Back when the SkyDome, as the Rogers Centre was originally called, opened its doors for the first time, it was a modern marvel. Now, 27 years later, the home of the Toronto Blue Jays is one of the last of its kind.
When the SkyDome opened its doors to host the Toronto Blue Jays, it was a modern architectural marvel. The first stadium with a functional retractable roof, the SkyDome featured a Hard Rock Cafe and a restaurant, as well as the ability to host the Toronto Argonauts and other assorted events.
The first baseball game was played in the Dome on this day in 1989, as the Blue Jays took on the Milwaukee Brewers. The game did not have the hoped for outcome for Toronto, as the Brewers took a 5-3 victory, despite Jimmy Key‘s complete game. Paul Molitor had the first hit, a double, to lead off the first inning, and in the bottom of the second, Fred McGriff hit the first home run in the history of the SkyDome.
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A state of the art stadium at the time, the SkyDome quickly became obsolete. Camden Yards opened two years later, and with its retro look and being designed strictly for baseball, the SkyDome just did not have the same feel. Over the next couple of decades, as teams did away with artificial surfaces and multi-purpose stadiums, the SkyDome seemed to be even more outdated.
Purchased by Rogers Communications in 2004, and renamed the Rogers Centre, there have been quite a few renovations to make the Dome have a more modern feel. The playing surface has been upgraded, including a dirt infield which was installed this past year. The Blue Jays locker room has been expanded, a center field porch was put in place of the former restaurant, and the entire lighting system was upgraded, amongst other improvements.
Currently the seventh oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, the Rogers Centre may not be the modern marvel it once was, but there is still plenty of life in the old stadium. But the rapid fall from grace, occurring within a two year time frame, has changed the perception of what the stadium truly is.
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On this day 27 years ago, the Rogers Centre, or the SkyDome as it was called, hosted its first Toronto Blue Jays game. Hopefully, with the proper improvements, it can remain open for quite a few more years.