Blue Jays to open Rogers Centre roof on earliest date ever tonight

Rogers Centre | Photo: Flickr.

By Sportsnet Staff

Posted April 12, 2023 3:56 pm.

Last Updated April 12, 2023 4:00 pm.

The Toronto Blue Jays will play with the roof open at Rogers Centre for the earliest time on the calendar in history on Wednesday when the club hosts the Detroit Tigers in the second home game of the year.

The club announced the roof status just under four hours before game time.

The April 12 opening is four days ahead of the previous earliest date — April 16, 2002, against the Boston Red Sox when the Blue Jays lost 14-3. The stadium opened in 1989.

Unseasonably warm weather was expected to lift the temperature to a high of 29 C in Toronto on Wednesday, though it will dip for the 7:07 p.m. ET / 4:07 p.m. PT first pitch and as the game goes along.

Some were wondering if the roof would be opened for the home opener at the newly renovated stadium on Tuesday when the temperature was cooler, but still above normal. However, General Manager Ross Atkins said tests still had to be done on the roof to allow it to open.

Pictures on Twitter earlier Wednesday showed the roof open, indicating that tests were likely being performed.

The Blue Jays beat the Tigers 9-3 in their home opener on Tuesday night in front of a sold-out crowd at the Rogers Centre.

Watch the Blue Jays-Tigers game on Sportsnet or SN NOW.

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