It was a Halloween night destined for legend, a trick-or-treat experience unlike any other. For Phil Faiazza, it wasn’t about candy; it was about crafting a 10th-anniversary gift for his wife, Laura Kay, that would truly resonate.
Their story began on October 31st, 2015, a deliberate choice to intertwine their love with the magic of Halloween. This year, with Game 6 of the World Series falling on their special day, Phil knew exactly what he had to do – secure tickets to witness history.
“I broke out my wallet,” he chuckled, recalling the anticipation as he and Laura boarded a bustling GO train, a mix of excitement and nerves filling the air. It was an investment, a significant one, but the look on Laura’s face would be priceless.
Laura, a devoted Halloween enthusiast who even wore a goth dress on her wedding day, was utterly surprised and thrilled. “Halloween is my favourite holiday,” she confessed, her face painted with festive flair. “He just *gets* me.”
The price tag – $1,500 per ticket – seemed insignificant compared to the moment. Fellow passengers, lacking tickets themselves, playfully teased Phil, predicting he wouldn’t regret the $3,000 expense, but would forever cherish being *inside* the stadium on such a night.
The energy surrounding the Rogers Centre was palpable. Fans weren’t just anticipating a game; they were bracing for a potential championship moment, understanding the immense challenge of winning against the defending champions. It was a night that promised to be etched in Toronto’s memory.
The Rogers Centre staff cleverly blended the two celebrations, filling the pre-game atmosphere with classic Halloween anthems – the howling guitars of “Werewolves of London,” the rebellious energy of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” and the spooky fun of “Ghostbusters.”
The city itself was transformed. An estimated 100,000 people descended upon downtown Toronto, with 50,000 filling the Rogers Centre, 20,000 at a watch party in Scotiabank Arena, and thousands more gathering at Nathan Phillips Square and overflowing into every pub and bar.
Toronto Police were prepared for the surge, preferring the celebratory atmosphere to potential protests. Managing the exodus of tens of thousands of excited fans, however, presented a unique challenge.
The demand for tickets was astronomical. While Phil and Laura had paid $3,000, some were changing hands for as much as $48,000 – a testament to the desire to be part of something historic. People craved a connection to the unfolding drama.
Rose Goulah and her brother Roger flew in from Langley, B.C., on a red-eye flight, securing tickets for $1,200. But the best deal of the day, photographer Jack Boland observed, was for those willing to wait.
Before sunrise, dedicated fans lined up for last-minute standing-room-only tickets, priced at just $300. Ryan Rushton and Jody Matheson, known as the Loonie Dog Kings, led the charge, followed by Andrea Boitor, her daughter Catharine, and Ben Holt.
For those without tickets, the Marriott City Centre Hotel offered a glimpse of the action from its restaurant overlooking the outfield. Kathryn Jefferies, celebrating her birthday, drove from Orillia hoping for a special experience, enjoying batting practice and admiring the costumes before the ticketed crowd arrived.
Amidst the frenzy, there was Steve Medeiros, a fixture in the Rogers Centre media room since 1989. His dedication to the Blue Jays was legendary, literally etched onto his skin with Blue Jays tattoos covering his arms and legs.
“I have been here for all of it,” Steve said, his voice filled with passion. “And I still love every minute of it.” His collection of Blue Jays bobblehead dolls, including a cherished replica of the 1992-93 World Series trophy, testified to a lifetime of fandom.
He had a special place reserved for another trophy, hoping this night would bring a new addition to his collection, a symbol of a championship won on a truly unforgettable Halloween.
