LOGO : Site title

On Friday November 3rd at 6:30pm I had the privilege of bringing my two-year-old daughter Mia to her very first music concert. I almost said rock concert because the venue and the 7,000 screaming and dancing young fans reminded me of the good old days when I use to go and see all of my favourite bands. This however was not Duran Duran, Madonna or the Rolling Stones. This was WIGGLEMANIA, the fabulous singing and dancing foursome from Austraila THE WIGGLES. I am sure a majority of parents reading this will know who The Wiggles are from watching their fabulous TV show on Treehouse. But if you don't know who The Wiggles are, you will soon enough. Trust me!

At first I wasn't sure if this piece should be a review on the concert and the young fans ranging from age two to five with parents in tow or a review of the Rogers Centre (previously known as the Skydome). But then I thought the obvious. We did have a great time at the concert. So I've decided to review the Rogers Centre and its staff on how well they handled us parents with diaper bags, strollers and sometimes more than one child hanging off our arms. Did they get a passing grade? Read on to find out!

Getting to the Rogers Centre was a breeze. We just took the TTC to Union station which is equipped with elevators and then walked over. Once arriving at our venue I noted something interesting. I found some of the parents to be pushy and rude, but I won't go there. All I have to say to that is, "Now, now parents don't forget your manners please. We all had babies and children on board!"

So how well did the Rogers Centre and its staff do? I have to give the facilities and staff an A+ . The staff showed excellence in attitude, knowledge and PATIENCE. As soon as we entered, the venue the staff was right there to help answer any questions that us parents may have had. Going through the ticket line up was quick and very safe. Once through we were greeted with signs and staff directing us to the FREE STROLLER CHECK-IN. The line-up at the stroller check-in moved quickly and the staff were polite and efficient. This is an important issue for me. It was Mia's first concert and I was a bit nervous not knowing what to expect. I have been to the Rogers Centre millions of times in the past, but this was the first time I went as a mommy, so my thinking process was totally different.

The Rogers Centre is very accessible to visitors with extra needs. Family washrooms are available to give parents the extra space and privacy that is sometimes needed. This means moms who want to breastfeed and of course change diapers can be assured the facilities exist. These family washrooms are located in the 100, 200 and 500 levels of seating, and are available during all events at the Rogers Centre. There is also a stroller check-in available during all events. The ramps at this venue make it easy to walk with children from level to level and elevators are located in the guest services area at gate 7.

I really thought I was going to have issues with the Rogers Centre, but instead the total opposite occurred. We had a fun, safe and memorable outing. I also want to give an A+ to The Wiggles for a really colourful and exciting show. I can't wait until they come back to town! Woo hoo!

For any information on directions, parking, other upcoming events and other frequently asked questions about the Rogers Centre, just go to the following site www.rogerscentre.com.

There you will find a fully loaded web site answering everything you need to know and if you still need more information you can contact guest services by phone at (416) 341-1000 or email guestservices@rogerscentre.com

Nearest subway stops:

Union Station (Front Street between Bay Street and University Avenue) - about 1 kilometre from the Rogers Centre

St. Andrew (University Avenue and King Street West) - not stroller friendly; no elevators and only stairs between fare and street level

Streetcar Access:

Spadina LRT - from Union Station west to Spadina Avenue & Front via Queen's Quay West proceeding to Spadina station; from Spadina station (at Bloor St. West) south on Spadina Avenue to Front Street proceeding to Union Station