Free watch parties being held across Ontario for Blue Jays World Series games
As ticket prices for the Toronto Blue Jays' upcoming World Series experience reach outrageous levels, with some resale listings for home games going for around four figures, several free viewing parties are being planned across Ontario, where fans can take in the games without shelling out big bucks.
With in-stadium seats soaring far out of affordable price ranges, cities throughout the province are stepping up with free public watch parties to bring the action to everyone, and a chance for fans to gather and support the Toronto Blue Jays for the team's first World Series appearance in 32 years.
Here's where you can watch the games without breaking the bank!
Nathan Phillips Square
The City of Toronto will host free World Series watch parties at Nathan Phillips Square for every Blue Jays game. Fans can enjoy the action on a giant screen, with live music and Blue Jays trivia between innings. Each event night starts at 8 p.m.
Location: 100 Queen St. W.
RendezViews
RendezViews is hosting two massive outdoor screenings for the first two home games of the World Series. Guests can enjoy cozy fire pits, a bar, and ample lawn space to cheer the Blue Jays on.
- Oct. 24 (Game 1): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 25 (Game 2): 8 p.m.
Doors open at 7 p.m. each day.
Location: 229 Richmond St. W.
Scotiabank Arena
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors are adjusting their home game schedules so fans can follow the World Series immediately after the final buzzer.
Following each Leafs and Raptors game, the Blue Jays' games will be streamed live on the arena's videoboard, complete with in-game programming and live updates.
"Toronto sports fans are undeniably some of the most passionate fans in the world, and we are proud to have the city's teams come together and give these fans an opportunity to experience a significant moment in our city's and nation's history," says Keith Pelley, President and CEO of MLSE.
The following is a list of games that have adjusted start times to accommodate the World Series game, which starts at 8 p.m.
- Oct. 24: Raptors vs. Bucks — 6:30 p.m.
- Oct. 25: Maple Leafs vs. Sabres — 5 p.m.
- Oct. 28: Maple Leafs vs. Flames — 6 p.m.
- Oct. 29: Raptors vs. Rockets — 6:30 p.m.
Location: 40 Bay St.
NewRoads Performing Arts Centre
Newmarket is inviting fans to join free community watch parties at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, complete with free pizza and popcorn.
- Oct. 24 (Game 1): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 27 (Game 3): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 28 (Game 4): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 31 (Game 6): 8 p.m.
- Nov. 1 (Game 7): 8 p.m. (tentative, depending on the series)
Celebration Square
Baseball lovers can flock to Celebration Square in Mississauga for free screenings on the jumbotron for every game of the World Series. Programming begins at 7 p.m., an hour before the games start.
- Oct. 24 (Game 1): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 25 (Game 2): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 27 (Game 3): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 28 (Game 4): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 29 (Game 5): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 31 (Game 6): 8 p.m.
Game 7 follows the same schedule if necessary.
Location: 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, Ont.
Garden Square
The City of Brampton is set to showcase all games at the Garden Square in the city's downtown core. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs for a comfortable viewing experience.
- Oct. 24 (Game 1): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 25 (Game 2): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 27 (Game 3): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 28 (Game 4): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 29 (Game 5): 8 p.m.
- Oct. 31 (Game 6): 8 p.m.
Game 7 follows the same schedule if necessary.
Location: 12 Main St N, Brampton, Ont.
City Hall Square
The City of Windsor will screen Game 1 of the World Series at City Hall Square on Oct. 24, starting at 8 p.m. Although the event is free, attendees are encouraged to pre-register for the viewing party.
Location: 400 City Hall Square E., Windsor, Ont.
