For the first time since 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays are heading back to the World Series — and excitement is sweeping across Canada. As Toronto prepares to host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the Fall Classic on Friday night, fans nationwide are hoping to see their team capture the championship title after more than three decades.
The Jays punched their ticket to the World Series with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night, sealed by a clutch three-run homer from George Springer. Jubilant fans flooded Toronto’s streets, waving flags and honking horns as the city erupted in celebration.
Prime Minister Mark Carney joined the pre-series energy, attending batting practice at Rogers Centre on Thursday and confidently predicting a Jays win in six games. “There are Blue Jays fans across the nation. The whole country is behind this team,” Carney said.
Single-game tickets sold out within an hour of release, with resale prices topping $1,000 on Ticketmaster. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he’ll be cheering from home rather than paying inflated prices, warning that “ticket gougers” will face consequences. Ticketmaster clarified it does not set or control resale pricing.
Toronto police announced a heightened presence inside and outside Rogers Centre to ensure fan safety. For those without tickets, the City of Toronto will host free public viewing parties at Nathan Phillips Square for all home games. “These viewing parties bring Torontonians together to celebrate our home team and our city’s incredible spirit,” the city said in a statement.
The Toronto Transit Commission will run extra subway trains this weekend to help fans travel to and from the stadium and viewing zones, with no planned service disruptions.
At Thursday’s press conference, Blue Jays manager John Schneider said the team is ready for the challenge. “There’s a reason we’re here, and there’s a reason they’re there,” he said. “I’ve got all the confidence in the world in my guys.”
From coast to coast, Canadians are once again rallying behind their team — hoping the roar of the Rogers Centre will echo the glory days of 1993.