Major League Baseball American League Division Series

THUNDER BAY – TRAVEL – While Toronto Blue Jays fans are not as common in Thunder Bay as Toronto Maple Leaf fans, there is a ton of interest in the Jays this season and their run to the World Series.

• The Blue Jays clinched the AL East title and earned the No. 1 seed in the American League, giving them a first‑round bye in the Wild Card round.

• That means Toronto will begin postseason play in the American League Division Series (ALDS).

• The ALDS is scheduled October 4–10.

• As the higher seed, Toronto will host Games 1, 2, and (if needed) Game 5 at Rogers Centre.

• The opponent will be the winner of the Wild Card matchup between the Yankees and Red Sox.

Because the ALDS is a best‑of‑five series, Toronto could host 3 home games (if all are needed). If you want to attend, targeting Games 1 and 2 is a safer bet.

On the official Blue Jays site under “Postseason Tickets,” they confirm that postseason play begins Tuesday, Sept. 30, though for Toronto their first games will be in the ALDS.

If Toronto advances, further rounds (ALCS, potentially World Series) may also see games in Toronto, depending on opponent and seeding.

Where to Get Tickets

1. Official Blue Jays / MLB channels
   The Blue Jays’ official ticketing page (under “Postseason Tickets”) is the safest route.

2. Buying through the official site helps avoid scams, ensures verified seating, and gives you access to legitimate resale listings approved by MLB.

3. MLB’s Verified Resale / Partner Platforms
   MLB and team‑authorized resale markets let season ticket holders resell unused playoff tickets. These platforms ensure authenticity, transferability, and often a digital ticket. Use MLB.com or the Blue Jays ticketing portal to link to verified resale inventory.

4. Reputable resale marketplaces (with caution)
   If the official allotment sells out, you can turn to third‑party platforms (StubHub, SeatGeek, Ticketmaster resale, etc.). But:

   • Make sure the seller is verified.

   • Watch for premium markups (playoff games often carry steep price surcharges).

   • Review refund or replacement policies in case of game cancellation or postponement.

5. Local box office (Rogers Centre)
   If any tickets remain close to game day, the Rogers Centre box office may release inventory. This is personal risk and requires timing, but it’s worth checking if you’re local/in-Toronto before the game.

6. Group or hospitality packages
   For groups or premium experiences, check with the Blue Jays’ group sales or Rogers Centre premium suites. These often include extras like food/drink, parking, or stadium access perks.

Tip: As with any playoff event, tickets tend to be snapped up quickly. Have alerts set for official drops, resale releases, and monitor times when new batches are released.

Economical Hotel Accommodations Near Rogers Centre

Staying close to Rogers Centre gives you the advantage of walking to the stadium, easily returning after the game (especially with Toronto traffic and transit). Here are useful strategies and suggestions:

Tips for saving on hotels

• Book early — playoff time increases demand sharply.

• Stay a bit further and use transit — even staying a subway or streetcar stop or two away can save you significantly.

• Use last‑minute deals or “Hot Rate” type offers — but only if your dates are locked.

• Split stays — e.g. stay farther out on non‑game nights and move closer for game nights.

• Consider alternate lodging — small boutique hotels, guesthouses, or even short-term apartment rentals (if local regulations permit).

Hotel options near Rogers Centre / Downtown

Here are sample hotels (from listings) that balance proximity and affordability:

• Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel — literally adjacent/attached to Rogers Centre. Good if you want maximum convenience.

• Residence Inn by Marriott – Toronto Downtown / Entertainment District — strong location in the entertainment district near the stadium.

• The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar — more budget‑friendly and with character, located in downtown Toronto.

• Queen Nest Hotel — modest, fair rating, more affordable.

• Pod‑Inn Hotel — more of a budget / capsule style, rates listed low in the general area.

• Life Suites Loft – CN Tower — a short walk from Rogers Centre, and likely a bit cheaper than the premium downtown hotels.

• Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown — decent midrange option, still close.

Also, sites like Hotels.com list motels like Green Acres Motel with free parking and WiFi. 
Hotwire sometimes shows deals near Rogers Centre starting from low prices (though with limited flexibility).

When comparing, watch out for hidden fees (parking, resort fees, local taxes) — sometimes a slightly more expensive hotel with included parking or breakfast is a better deal overall.

Dining — Where to Eat Pre‑ or Post‑Game

Here are some restaurant options near Rogers Centre or in the nearby Entertainment District / downtown core. Mix of casual, local flavour, and more upscale:

1. Sportsnet Grill (in Marriott City Centre)
   Comes with the stadium ambience and big windows into the stadium. Good for pre‑game energy or a postgame wrap-up. (Since the hotel is tied to the stadium)

2. Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill (Front St. W / near CN Tower / Rogers Centre area)
   A reliable casual chain for burgers, wings, and mid-tier prices.

3. The Loose Moose Tavern
   Sports bar vibe, good beers, food, and atmosphere before a game.

4. Terroni
   For classic Italian in Toronto. Several locations downtown not far from the core.

5. Gusto 101
   Trendy, good for groups, good pizzas and mains in the Queen/King street area.

6. Assembly Chef’s Hall
   A food hall with many vendors, downtown — good option if your group wants variety. Walkable from the stadium area.

7. Lee Restaurant
   More upscale, if you’re planning a nicer dinner before or after the game.

8. Fran’s Restaurant & Bar
   A Toronto classic for late‑night — good fallback after a late game.

9. Byblos
   If your crowd is ok with Mediterranean / Eastern Mediterranean — stylish and tasty.

Tip: For big group dinners, call ahead. Also, game days bring extra demand — plan for some extra time. And consider grabbing sandwiches, snacks, or light meals earlier in the day (or in nearby neighborhoods) to avoid the push just before game time.

Putting it All Together for a Fan Trip

• Day before first home game
  Arrive in Toronto in the afternoon. Check into your hotel (the closer the better). Grab dinner in the Entertainment District. Walk over to Rogers Centre to soak in the stadium area, maybe check out nearby attractions (CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium) to get oriented.

• Game day
  Eat a hearty lunch (you’ll want energy). Arrive early to enjoy ballpark atmosphere, pregame ceremonies, and avoid traffic. After the game, depending on timing, head to a late dinner or grab a nightcap downtown.

• Between games / rest day
  Use public transit or walk to explore Toronto’s neighborhoods (Kensington, Distillery District, Harbourfront). Use the time to recoup, pick up souvenirs, relax.

• Departure / after last game
  Try to schedule your departure with a cushion in case of weather delays or traffic.