TORONTO – The wait is over and our boys of summer are finally set to play meaningful playoff baseball in the autumn breeze.
The Toronto Blue Jays will battle the Texas Rangers in the American League Divisional Series opener Thursday afternoon at the Rogers Centre which gets underway at 3:37 p.m. ET.
Ace pitcher David Price will take to the mound against Yovani Gallardo of the Rangers.
READ MORE: Jays fever: workplaces offering time off, viewing parties for playoff games
The Jays won the American League East title, while the Rangers finished first in the AL West.
Tickets to the game are sold out but fans are encouraged to congregate at Nathan Phillips Square to watch the Games 1 and 2 on the big screen.
City officials say food trucks will be on site to give viewers a “stadium-like experience”.
Prior to the game on Thursday, the Blue Jays will unveil their AL East Championship banner at the Rogers Centre.
READ MORE: Coca-Cola brings back 1993 inspired Blue Jays TV jingle for playoffs
Fans are asked to get to the ballpark early as ceremonies will begin at approximately 3:10 pm. Gates will open at 1:30 pm.
Game 2 of the best-of-five playoff series takes place Friday afternoon with a 12:45 p.m. ET. start time.
READ MORE: Just in case you didn’t know: ‘OK Blue Jays’ has verses
The Blue Jays organization poked fun at the weekday afternoon games by issuing their own doctor’s note for fans who may be thinking of calling in sick for work the next couple of days.
VIDEO: Who has the better odds of coming out on top for Game 1 of the ALDS: Blue Jays or Rangers?
There will also be temporary road closures in the downtown core as a result of the crowds.
- Blue Jays Way will have a partial road closure, for southbound traffic, from Front Street West to Navy Wharf
- Bremner Boulevard will have a partial road closure, for eastbound traffic, from Spadina Avenue to Rees Street
- Bremner Boulevard will have a full road closure, for eastbound traffic, from Rees Street to Lower Simcoe
- Bremner Boulevard will have a full road closure, for westbound traffic, from Lower Simcoe to Navy Wharf
Comments