The Toronto Blue Jays will have a new owner every month during the team’s 50th season – kind of.
The Blue Jays and owner Rogers have revealed several new initiatives to help bring fans “closer to Canada’s team” as it celebrates this milestone campaign.
“As the proud owner of Canada’s team, we’re excited to celebrate 50 years of Blue Jays baseball with fans from across Canada,” Edward Rogers, owner of Rogers Communications and the team, said in a press release. “During this milestone season, we’re celebrating the fans that got us here, from first-time fans to lifelong fans.”
One of the new programs will put a fan in the shoes of Edward Rogers for one day every month: Rogers Game Day Owner.
According to Rogers, the company will be “handing over ownership of Canada’s Team to the people who helped build the franchise: The fans.”
Fans can enter to win one of six exclusive Game Day Owner experiences, with one taking place each month during some fairly big matchups, staring with Tuesday, April 7, against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What will the winners receive?
The lucky fans who win this once-in-a-lifetime experience will be in for quite the day.
Among the perks are:
— Behind-the-scenes access at Rogers Centre — clubhouse included – as well as a meet-and-greet with a player.
— On-field and dugout access during batting practice.
— A tour of Sportsnet studios and the chance to meet broadcast personalities.
— Sitting in on manager media availability.
The winners will get to watch the game in premium seats in the new Rogers Terrace while receiving in-game recognition. They also will go on a private Jays Shop shopping spree and get to take home a signed team jersey.
But perhaps the most intriguing perk will be the opportunity to pitch ideas to the team’s top brass.
After the Dodgers game, the other dates for the Game Day Owner experiences include:
— May 9: Barbie Day vs. Angels
— June 13: ALDS Rematch vs. Yankees
— July 20: AL East Matchup vs. Rays
— Aug. 28: ALCS Rematch vs. Mariners
— Sept. 12: Battle of the Birds vs. Orioles
Fans looking to potentially take on the role of owner for a day can apply for the “job” through the Rogers website.
Ticket giveaways and the Winning Inning
Rogers also announced that it will be giving away 5,000 tickets to its customers this season, including 500 for Opening Night.
The Rogers Beyond the Seat program is awarding 50 tickets for the opener to customers who are celebrating their own 50th milestone, with the rest set to be given away on Friday morning at a “surprise” location.
Fans and customers should follow Rogers’ Instagram account for further details on when the free tickets will drop.
For the fans watching at home, Rogers also launched the Canada’s Winning Inning.
Quite simply, if a Blue Jays player gets a hit during the identified winning inning, Rogers customers watching the Sportsnet broadcast will have the chance to win exclusive 50th season merchandise, autographed items and VIP experiences by texting a designated number.