The Blue Jays announced they’ve received a national interest exemption from the Canadian government to return in time for their July 30 homestand. Shi Davidi of Sportsnet (Twitter link) reported the news shortly before the formal announcement.
The Jays will host the Royals in the Rogers Centre two weeks from now in the first game at their home ballpark in nearly two full calendar years. Border closures resulting from COVID-19 have kept the Jays from returning home in either of the past two seasons. They played the abbreviated 2020 campaign in Buffalo, the home of their Triple-A affiliate. They began this season hosting games at their Spring Training complex in Dunedin before relocating to Buffalo at the beginning of June.
July 30 will mark one of the more momentous dates in recent Jays’ history. After their three-game set against the Royals that weekend, Toronto will host series against the Indians, Red Sox and Angels through mid-August. Their final “homestand” in Buffalo — this weekend against the Rangers and early next week with the Red Sox — commences tonight before a seven-game road trip.
It remains to be seen whether the plan will require some sort of “bubble” format for players on the Jays and visiting clubs who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. It stands to reason more details will become clear upon a formal announcement of approval from the Canadian government.
Finally.
Very happy for Toronto and their loyal fans!
Welcome home!
It’s about time. This took way too long to happen
It was necessary. Looking forward to their second home opener
Greats news! Time to book a couple of getaway weekends in TO and catch a few games.
Nice!
Good for them! Though, I’m curious to know what the protocols will be for those involved. Will all involved (home and visiting) be confined to a bubble (like the NHL playoffs) or will it be the visiting teams that have to follow strict protocols while the Jays have a bit more freedom?
I’m sure they’ll probably require the other teams to fly in privately like the NHL was having those teams do during the Semis and Stanley Cup Final when playing in Canada. I’m sure they’ll announce the full details later.
unvaccinated and single shot travellers can only travel between hotel and ballpark… more details to come
actually that makes perfect sense. Canada must not let people who use their freedom of choice not to get dangerous vaccinations have any freedom whatsoever.
Spoken like a true champion of the ignorant. You must be from Missouri /MS/LA or one of those other low vax / high covid infection states.
A statement devoid of facts and logic.
The vaccines are not dangerous. And the freedom to make decisions does not inoculate one from the consequences of those decisions. The government does not require citizens to get a driver’s licence — it is not mandatory for all. A person makes their own decision based on their circumstances (e.g. I do not own or share a car, but I have a licence for those occasional times when the chance or even duty to drive comes up). But if a person drives a car without a licence, it is a crime.
When you get COVID and croak few tears will be shed
I believe it’ll just be unvaccinated players who are limited to quarantine. Not exactly sure how that’ll work for Blue Jays players but should be fairly easy for visiting ones.
The angels series is in Anaheim, Toronto is “home” for 1 game due to rainout in April
No more buffalo blue Jays then?
For now. Until the first Delta variant outbreak stemming from a visiting team and it’ll be right back to Buffalo.
It’s ok, just blame Canada
Would be exciting if Vlad Jr. wins Triple Crown. Gotta get tator count up to beat Ohtani. He just hit #29 as I’m writing this.
Don’t look now, Semien has 23!
And Vlads now got 30. What a bomb!
And watch the downfall begin. Granted they’ve moved twice already this year but to places they’ve played regularly last 2 years. Then to go in to a stadium they haven’t played in since that time can feel like road games for a bit. It’s not like they have too much cushion.
considering any time a popular team like Boston, New York or when they were in Florida Tampa came to town the crowd made it feel like road games. This will be first time in 2 years the jays will be home and have fans allowed. add in their competitive and your gonna see an atmosphere not seen since 2015 or even early 90s think the jays players will be more than happy to be home
Don’t forget that the 2nd “Spring Training” of 2020 was held at Rogers Centre and a vast majority of these players were locked in the stadium for the duration.
hopefully they announce at least 10k fans are allowed minimum. I cant wait to go but tickets might be insane
I just looked. Official tickets don’t go on sale until the 22nd, resale 500s are going for about 338 per for the KC game on the 30th
curious considering the 500 level is going to be closed off
It’s about time. I just hope switching home fields again doesnt mess with vladdys swing!!
mess with his swing? you mean his objective to hit balls as hard as possible?
it’s not like he’s going to change whether he pulls the ball or needs more loft in his swing as other hitters might do moving to a different park.
nothing changes for Vlad the Impaler.
Man those first games back are going to be PACKED. Happy for the Toronto fans!
No they’re not. The stadium is gonna be limited to about 5k.
15k
They just mentioned earlier on the broadcast that it’ll be a 15,000 capacity to start.
A solid number that should provide plenty of vocal support for the boys
Real happy for the fans. The government though has waited even longer than California to open up for this kinda stuff. SMH.
Nanny state…
If you mean Canada is a nanny state, take note that our deaths per million people from COVID is much less than half that of America.