Recently acquired Howell says ‘rowdy’ Rogers Centre was selling point

Feb 17, 2017 | Sports

Rogers Centre has played host to the Blue Jays for 28 years

By: Jefferson Marshall

It’s that time year again, spring training is upon us which means those summer nights at the Rogers Centre cheering on the blue birds will return shortly.

Toronto sports fans have had to endure many years of disappointment, however they’ve always kept the reputation of being a passionate bunch.

“You have to be there to truly experience it,” said Taylor McCarthy current Rogers Centre staff member reminiscing about the environment of the 2016 MLB Postseason.

“Everyone was 100 per cent focused on the game, but when something good happened it got rock concert loud.”

The Rogers Centre has played host to some memorable moments in sports such as Bautista’s bat flip in the 2015 ALDS, The Rock defeating Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 18, the Toronto Argonauts capturing the 100th Grey Cup, and Joe Carter’s legendary walk-off homer to win the ’93 World Series.

The atmosphere and the culture of the dome is well documented, and it is one of the reasons why recently signed reliever J.P. Howell chose to move up north.

“I love the fans, the people, it gets rowdy, it’s tough being an opponent in there,” Howell told reports Wednesday at the spring training grounds in Dunedin.

“They’re pretty cutthroat, they do their research, man. I want them to do that, keep it up.”

The Rogers Centre has been the place to be for almost three decades. Here’s some interesting information about the building and the team that plays in it.