Ted Rogers Senior Statue

On a warm July day in 2013, a hush fell over the crowd gathered outside Rogers Centre. They were here to witness the unveiling of the Ted Rogers Senior Statue. A twelve-foot bronze figure, capturing the essence of a man who had irrevocably shaped Canada’s media landscape. The Ted Rogers Senior Statue, a tribute to the founder, president, and CEO of Rogers Communications, stands as a testament to his vision and unwavering determination. Ted Rogers, who passed away in 2008, was more than just a businessman. He was a visionary who built Rogers Communications from a small radio station into a telecommunications giant. He was also a philanthropist and a passionate Canadian. The statue itself, weighing nearly 800 lbs, was crafted by Canadian sculptor Siggy Puchta, a close friend of the Rogers family. Puchta captured Rogers’s drive and commitment. The statue, perched on a granite base, is adorned with four plaques. One commemorates his life, 1933-2008. Another acknowledges his leadership at Rogers Communications from 1960-2008. A third displays his optimistic motto, “The Best is Yet to Come.” The final plaque encapsulates the man: “Visionary, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Passionate Canadian.” Ted Rogers’s legacy extends beyond the corporate world. His acquisition of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000 and the subsequent purchase of SkyDome, later renamed Rogers Centre, solidified his connection to the city and its sports fans. He saw the Blue Jays as integral to Canada’s civic pride. The Ted Rogers Senior Statue, located near Gates 5 and 6 of Rogers Centre, serves as a permanent reminder of his contributions to Canadian communications, media, and sports. It’s a tribute to a man who dared to dream big and whose impact continues to resonate across the nation.