Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, has a policy that allows fans to bring food into the stadium. However, there are some restrictions on what types of food and drink items are permitted. Understanding what is allowed and prohibited can ensure you avoid problems at stadium security when attending a game.
Types of Food Allowed
Fans are allowed to bring food into Rogers Centre, subject to the following rules:
- Food must be wrapped, bagged or contained in some way. Loose food like popcorn or peanuts is not permitted.
- Factory sealed plastic bottles and cans are allowed. This includes water bottles, juice boxes, pop cans, etc.
- Small snack items like chips, cookies, candy bars, and crackers are permitted.
- Fruits and vegetables that do not require utensils are allowed. This includes whole fruits like apples and bananas, cut fruit like apple slices, baby carrots, celery sticks, etc.
- Sandwiches and subs without messy fillings are generally permitted.
- Reusable plastic drink containers and thermoses are allowed provided any liquid passes security screening.
In general, easy-to-eat finger foods that are not messy or noisy are acceptable to bring into the stadium. Use common sense – items that can be easily screened by security and do not require utensils or extensive preparation can come into the ballpark.
Types of Food Not Allowed
There are also a number of prohibited food and drink items at Rogers Centre:
- No outside alcohol or illegal substances are permitted under any circumstances.
- No glass or metal containers for food or drink are allowed.
- No canned or jarred foods with pull tab opening mechanisms are permitted.
- Meals that require utensils to eat are prohibited. This includes soups, salads, pasta salad, etc.
- Deli or sandwich platters, pizza, chicken wings, and other shareable foods are not allowed.
- Crock pots, electric grills, and other cooking appliances are not permitted.
- Thermoses and reusable drink containers are subject to inspection.
In summary, messy or noisy foods, shareable platters, foods in glass/metal containers, and anything requiring utensils or cooking appliances cannot be brought into Rogers Centre.
Why Are There Food Restrictions?
The reason Rogers Centre has rules against certain food items has to do with logistics and guest courtesy:
- Security needs to be able to quickly screen any items brought into the stadium to ensure public safety.
- Foods requiring utensils can be challenging to eat in crowded seats and walkways.
- Shareable servings for multiple people take up too much space in seating areas.
- Messy foods like dips, dressings, and sauces create spills and stains in the stadium.
- Noisy food wrappers disturb other guests during play.
- Metal and glass containers pose safety issues and are banned from most major venues.
By placing reasonable limits on foods allowed, Rogers Centre aims to maintain security while ensuring all fans can enjoy the game experience.
Exceptions and Allowances
There are a few exceptions and allowances regarding restricted food items at Rogers Centre:
- Medically necessary food or drink is permitted with proper documentation from a doctor.
- Infant food and formula is allowed, along with spill-proof toddler cups.
- Empty reusable plastic drink containers may be filled with water at designated stations inside the stadium.
- Boxed lunches ordered ahead of time from the Rogers Centre catering service are permitted.
If you require any restricted items due to medical needs, be sure to communicate with stadium security during screening. Aside from those exemptions, all other fans must abide by posted rules.
Purchasing Food Inside Rogers Centre
Fans wanting or needing to buy food and drinks inside Rogers Centre will find numerous concession stands and eateries on all levels of the stadium. Options include:
Standard Fare
- Hot dogs
- Burgers
- Pizza
- Fries
- Nachos
- Popcorn
- Peanuts
- Cracker Jacks
- Chips
- Pretzels
- Candy
- Ice Cream
Beverages
- Soft drinks
- Bottled water
- Juice
- Coffee
- Alcoholic beverages for guests 19+
Meals
- Hot dogs, burgers, and pizza can be purchased as combo meals with fries and a drink.
- Chicken sandwiches, wraps, and salads are also available.
- Individual slice and full pizza can be purchased.
Healthy and Specialty Items
- Fresh fruit cups
- Vegetarian options like veggie dogs are available.
- Gluten-free choices can be found at certain vendors.
- Halal and Kosher food items are sold at designated stands.
Rogers Centre also offers in-seat delivery service from roving vendors in certain sections. Prices inside the stadium are comparable to other major sporting venues.
Sneaking In Restricted Items
Some fans may consider trying to sneak in prohibited food and drinks to avoid stadium prices. This is both risky and violates Rogers Centre policy. Security personnel will inspect all bags and confiscate banned items at gates. Individuals caught trying to bring in concealed prohibited items also risk being ejected from the premises.
Conclusion
Rogers Centre welcomes fans to bring food inside, within reasonable guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all guests. Simple finger foods are permitted, while messy or disruptive items are prohibited. Those with medical considerations can bring restricted items with proper documentation. Inside, fans can purchase standard ballpark fare at comparable prices. Knowing the food rules ahead of your visit makes for an enjoyable hassle-free day at the ballpark to cheer on the Jays!
