Every year like clockwork, Canadians head south to watch the Blue Jays play the Seattle Mariners. Every year, that is, until this year.
While some are still going to support their team, thousands are skipping the series as a protest over Canada-U.S. tensions.
With the first game of the triple-header starting on Friday, some Victoria residents wore their blue as a show of solidarity as they waited to make the trip to Seattle, including Grey Showler and his son, Zevin Showler, who have only missed a few games since 1986.
“It’s our annual trip. We’ve probably missed a few over the years, here, and there. But for the most part we’ve been going, yep,” Grey said.
Others are going because they support their team, and also to support a part of the United States.
But with tensions between the United States and Canada simmering right now, this year is different, and difficult, for businesses that rely on tourism.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the number of border crossings from Canada to the U.S. is down sharply.
Last March, more than 951,000 people entered Washington from Canada. This March, that number fell to just 677,000.
Ethan Stowell, CEO of Ethan Stowell Restaurants, said many in the Seattle-area regret how the federal government is treating its traditional ally.
“We’re people, you know? We’re human beings in interacting, Canadians and Americans have always had a great relationship. So, I don’t see why politics has to get in the middle of all that,” he said.
An “Open Arms for Canada” campaign is underway in Seattle offering discounts of 30 per cent to Canadians to watch the triple-header.
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These Victoria fans, though, are optimistic about how the weekend will unwind. Zevin is looking forward to the weekend.
“What do you think is going to happen in the game?” CHEK News asked him.
“Blue Jays sweep,” he said.
For games between Seattle and the Blue Jays, tickets typically sell for $100 or more.
As of Friday, good seats are still available for as little as $22 USD.