It’s been 20 years since Toronto’s iconic SkyDome was renamed the Rogers Centre, yet the debate over what to call the stadium persists. For many Torontonians, the name “SkyDome” still holds a nostalgic place in their hearts, even as the venue officially bears the name of its corporate owner, Rogers Communications Inc.
The SkyDome, which opened on June 3, 1989, was a marvel of modern engineering as the world’s first stadium with a fully retractable roof. Its name was chosen through a public competition that drew over 150,000 entries, with around 2,000 participants suggesting the winning name: SkyDome.
However, on February 2, 2005, the stadium was renamed the Rogers Centre after Rogers Communications purchased it for $25 million in 2004. Interestingly, the Rogers Centre name has now been in use longer than the SkyDome moniker was.
The renaming was a direct result of Rogers’ acquisition of the stadium, which also serves as the home of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Major League Baseball team owned by the telecom giant. Since then, the Rogers Centre has undergone significant transformations, including a nearly $400-million renovation that began in 2022 to modernize the venue and give it a more intimate, ballpark-style feel.
Despite these updates, the stadium continues to host a variety of large-scale events, from sports games to concerts. Notably, it was the site of six sold-out Taylor Swift performances in November 2024, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.
While the official name is Rogers Centre, many long-time Torontonians and sports fans still refer to it as the SkyDome. The name evokes memories of the stadium’s early days, including its groundbreaking design and its role in hosting major events like the 1992 and 1993 World Series, when the Blue Jays clinched back-to-back championships.
For newer residents and younger generations, the Rogers Centre name is more familiar, reflecting the stadium’s current identity under Rogers’ ownership. The divide in naming conventions highlights the intersection of nostalgia and corporate branding in the city’s cultural landscape.
Located at the foot of the CN Tower, the Rogers Centre remains a cornerstone of Toronto’s downtown skyline. Its ongoing renovations aim to enhance the fan experience while preserving its legacy as a multipurpose venue.
As the stadium continues to evolve, so too does the conversation around its name. Whether you call it the SkyDome or the Rogers Centre, one thing is certain: this iconic venue remains a vital part of Toronto’s identity.