What to know
- Croatia faces Panama at Toronto Stadium at 7 p.m. Tuesday while the Blue Jays host the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre at 4:07 p.m.
- Road closures and local-access restrictions will be in effect around Rogers Centre, Exhibition Place, Liberty Village and Fort York.
- Croatian supporters are expected to march to the stadium as part of pre-match festivities.
- Transit officials and event organizers are encouraging fans to avoid driving and take public transit.
- Some restrictions will remain in place until midnight.
With a FIFA match and a Blue Jays game set to take over the city on Tuesday, sports fans and commuters are being advised to take public transit and plan ahead for significant road closures across Toronto.
Tuesday evening will see Panama take on Croatia in the fourth FIFA match hosted at Toronto Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
Just a few hours earlier, the Toronto Blue Jays will host the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre, with first pitch set for 4:07 p.m.
With both events expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators, the city is preparing for a busy evening on roads, sidewalks and transit routes.
Thousands of Croatian Fans Expected Downtown
Nearly 50,000 Croatian supporters are expected to descend on the city for the match, according to event organizers.
Reports indicate that fans could carry a massive 100-foot Croatian flag to the stadium — the same flag that was displayed by supporters at Dallas Stadium ahead of Croatia’s match against England last week.
As a result, several road closures and traffic restrictions will be in effect throughout the downtown core and surrounding areas.
The Blue Jays also issued an advisory to fans, warning of increased congestion and multiple road closures around Rogers Centre.
Road Closures Across the Downtown Core
Fans attending the FIFA match should be aware that several major roads will be closed throughout Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Bremner Boulevard Closure
Beginning at 1 p.m. and lasting until 8 p.m., Bremner Boulevard will be closed between Lower Simcoe Street and Navy Wharf Crescent near Rogers Centre.
Fort York Neighbourhood Access Restrictions
From 10:30 a.m. until midnight, access to the Fort York neighbourhood will be restricted to local residents and businesses. The affected area is bounded by Bathurst Street and Strachan Avenue, and Fleet Street and Fort York Boulevard.
Exhibition Place and Strachan Avenue Closures
Starting at 2 p.m. and continuing through midnight, Strachan Avenue from East Liberty Street to Lake Shore Boulevard West will be fully closed in both directions. All roads within Exhibition Place will also be closed to vehicle traffic.
Lake Shore Boulevard West Closure
Lake Shore Boulevard West will also be fully closed from Bathurst Street to British Columbia Road from 2 p.m. until midnight.
To help ease congestion, motorists may be temporarily diverted northbound at Colborne Lodge Drive, Parkside Drive, Lower Simcoe Street and Rees Street.
Liberty Village Access Restrictions
Local access only will be permitted for Liberty Village residents and businesses from 2 p.m. until midnight. The restrictions apply south of King Street between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, as well as along Ordinance Street east of Strachan Avenue.
Fan Marches Expected to Impact Traffic
Supporters from both teams are also expected to participate in organized marches to the stadium, which could result in additional traffic disruptions and temporary road closures.
Croatian fans are scheduled to begin their march at 5:30 p.m. from the Toronto Event Centre, where a series of events are being hosted by the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce ahead of the match.
