It all begins today. The Toronto Blue Jays’ unlikely surge to their first playoff appearance since the “Touch ‘em all, Joe!” 1993 World Series season culminates with Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) today at 3:30 p.m. 46,000 will be in attendance at the Rogers Centre to celebrate a moment that’s been 22 years in the making.

For all the unpredictability surrounding a Jays postseason that could result in a World Series trophy and could also end in a first round loss at the hands of the talented, AL West-winning Texas Rangers, there are certain things that are known. Anyone in attendance for Games 1 or 2 (Friday, 12:30 p.m.) will be treated to a deafening in-stadium buzz that only playoff baseball can provide. Although little is being revealed about what the club has planned for those lucky enough to snag tickets to the opening series (the @BlueJays Twitter account has teased rally towels and a 20-minute pregame ceremony), fans can enter the stadium up to two hours before game-time to beat the line and be part of the experience early.

The Eephus Brown Ale is one of the better cool-weather offerings from Left Field Brewery.

 

For those who came out on the short end of the mad dash for tickets, or who simply opted to get their Jays playoff fix outside the Rogers Centre, there will be no shortage of watering holes eager to open their doors to those playing hooky from work in order to catch the boys in blue. Expect the area surrounding the former SkyDome to be a hotbed of activity, with popular sports bars like Gretzky’s and Real Sports, along with all the prominent chains and anywhere that offers a big screen TV. If you are looking for a playoff atmosphere away from the stadium frenzy check out:

• Dog & Bear (1100 Queen St. W.) — Queen West’s up-market Brit pub has a definite sporting vibe.
• The Dock Ellis (1280 Dundas St. W.) — Between one of the city’s finest pub food menus and a top-notch beer list this is the gourmet option for Jays fans.
• The Ballroom (145 John St.) — Toronto doesn't yet have a bar where you can play baseball while drinking (soon, maybe?) so if you want to throw balls while taking in a playoff game, they’ll have to be bowling balls at The Ballroom.
• Left Field Brewery (36 Wagstaff Dr.) — What better place to take in postseason baseball than the tap room at Toronto’s on-theme brewery? 
• Wvrst (609 King St. W.) —With an excellent tap list, ballgame-worthy food and communal seating don’t be surprised if this is one of the first bars on King to fill up on game day.

Bear in mind that, with afternoon starts for the first two games, the hordes of fans pouring out of the Rogers Centre will have plenty of time to either toast to a victory or drown their sorrows after the game. With many of the 46,000 fans in the building unlikely to be rushing home after each game, bars could remain busy throughout the afternoon and well into the night.

If you’re looking for an even bigger crowd, head to Nathan Phillips Square for a public screening of the games in what Mayor John Tory is called the #BirdsNest.

This will be once again true on Sunday, as the series shifts to Arlington, Texas for an 8:10 p.m. game time. Jays fans that don’t have to sneak a peak at a TV screen during Thanksgiving dinner can enjoy the game, knowing that they’ve got a holiday Monday ahead of them. Game 4, if necessary, will also be in Texas, but MLB has not yet decided on the time.

If the series goes the five-game distance, the deciding game will be back at Rogers Centre on Wednesday, October 14 at an as-of-yet undetermined time. In the meantime – and, hopefully, beyond – the boys of summer aren’t done yet and Jays fans in Toronto get to celebrate October baseball for the first time in over two decades. Maple Leafs who?