A look back at Toronto's Rogers Centre, which opened in 1989 as SkyDome
The Rogers Centre, opened as SkyDome in 1989 with a state-of-the-art retractable roof, could soon be torn down and the site redeveloped with real-estate projects and a new ballpark. The multibillion-dollar project would be privately funded by Brookfield and Rogers, according to sources, but needs numerous government approvals to move forward. While Rogers owns the stadium, the federal government owns the land
Fireworks burst over SkyDome in Toronto on its opening day, June 3, 1989.The Globe and Mail
Ontario Premier William Davis points to the CN Tower when asked where his seat will be in the new domed stadium on Jan. 17, 1985.JEFF WASSERMAN/The Globe and Mail
Ten dignitaries donned golden hard hats and used silver shovels to turn sod for the new stadium on Oct. 3, 1986.Edward Regan/The Globe and Mail
SkyDome under construction on Sept. 7, 1986.Tibor Kolley/The Globe and Mail
Aug. 25, 1987: SkyDome under construction, with Toronto's lakeshore in the distance.John McNeill/The Globe and Mail
Aerial shot of the Skydome being constructed in February 1988.John McNeill/The Globe and Mail
SkyDome's construction continues in June 1988.John McNeill/The Globe and Mail
Steelworkers watch as a crane lowers a 130-foot, 30-ton truss into place on Dec. 14, 1988. The truss was used to connect the east and west sections of the SkyDome roof.Edward Regan/The Globe and Mail
Joe Carter celebrates after hitting the World Series-clinching home run in Game 6 between the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies on Oct. 23, 1993.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
A Blue Jays supporter cheers in the 500-level seats above home plate.Reuters
Nelson Mandela speaks to thousands of children in the SkyDome during his visit to Canada on Sept. 25, 1998.Tibor Kolley/The Globe and Mail
Jose Bautista throws his bat after hitting a go-ahead, three-run home run in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series on Oct 14, 2015.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Basketball fans sit in seats a considerable distance from the court during the Toronto Raptors first home game against the Atlanta Hawks in NBA exhibition play at the SkyDome on Oct. 18, 1995. Built primarily for baseball or football, the Dome was the Raptors' home until 1998, when the Air Canada Centre was built.Andy Clark/Reuters
A group of workers installs natural grass for soccer matches as part of the 2004 Champions World Series. For most sports including baseball, games at Rogers Centre are played on artificial turf.Fernando Morales/The Globe and Mail
The Toronto Argonauts take to the field prior to the start of the CFL's 100th Grey Cup game between the Argos and the Calgary Stampeders at the Rogers Centre on Nov 25 2012.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Chad Owens raises his hand high while celebrating the Toronto Argonaut's Grey Cup win over the the Calgary Stampeders at the Rogers Centre on Nov 25 2012.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
The Rogers Centre, formerly called the Skydome, is photographed on Nov 26 2020.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail