WBC-Rockin' the Rogers Centre

By the time the first inning got underway, this place was rocking with high energy like a mid-season game vs. the Yankees or Red Sox. Coming as it does in spring training, it's jarring to the sense. It's like finding a car that can go from 0-150 km/hr. in three seconds. The crowd cheered the right people, booed Ted Lilly and sang the anthem with conviction. If that can't keep the adrenaline going for Team Canada then nothing can. Canada leading 1-0 in the second.

Comments

[Bud]

Where did you go, buddy? Comments end in the first inning? Give me a break!

[Dan]

the atmosphere was great at the game and too bad that they couldn't come up with a win...we definitely had a shot.
however, the Rogers Centre really did a poor job managing the 42,000 plus that were there for the game yesterday. I was sitting in the 500 levl for the game and the lineups at all concessions were ridiculous, taking up to 2 innings to get drinks. I was in section 515 and did not see anyone come around to our section selling anything until about the sixth inning of the game.
maybe Toronto isn't ready for big crowds at the rogers centre after all.

[Paul Miller]

This is in response to Dan's comments about the poor managing job at the Rogers Centre. You are absolutely correct!!!!
I've been going to games for over 15 years and never saw such poor customer service/managing.

First off, I pre-booked back in November for the 6 games, and didn't get my tickets until last week WEDNESDAY! (after numerous complaints to the ticket office)
I sat first row 527, and it was near impossible to get a beer! The lineup outside the tunnel was over a 30 minute wait, and the beer guy in the stands ran out in the 4th and we never saw him again.
I mean, if we're paying almost $10 for a beer, we should be able to get one at anytime!
Furthermore, I was sitting in an aisle seat and the snacks/pop guy (by accident) dropped the tub of pop on my shoulder (which hurt) then the bottles of pop went everywhere without even offering an apology. While I waited for one I confronted him while he was leaving and I said that I understand that it was an accident, but he could of said 'sorry' to me, and that he should learn some manners.

The second game that night, I had my jacket on the railing in front of my seat (like other hundreds of other fans were doing)...this bouncer guy in a suit very rudely told me to move the jacket or I would be asked to leave. I mean, he could of asked me politely and I would of obliged no problem, but no! Because of him being curt, I gave him a hard time and other fans started to as well.

The last straw was when I decided to purchase a WBC hat similar to what the umps were wearing for my Dad. I couldn't find one in the Jays store and many of the gift stands were sold out. When I finally found one near Gate 6 or 7 100 level area, I gave them my $50 Jays gift card, and they said they didn't have the machine to swipe it and advised to go to the main Jays store. I told them they didn't have any left, and many other booths sold out of the black ones, and they said there was nothing else they could do!

Now I'm starting to realize why attendance keeps dropping year after year. I'm going to write to Rogers/Blue Jays about how poorly run the Rogers Centre is with Customer Service without wanting any freebie tickets/merchandise.

For all other fans out there, check out PNC Park in Pittsburgh. I went last year, and customer service was top notch. The ushers take you down to your seat and wipes it for you! The food selection was unbelievable and original, unlike the Rogers Centre's famous Mr. Sub and Pizza Pizza that you can get on almost any street corner in Canada. (pathetic)

I understand that Rogers Centre can't compete with the natural beauty of the ballpark at PNC, but they could surely match the customer service in a heart beat. But hey, I'm only a guy who USED to get season passes for the 500 level every year. I'm sure they try harder for the HSBC Club members or the Corporate boxes.

[R-Griff]

I talked to Howie Starkman, a good man that has beem there since Day 1 and let him read your comments on the Rogers Centre issues for the USA-Canada game. He was very interested in the details. He said the ticket issue was a problem with Tennesse because it was a souvenir-ticket issue. He admitted they might not have been ready for so many people. That's not right. Same thing for the jacket on the rail that Howie admitted was a safety issue but should not have been handled that arrogant way. As for the cap for your dad that's the worst. That's total crap. Howie was concerned and will address it with Jays personnel but that doesn't help you out. At least the Jays are now aware so keep sending any issues and we'll pass them along.