The Toronto Blue Jays are one of Canada’s most iconic sports franchises. As the only Major League Baseball team located outside of the United States, the Blue Jays have a passionate fanbase that spans the entire country. Naturally, many Canadian baseball fans are curious about the costs associated with attending a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto. Ticket prices can vary widely depending on factors like seat location, day of the week, opponent, and time of year. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Blue Jays ticket prices so fans can determine the most affordable way to enjoy a live game.
Blue Jays Ticket Pricing Breakdown
The Blue Jays offer tickets in a variety of seating sections and price ranges. Here is a quick overview of the different ticket tiers available directly from the Blue Jays box office:
Section | Description | Average Ticket Price Range* |
In the Action Seats | Located right behind home plate or the dugouts | $125-$500+ |
Field Level | Lower bowl seats between the baselines | $50-$200 |
Baseline/Outfield | Lower and upper deck seats down the lines or in the outfield | $15-$100 |
Upper Deck | Highest seats in Rogers Centre | $15-$50 |
*Prices are approximate and can fluctuate based on factors like day, time, opponent, promotions, and reseller rates.
As you can see, Blue Jays tickets can range from economy Upper Deck seats for around $15-20 to premium In the Action locations behind home plate for $125 or more. Now let’s take a closer look at how specific factors affect Blue Jays ticket prices.
How Day of the Week Impacts Cost
Weeknight games (Monday-Thursday) are typically the most affordable time to catch the Blue Jays. Average ticket prices often run $5-25 cheaper than weekend games for comparable seats. Weekend games, especially Saturdays, draw bigger crowds and have more demand, leading to higher prices. Premier opponents also frequently come to town on weekends.
If your schedule is flexible, attending a weeknight game can save you money compared to a weekend. For example, a Baseline Outfield seat might cost $40 on a Tuesday but run $60 on a Saturday. Capitalizing on weeknight discounts allows you to see the Blue Jays for less.
Ticket Prices Based on Opponent
The visiting team has a major impact on ticket prices. When premium opponents like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, or Los Angeles Dodgers come to town, demand skyrockets. Prices for games against marquee teams are often 30-50% higher than games against non-playoff contenders.
Additionally, legacy rivals like the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians usually lead to small 5-15% increases in ticket costs. Fans get especially excited for games against division foes.
If you want the best deals, target teams like the Oakland A’s, Pittsburgh Pirates, and other lower-profile clubs. But if seeing the Yankees or Red Sox is on your bucket list, be prepared to pay a premium.
How Promotions Drive Up Attendance and Prices
Promotional games are very popular with fans, leading to inflated ticket costs. Giveaways like jerseys, caps, or bobbleheads always come with higher demand. Special events like Canada Day, holidays, or concerts after the game also drive up prices.
For example, a Canada Day game will usually have tickets that cost 20-40% more than a regular summer game. The atmosphere and festivities are enhanced on these special event dates.
If you want lower prices, avoid giveaway dates and other promotional games. The cheapest tickets are typically for plain Tuesday night games in May or September against non-playoff contenders. But if the promo is enticing, the higher prices can be worth it for the experience.
Why Early Season Games Are Cheaper
April and May games frequently have the lowest ticket prices all season. Prices are lower in the spring for several reasons:
– Weather is still cold and rainy, lowering demand
– Kids are still in school, reducing family attendance
– The Blue Jays are less likely to be in playoff contention yet
– There are nearly 80 home games still to be played
As the weather gets nicer in June and the Blue Jays become contenders in the summer, prices increase. But in April and May, you can often get tickets for at least 20-30% off compared to peak season prices. Games in poor weather often have last minute discounts too.
Diehard fans may want to catch opening week excitement, but you’ll pay a premium. Waiting until school is in session could mean major savings if you don’t mind bundling up. April night games can especially be a great deal.
Why Prices Rise for Division Races and Playoffs
During winning seasons when the Blue Jays are vying for a playoff spot down the stretch, ticket prices rise significantly. Fans are eager to watch meaningful late season games. With school back in session, there are fewer date options as well.
Playoff chase tickets against Boston and New York often double compared to April. Even games against Baltimore and Tampa Bay will be 30-50% higher. With postseason energy in the building, prices reflect the excitement level.
If the Blue Jays make the playoffs, wild card and division series tickets will be in extreme demand. Expect to pay a premium for the postseason, especially as the Jays advance deeper into October. The dream of a World Series title comes with a hefty price tag.
Secondary Market Adds Additional Costs
While this analysis has focused on Blue Jays ticket prices directly from the box office, the secondary market also impacts costs. Sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster allow season ticket holders and other fans to resell tickets, often at significant markups.
High demand games can run 2-4X the base price on the secondary market. Lower demand games still frequently get marked up at least 50% compared to face value. Convenience fees are also tacked on.
Buying on secondary sites is riskier and pricier, but sometimes necessary for hard to get games. Setting price alerts and watching for last minute deals can help. But in general, expect to pay more going through a reseller.
Best Deals on Upper Deck and Baseline Tickets
Fans on a budget should target Upper Deck seats along the baselines or in the outfield corners. These are the most consistently affordable sections year after year. Upper Deck Infield seats between the bases offer elevated sightlines at a reasonable price as well.
Aim for non-premium weeknight games against lesser opponents and Upper Deck tickets can often be had for under $30. Even premium matchups are frequently under $75. Upper Deck is the place to be for big savings over lower bowl seats.
You can also find solid deals on Lower Baseline and Outfield tickets when the Jays are slumping or weather is bad. These in demand sections offer strong value at their lowest prices.
When to Buy Tickets for the Biggest Discounts
Timing your ticket purchase correctly can lead to major savings:
– During losing seasons – Buy early when excitement is low
– Poor weather – Buy day of game for rain/cold deals
– Early season – Buy in first month before demand rises
– Weekdays – Buy day of for unused corporate ticket discounts
– Kids in school – Wait until school year begins
– vs last place teams – Buy early before promotions added
Avoid buying too early against marquee opponents. Wait until 24-48 hours before first pitch to find desperate sellers dumping tickets. With proper timing, average prices can plummet.
Joining Blue Jays Insider Offers Exclusive Access
The Blue Jays offer an Insider program that provides access to tickets before the general public. Insiders get early entry to purchase spring training, playoffs, and other high demand games.
Membership starts at $25 per year and includes benefits like:
– Special Insider pricing on tickets
– Pre-sale ticket buying windows
– 10% discount at Jays Shop
– Invites to member-only events
Joining Blue Jays Insider is the best way to gain priority on playoff and Yankees/Red Sox tickets before they sell out. All serious fans should consider becoming an Insider.
Conclusion
Blue Jays ticket prices offer something for every budget. The most frugal fans can often buy Upper Deck seats for under $20-30 per game. Season ticket holders reselling on the secondary market enables below face value purchases sometimes too.
At the other extreme, premium Field Level seats against the Yankees can cost $200 or more. But even middle tier Baseline tickets average just $40-75 depending on the opponent and day.
Following tips like buying on lesser weeknights, against poor teams, in bad weather, and during school year helps control costs. Joining Blue Jays Insider also provides exclusive cheap ticket access.
While not the cheapest MLB experience, Blue Jays games remain very affordable compared to other Toronto pro sports. Don’t let ticket prices stop you from enjoying Canada’s baseball team live at the iconic Rogers Centre.