 1 and Saturday, Oct. 25 for Game 2, with pregame coverage starting at 7 p.m., followed by the game at 8 p.m.
The venue is accessible and assistive listening devices will be available upon request.
NewRoads Performing Arts Centre
Newmarket’s NewRoads Performing Arts Centre will be re-branded as The Nest for their free community viewing parties.
Fans are encouraged to wear white and blue and to bring along their team spirit. The venue will be licensed with food and drinks available to buy, as well as free pizza and popcorn, while supplies last.
Located at 505 Pickering Crescent. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with game time at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, Monday Oct. 27, Tuesday, Oct. 28, Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 1, pending game results.
There will be no viewing parties on Saturday, Oct. 25 or Friday, Oct. 31 due to other scheduled events.
Rendezviews
This sprawling outdoor patio, located blocks away from Rogers Stadium, will be hosting World Series watch parties. The big games will be projected onto the venue’s big screen, with beer buckets and wine available for purchase. Fans interested in attending the World Series viewing party have to sign up online to join the guest list.
Located at 299 Richmond St. Doors open at 7 p.m., game starts at 8 p.m. for both Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 24 and Game 2 on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Steam Whistle Tap Room and Kitchen
Located a baseball throw away from Rogers Stadium, this brewery and kitchen will be hosting several different parties related to the World Series games.
“We’ll be activating one of our events spaces to host a pre-game tailgate but also a watch party once the game starts,” said Zack Reynolds, assistant general manager of public event spaces.
There will be screens both outdoors and indoors, with the sound on for the game. Along with vendors handing out free samples, there will also be games of cornhole and lots of fans to celebrate with. Admission is free though food or beverage must be purchased.
Located at 255 Bremner Blvd.
Tailgate starts at 5 p.m., and the game starts at 8 p.m. for Game 1 on Oct. 24 and Game 2 on Oct. 25.
Cafe Diplomatico
While this restaurant in the heart of Little Italy is known for hosting soccer viewing parties, it will also be catering to Jays fans for the World Series.
Along with screens throughout the inside of the restaurant, and on the heated patio, fans can also reserve a semi-private screening room that seats 22 people to watch the games inside.
“We’ve capped off reservations but we’ve left some space for walk-ins,” said co-owner Rocco Mastrangelo. “There will be people lined up definitely an hour before the game starts.”
Located at 594 College St. Seating for Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 24 and Game 2 on Saturday, Oct. 25. will begin at 7:15 p.m., with the game starting at 8 p.m.
Left Field Brewery
It’s a no brainer that a baseball-theme brewery would host viewing parties for the big games. The décor, food and drinks at the two Left Field locations are themed around baseball. Both tap rooms show all the Jays game throughout the season, with audio on, and the World Series will be no different.
For the games this week, their spaces are fully booked, though they are accepting a waitlist.
“Those who know, know it’s a great place to watch the game, which is why we booked up pretty quickly,” said Mandie Murphy, co-founder of Left Field.
Left Field Brewery has a Liberty Village location at 40 Hanna Ave Suite G1 and a Leslieville location at 36 Wagstaff Dr.
