The Toronto Blue Jays have been denied Canadian federal government approval to play 2020 home games at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco Mendicino said holding games would be riskier than training camp.
“However, unlike pre-season training, regular-season games would require repeated cross-border travel of Blue Jays players and staff, as well as opponent teams into and out of Canada. Of particular concern, the Toronto Blue Jays would be required to play in locations where the risk of virus transmission remains high,” Mendicino said in a statement.
“Based on the best-available public health advice, we have concluded the cross-border travel required for MLB regular season play would not adequately protect Canadians’ health and safety. As a result, Canada will not be issuing a National Interest Exemption for the MLB’s regular season at this time.”
The Blue Jays get the 60-game season underway on July 24 with their home opener scheduled for July 29 against the Washington Nationals, meaning the team now has 11 days to solidify a location for home games. Other options under consideration are TD Ballpark in Dunedin or Buffalo’s Sahlen Field, home of the triple-A Bisons.
“Canada has been able to flatten the curve in large part because of the sacrifices Canadians have made,” Mendicino said in the statement. “We understand professional sports are important to the economy and to Canadians. At the same time, our government will continue to take decisions at the border on the basis of the advice of our health experts in order to protect the health and safety of all Canadians.”
After receiving an exemption letter from the federal government earlier this month, the Blue Jays have held their training camp north of the border in preparation for the shortened 60-game season. Players and staff have been restricted to the stadium itself and the attached hotel to minimize the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19.
Toronto travels to Boston for a pair of exhibition games July 21 and 22 before starting the regular season on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 24.
— With files from The Associated Press
