In April 2018, an MLB game was postponed after ice falling from this structure punctured the roof of Rogers Centre
On the June 3, 2025 episode of Jeopardy, the Final Jeopardy category was Famous Structures. Contestants were presented with this clue: “In April 2018, an MLB game was postponed after ice falling from this structure punctured the roof of Rogers Centre.”
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What is the CN Tower?
This question drew on a well-documented incident from 2018 involving two of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks: the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre. Both are located in the city’s downtown core, just steps apart, and this proximity became an unexpected problem during an unusually icy April.
Ice from Above: What Happened in April 2018
On April 16, 2018, a scheduled game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre was called off after ice falling from the CN Tower punctured the stadium’s roof. The CN Tower, standing at over 553 meters tall, is one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world and a major tourist destination in Toronto. That day, severe weather conditions caused large chunks of ice to dislodge from the tower and fall onto the stadium below.
The Rogers Centre, formerly known as the SkyDome, is a multi-purpose retractable-roof stadium that opened in 1989. Though designed to withstand various elements, the roof was not built to handle a direct hit from falling ice. A significant hole was discovered in one of the roof panels, which posed a safety risk and left the stadium unusable for the game.
Why the CN Tower Was the Right Answer
The CN Tower is iconic not just in Canada but worldwide. It dominates Toronto’s skyline and is situated directly beside the Rogers Centre. In fact, the two structures are so close that photos often show them together. The question tested not only a knowledge of famous landmarks but also an understanding of real-life events that linked those landmarks in a dramatic way.
The incident made headlines across Canada and the U.S. because it was one of the rare times an indoor Major League Baseball game had to be postponed due to falling ice—an unexpected hazard even in a city used to harsh winters. The association between the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre makes this an ideal clue in the “Famous Structures” category, blending geography, architecture, and current events.
Broader Significance of the Incident
The 2018 event raised questions about urban planning and the risks of tall structures in cold climates. The CN Tower has observation decks and a revolving restaurant, but when weather conditions create ice accumulation, maintenance teams must monitor the exterior closely. After the falling ice damaged the Rogers Centre, city officials and engineers reviewed safety protocols for both venues.
Following the incident, Rogers Centre was temporarily closed, and the Blue Jays had to adjust their schedule. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the story served as a reminder of the challenges faced by cities dealing with extreme weather and aging infrastructure.
Jeopardy’s Use of News-Based Clues
Jeopardy often uses clues that tie historical landmarks to specific events, making the game both educational and timely. This clue served as an example of how the show combines knowledge of physical structures with awareness of past news events. The question rewarded contestants who not only knew Toronto’s skyline but also remembered the peculiar details of the 2018 baseball season.
In this case, the CN Tower wasn’t just a tall building—it was the source of a unique sports delay that made news across North America. That added layer of trivia is part of what makes Final Jeopardy questions so compelling for fans and contestants alike.
