The series traditionally draws huge crowds from Canada, especially British Columbia and Alberta.
SEATTLE — In the wake of political tension between the United States and Canada, Seattle businesses near T-Mobile Park say they have noticed fewer Blue Jays fans during this weekend’s series against the Mariners.
The series traditionally draws huge crowds from Canada, especially British Columbia and Alberta.
According to Global CBC, some fans have boycotted their annual trip over President Donald Trump’s tariffs and annexation threats.
“In years past, it was probably 80 percent Toronto fans. The whole patio was Toronto,” said Joe Piano, the owner of Pioneer Tacos and Tequila. “Now I’d say it’s probably half and half. You can tell just by looking. A year or two ago, it would be all Toronto.”
The Mariners released the following statement ahead of the series:
“We’ve heard anecdotally that fewer fans are making the trip from Canada this year. Currently, this weekend’s crowds are tracking towards our expected attendance numbers. The Mariners haven’t hosted the Blue Jays in May since 2010 and have not played them before July since 2011.”
The team said Friday’s game attendance was 31,564 people and Saturday’s attendance hit 31,182 people.
The last time the Blue Jays visited Seattle on a weekend was in July 2024. On the Friday night, attendance was 34,493. On Saturday, July 6, the attendance was 38,264 people last summer
“Politics… I have no control over that. So, I came down to enjoy myself with my son and my friends to enjoy the Jays,” said Ray Brosseau of British Columbia. “That was never a factor for me. I took some pressure from the guys I play hockey who [asked], ‘What are you doing spending money down there and doing that?’ First and foremost I’m a sports fan.”
More than 40 Seattle-area businesses are offering discounts the weekend of May 9-12 in a coordinated push to bring Canadian tourists back to western Washington.
The effort, dubbed “Open Arms for Canada,” is timed with the Blue Jays–Mariners series and comes after months of escalating political tension between the U.S. and Canada.
Local business owners are hoping to reset the tone with 30% discounts and a warm welcome.
