Seattle, WA—A noticeable absence of Canadian baseball enthusiasts has some local businesses concerned as the toronto Blue Jays face off against the Seattle Mariners. Bob Donegan of Ivar’s, a Seattle-based seafood restaurant chain, expressed his concern over the dwindling number of Canadian fans making the trip south.

A Waterfront Observation

Donegan, known for Ivar’s iconic slogan Keep clam!, noted the lack of Blue Jays apparel along Seattle’s waterfront. I’m looking over the waterfront right now and there are hundreds of people walking the waterfront, not a single one of them has a Blue Jay cap or a Blue Jay sweatshirt on, and that saddens us, he said Friday, prior to the three-game series at T-Mobile Park.

Border Concerns and Trade tensions

The Blue Jays’ visit coincides with a period of decreased Canadian travel to the U.S., perhaps influenced by trade disputes and heightened border scrutiny. April saw a meaningful 51% drop in cars with B.C. license plates entering the U.S. from southwest B.C. compared to the previous year.

A Fan’s outlook

Julie Nimmock of Vancouver, a long-time blue Jays supporter, explained her decision to forgo her annual trip to Seattle.

I think with everything going on right now, I just don’t feel 100 per cent comfortable going to the States currently, and I also don’t want to particularly support the economy either, considering some of Donald Trump’s statements towards Canada.

Julie Nimmock, Vancouver resident

nimmock and her friend opted to skip the Seattle series this year, choosing instead to support the Vancouver Canadians, the Blue Jays’ High-A affiliate, at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Mariners’ Perspective

A Seattle Mariners spokesperson acknowledged hearing anecdotal reports of fewer Canadian fans this year. Though, they stated that this weekend’s crowds are tracking towards our expected attendance numbers. The team suggests that the May scheduling, a shift from the usual summer dates, and the Blue Jays’ slow start to the season could also be contributing factors.

Team Performance vs.Fan Loyalty

Mike Wilner, a podcaster and baseball columnist with the Toronto Star, believes the team’s performance is not a significant deterrent.

I was in Seattle in 2022 when the Blue Jays lost four straight, each in more humiliating fashion than the one before … but it was packed with Blue Jays fans.

Mike Wilner,Toronto Star

Wilner also pointed out that some Canadian fans may have purchased tickets last year,prior to the escalation of U.S.-Canada trade tensions.

Efforts to Welcome Canadian fans

Despite the concerns, some Seattle businesses are actively trying to attract Canadian visitors. The “Open Arms for Canadian Friends” promotion sees participating businesses accepting the Canadian dollar at par.

A Message of Friendship

Donegan emphasized the importance of Canadian tourism to Seattle, noting that Canadians typically account for 7-11% of the city’s visitors. The lack of that delightful Canadian accent is noticeable in the city, he said.

The goal of the promotion, according to Donegan, is not only to encourage canadians to attend the Blue Jays’ games but also to convey a message: that you are our friends and our neighbours and we miss you and we hope that the relationship will survive this temporary roadblock.