Will the dome be open for the start of the ALDS? Blue Jays manager thinks there is a ‘pretty good chance’

The Rogers Centre's dome roof opens as the Toronto Blue Jays take on the San Diego Padres in Interleague MLB baseball action in Toronto on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Despite a stellar weekend forecast filled with sunshine and hot weather, it is unclear whether the dome will be open at the Rogers Centre for the first two games of the American League Division Series, which kicks off on Saturday in Toronto.

Mother Nature has gifted Torontonians with summer-like conditions on both Saturday and Sunday, which will see sunny skies and daytime highs of 27 C on each day respectively.

Blue Jays fans will be flooding into Toronto’s downtown core this weekend as the team takes on the Yankees for Game 1 and 2 of ALDS.

And while the weather may be cooperating, the decision to open the dome comes down to Major League Baseball, not the club itself.

“Roof opening decisions in the postseason are driven by MLB and will be shared on Blue Jays social media channels,” a spokesperson for the Blue Jays told CP24.com in an email.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said he thinks there is a “pretty good chance” that the dome will be open.

“Have not been told 100 per cent. I know that is up to the league,” he said during a news conference on Friday afternoon.

“Seems like a pretty good day for it to be open just in terms of temperature and things like that. So, I think they make that call tomorrow morning but seems like a pretty good chance for it to be open.”

The weather forecast will also be welcome news for those taking in the sights during Nuit Blanche, an all-night art festival, that runs from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday. The temperature is expected to drop to a low of 13 C overnight Saturday so layers would be wise for those pulling an all-nighter for the annual event.

The heat will continue for the start of the work week but more seasonal temperatures return on Tuesday.

Environment Canada is calling for a high of 27 C on Monday and Tuesday will see a risk of showers and a high of 22 C.