Instead of travelling to Seattle to watch the Blue Jays, some B.C. baseball fans are staying home

Bob Donegan, the owner of Ivar’s, a popular seafood restaurant chain in Seattle, expressed his concern about the absence of Canadian baseball fans cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays as they face off against the Seattle Mariners. Known for their slogan “Keep clam!”, Ivar’s is disappointed to see a lack of Canadian presence during the Jays’ only trip to Washington state this season.

Donegan fondly describes Canadian baseball fans as “friendly, goofy, and delightful,” but he has observed a decline in their attendance at the games. He mentioned that despite the bustling waterfront in Seattle, not a single person is sporting Blue Jays gear, which has left Ivar’s feeling a sense of sadness.

The decrease in Canadian visitors to the U.S. is attributed to President Donald Trump’s tariffs and annexation threats, leading to a 51% drop in cars with B.C. license plates entering the U.S. from southwest B.C. compared to the previous year. Julie Nimmock, a Vancouver resident, shared her hesitation in traveling to the States amid the ongoing trade war and uncertainty at the border.

Traditionally, Nimmock and a friend would travel to Seattle to watch the Blue Jays play, but this year, they have decided to skip the trip due to current geopolitical tensions. Instead, they plan to support the Vancouver Canadians, the Blue Jays’ High-A affiliate, at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Despite concerns about the decline in Canadian attendance, a Seattle Mariners spokesperson mentioned that the weekend’s crowds are meeting expected numbers. Sports columnist Mike Wilner believes that the team’s performance will not impact attendance, as Western Canadian fans have a history of showing support regardless of the record.

To entice Canadian visitors, some Seattle businesses are participating in a promotion called “Open Arms for Canadian Friends,” where they accept the Canadian dollar at par. Donegan emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Canadian neighbors and hopes that the promotion will encourage more Canadians to attend the Blue Jays’ games in Seattle.

In conclusion, while the absence of Canadian fans is noticeable in Seattle, efforts are being made to bridge the gap and welcome them back with open arms. The unique charm and camaraderie shared between Canadian and American baseball fans are essential to the spirit of the game, and it is hoped that these relationships will endure despite temporary challenges.