The SkyDome: Twenty Years Later
On June 5th, 1989, the Rogers Centre in Toronto (then known as the SkyDome) opened its doors for its first-ever professional sporting event. Since then, there have been countless events held inside this unique facility. The Rogers Centre was a true architectural achievement, becoming the first stadium to have a retractable roof.
In honour of its 20th anniversary, here are the top 20 Rogers Centre moments:
20. November 29, 1992 – The 80th Grey Cup
The Calgary Stampeders won their first Canadian Football League championship since 1971, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24-10. Calgary quarterback Doug Flutie was named the game’s MVP, while wide receiver Dave Sapunjis picked up the Most Valuable Canadian award. The match was played in front of 45,863 spectators.
19. November 25, 2007 – The 95th Grey Cup
Rider Pride invaded the Rogers Centre, as the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated Winnipeg 23-19 to win their third Grey Cup title in club history. Saskatchewan defensive back James Johnson set a Grey Cup record with three interceptions.
18. March 17. 2002 – WrestleMania X8
In front of 68,237 fans (an attendance record), Triple H becomes the undisputed WWF-WCW heavyweight champion after beating former title holder Chris Jericho. Other matches that night included The Rock defeating Hulk Hogan in an “icon vs. icon” match, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin over Scott Hall, and Ric Flair losing to The Undertaker.
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17. July 9, 1991 – The 62nd MLB All-Star Game
The stadium was the site for baseball’s annual mid-summer classic. The American League picked up a 4-2 victory over the National League. Baltimore’s Cal Ripken Jr. was named the game’s MVP and Blue Jays pitcher Jimmy Key was credited with the win.
16. December 7, 2008 – Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins
The first-ever regular season NFL game held in Canada features the “hometown” Bills losing to the Dolphins 16-3. The event is part of a series of NFL matches that will be held at the Rogers Centre over the next few seasons.
15. August 17, 2001 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Texas Rangers
Toronto third baseman Jeff Frye becomes the second player in Blue Jays history to hit for the cycle. Coincidentally, Kelly Gruber, the only other Blue Jay to complete the feat, was in attendance. Toronto went on to win the game 11-3.
14. October 7, 1989 – American League Championship Series, Game 4
Oakland’s Jose Canseco parks a Mike Flanagan pitch into the fifth deck of the stadium. The measured distance of the home run was just under 500 feet. The Athletics would go on to win the game and the series over the Blue Jays.
13. April 1, 1990 – WrestleMania VI
It was known as the “Ultimate Challenge.” In the end, the Ultimate Warrior stunned the wrestling world by defeating Hulk Hogan for the WWE Heavyweight title. The event took place in front of 67,678 spectators.
12. September 27, 2003 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cleveland Indians
Toronto’s Roy Halladay picks up his 22nd victory as the Blue Jays defeated Cleveland 5-4. With the win, Halladay broke the record for most wins by a Blue Jays pitcher in a single season. Halladay would go on to win his first and only Cy Young Award.
11. September 30, 1989 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles
The Blue Jays clinched their second American League East title after beating the Orioles 4-3. At one point, Toronto had an abysmal record of 12-24, but managed to rebound and finish the 1989 regular season in exciting fashion.
10. November 9, 1997 – CFL East Final
Down 30-23 in the fourth quarter, the Toronto Argonauts score two touchdowns en route to a 37-30 win over the Montreal Alouettes. The victory allowed the Argos to advance to the Grey Cup final (held in Edmonton), which they ultimately won.
9. September 25, 2003 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Blue Jays first baseman Carlos Delgado becomes the 15th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in one game. Toronto would go on to win the match 10-8.
8. November 3, 1995 – Toronto Raptors vs. New Jersey Nets
The Raptors began their inaugural season with a 94-79 victory over the Nets. Alvin Robertson, who scored Toronto’s first-ever basket, led all scorers with 30 points. Although a handful of games were played at Maple Leaf Gardens and Hamilton’s Copps Coliseum, the SkyDome was designated as the Raptors’ home arena until they moved to the Air Canada Centre in 1999.
7. November 26, 1989 – The 77th Grey Cup
With seconds left in the game, Saskatchewan’s Dave Ridgway kicks the winning field goal as the Roughriders edged out the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 43-40 in an exciting Grey Cup final. For his efforts, Ridgway was given the Most Valuable Canadian award.
6. May 31, 1997 – Bailey vs. Johnson
The title of “World’s Fastest Man” would be decided after a 150-metre race between Canada’s Donovan Bailey and American Michael Johnson. Bailey did not disappoint the hometown crowd, easily defeating his opponent after Johnson pulled up with a leg injury.
5. June 29, 1990 – Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland Athletics
Not only did Dave Stewart shut out the Blue Jays 5-0, the Oakland pitcher didn’t allow a hit either. Stewart, who would later play for Toronto, also made history when he and Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers became the first pitchers in both leagues to throw no-hitters on the same day.
4. March 24, 1996 – Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls
The expansion Raptors did the unthinkable. They defeated Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls 109-108. The loss was just one of 10 the Bulls would experience during the 1995-96 regular season. The Raptors completed their first season with a record of 21-61, finishing last in the NBA’s Central Division, 51 games behind the first place Bulls.
3. October 20, 1992 – World Series, Game 3
For the very first time, a World Series game was played outside the United States. The match featured a spectacular catch by Toronto centre fielder Devon White, which led to a near-triple play. The Blue Jays would go on to win the game 3-2 over the Atlanta Braves. Toronto would capture their first World Series crown a few days later in Atlanta.
2. October 14, 1992 – American League Championship Series, Game 6
After three previous failed attempts, the Toronto Blue Jays finally advanced to the World Series. Toronto defeated the Oakland Athletics 9-2, winning their first American League pennant in six games.
1. October 23, 1993 – World Series, Game 6
Down 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth, Toronto’s Joe Carter hits a dramatic game-winning three-run home run off of Mitch Williams of the Philadelphia Phillies. Carter’s blast clinches the Blue Jays’ second straight World Series title. Since then, Carter has been immortalized in Canadian sports folklore.
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