Toronto sports teams are uniting behind the Blue Jays with the Raptors and Maple Leafs both adjusting their game times so that fans attending can still catch some of the World Series.
The Toronto Blue Jays will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series at 8 p.m. on Friday with Game 2 – also slated for the Rogers Centre – to follow at 8 p.m. on Saturday.
The Raptors have adjusted their game start times against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday to 6:30 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m. They’ve pushed their Oct 29 game – when a potential Game 6 of the World Series would take place in Toronto- to 6:30 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.
The Friday Maple Leafs’ game against the Buffalo Sabres will now start at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.. The Saturday game will start at 5 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.
Following Raptors and Maple Leafs games, Blue Jays games will be streamed to the Scotiabank Arena videoboard so that Toronto fans can have eyes on all the action.
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley, called Toronto sports fans “some of the most passionate fans in the world” in a press release. He added that he was grateful that the players, broadcasters, and leagues could come together to “make this a very special moment for Toronto fans as we come together to support the Blue Jays.”
Both Raptors and Maple Leafs games will feature Blue Jays programming, allowing fans to keep track of Toronto teams across sports and events.
‘Increased and visible police presence’ around games
Toronto police say they will be working closely with the Rogers Centre, other emergency services, and transit authorities when the Blue Jays play at home. They will be working together to “coordinate everything from road closures and crowd management to emergency response plans,” police told CTV News Toronto.
“Fans can expect to see an increased and visible police presence both inside and outside Rogers Centre.”
Police advised fans to figure out plans ahead of the games, anticipate needing extra time, and to “stay aware of your surroundings.”