The Blue Jays could be back in Toronto as early as July 30.
Toronto FC may also make their return to the city soon.
If you’ve been waiting for the Blue Jays to return to Toronto, you might be in luck: the team says it’s seeking approval to return as early as July 30.
As first reported by Sportsnet, the team has recently submitted a proposal to the federal government requesting permission to return to the Rogers Centre this summer.
A team spokesperson told CBC News via email that they have received approval from both the city and the Ontario government to make the move.
“The Blue Jays have submitted a proposal to the federal government for a return to Toronto, following support from the city and province. “We continue to work toward our goal of returning to Rogers Centre this summer,” the email read.
The Jays hope to return as early as July 30, the start of a 10-game homestand.
In June, team president Mark Shapiro announced that the team would stay at their adopted home in Buffalo until July 21.
He had not ruled out the possibility of the Blue Jays returning to Toronto this season, but said the decision would be dependent on whether Canada relaxed border restrictions.
As of today, border restrictions for fully vaccinated Canadians are being relaxed. You can learn more about it here.
Away since September 2019
So far this season, the Blue Jays have won 43 games and lost 39. The team is currently in third place in the AL East.
The Blue Jays have not played in Toronto since September 29, 2019, when they defeated Tampa Bay 8-3.
“I’ve been dying to watch some baseball here at the Rogers Centre,” Mauricio Prada stated. “I know everyone has missed that here.”
According to one fan, seeing the “boys in blue” play after such a long absence would be a welcome change.
Quincy Brathwaite, of Toronto, agrees.
“I would be very happy,” he told CBC News on Monday. “Give them a chance to return home.”
The proposal to the federal government comes after Ontario announced an accelerated return-to-play plan for professional and elite amateur leagues in June, as the province eased COVID-19 restrictions.
Sport Minister Lisa MacLeod announced on June 14 that high-level teams can now conduct full-contact practice and dry-land training as long as they follow provincial guidelines.
She stated that leagues will be able to resume games as early as August.
The province’s return-to-play plan covers 18 leagues in six sports, including the Canadian Football League, the Ontario Hockey League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and the National Basketball Association.
While it is unclear whether and how many fans will be allowed inside the arena, Prada hopes they will be able to cheer on the “boys in blue” at Rogers Centre this summer.
