Exhibition Stadium

Exhibition Stadium was a multi-purpose sports venue on Lake Shore Boulevard West with open-air seating that rose from the playing field to the upper tiers. The stands formed a wide arc around the field and provided clear sightlines from nearly every seat.

The stadium opened in 1948 and served for over four decades as a home for baseball, football, and other sporting events. The facility closed permanently in 1989 after the SkyDome was completed as a covered alternative.

The venue served as the first home field for Toronto Blue Jays baseball team from 1977 to 1989, marking the beginning of Major League Baseball in Canada.

The location near Lake Ontario often brought cool winds during games, so visitors regularly carried extra layers of clothing. The site stood close to the Canadian National Exhibition grounds and was accessible by public transit.

An autumn storm during the 1982 Grey Cup match drove thousands of spectators under concession stand roofs, where they watched the remainder of the game. This event clearly demonstrated that Toronto needed a covered sports facility.

Location: Toronto

Inception: 1948

Official opening: 1959

GPS coordinates: 43.63194,-79.41778

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:37