Rogers Centre roof still a showstopper after nearly 40 years
For nearly four decades, Toronto's most renowned roof has shaped baseball while defying Canada's unpredictable weather.
The first moment you see the Rogers Centre roof open, it's hard not to be impressed.
For nearly four decades, the Toronto Blue Jays' home has been a well-known icon in the city, as well as a unique blend of engineering and sports.
The retractable roof, designed to withstand Canada's weather, contributes to the overall game-day experience. Facilities Maintenance Manager Justin Lobert and his crew make the decision to open or close the dome.
“All decisions to open the roof come with fan experience and comfort in mind, while also protecting our playing surface,” Lobert said. “There really isn't any drainage out on the field, so we have to be very confident in our decision to open.”
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Weather conditions such as rain, wind, humidity and temperature are continuously monitored.
Even a light drizzle may change the field, but when the skies clear, opening the roof is a spectacle in itself. Sunlight floods in and the audience reacts immediately.
The roof's design is still a wonder of engineering. It takes roughly 23 minutes to open and 21 minutes to close, weighing 11,000 tonnes of steel and spanning 31,000 square metres.
The process is powered by 76 motors, which ensures its safety and efficiency.
The roof's panels move in distinct ways: one rotates on a circular rail, while the other two slide down parallel rails.
During operation, they cover over half a kilometre together. The greatest height of the roof, 86 metres above the field, is sufficient to accommodate a 31-story apartment complex.
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When projections are uncertain, the team can partially open the roof to let in some sunlight while keeping prepared to close swiftly if conditions change.
With only seven retractable-roof stadiums in Major League Baseball, the Rogers Centre allows the Blue Jays a distinct advantage — control over the elements.
Whether viewed from the stands, the Gardiner Expressway, or the Toronto cityscape, the stadium is a symbol of Canadian invention and the country's long-standing passion of baseball.
Copy edited by Fredrick Reyes, a digital writer for The Weather Network.