Toronto is buzzing. There’s an undercurrent of excited energy vibrating under every rock and around every corner. It’s the colour of blue, and the sound of the wings of a Jay.
Even I can feel it; World Series fever is contagious. It’s no coincidence (or is it?) that Netflix just dropped its documentary, Who Killed the Montreal Expos, making us all — even a former Montrealer and die-hard Expos fan like me now living in Toronto the Good — chant ‘Go Jays Go’.
In case you’ve been missed the excitement, Game 1 is taking place tonight (Friday, Oct. 24, 8:08 p.m.) when the Jays take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Rogers Centre. Across the city, every television will be tuned in. Tichets for tonight’s game and Game 2 tomorrow are nearly impossible to secure, and prices are soaring. Current Ticketmaster listings range from approximately $1,200 to more than $8,000 per seat – out of reach for the average Torontonian.
But for those where cost is no concern and who want to curate the ultimate baseball experience in downtown Toronto—Canada’s luxury capital—there is a solution. That’s when you contact personal concierge Andrea Melendez, Director of VIP Experiences at INK Entertainment Group, a North American lifestyle and entertainment company based in Toronto since 1982.
Regarding Luxury spoke with Melendez about the electric atmosphere surrounding the World Series and how her team is making the extraordinary possible.
Regarding Luxury: Are you receiving many requests for Blue Jays tickets?
Andrea Melendez: It’s been absolute madness. Everyone is clamouring for tickets—even for potential Game 6 and 7 matchups. I made the mistake of mentioning I could help source tickets, and since then, my phone hasn’t stopped. I’m still in the office at 6:30 p.m., answering emails and messages, saying, “I’ll try, I’ll try.” It’s overwhelming.
Regarding Luxury: For clients staying in the city to attend the games, what does the ideal experience look like?
Andrea Melendez: There are many ways to experience the World Series. Some guests attend the game, dine beforehand, or spend the entire day at the stadium. Others can’t get tickets but still want to soak in the atmosphere.
It always comes down to personalization—understanding each client’s taste, purpose, and needs. Whether they want to impress a partner, host family, or conduct business, we tailor the experience. If they want fine dining, I’ll book them at Animl Steakhouse & Cocktail Den. If they prefer a more relaxed vibe, I’ll recommend Vinnie’s for a great bar experience.
Regarding Luxury: Beyond restaurants, what other experiences do you recommend downtown?
Andrea Melendez: For VIP clients, we typically curate a full evening—dinner at one venue, drinks at another—with everything reserved in advance. We ensure the table is exactly where they want it—near the DJ, a private booth, seating for two or ten. We know their tastes, so everything is seamless.
One client didn’t want to come downtown but still wanted to be close. I arranged a table at one of our Yorkville-area venues where he and his guests can watch the game. The World Series isn’t just about baseball—it’s about business. Deals are being made during the game, and we’re there to make sure everything runs perfectly.
Regarding Luxury: What hotels do you most often work with?
Andrea Melendez: We frequently partner with top-tier hotels such as Bisha, The Hazelton, The St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, and the W Hotel in Yorkville. We also work with select boutique hotels, but our focus is primarily on five-star properties, as that aligns with our clientele.
Regarding Luxury: What does a full VIP experience typically include for a client?
Andrea Melendez: If a client says, “I’m coming for one or two nights and have tickets to both games,” I take care of everything. I book their hotel, secure their game tickets, and arrange dinner before the game—since an 8 p.m. start means they should dine around 6 p.m. I make sure the restaurant is prepared for timely, high-quality service so they’re not rushed.
I don’t recommend relying on Uber. Everything is arranged within walking distance, especially while the weather is still pleasant. After the game, I might send them to Mr. C for celebrations.
The next day, I could book brunch or lunch at Daphne on Richmond and Bay, or KŌST on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel. It all depends on their lifestyle and preferences. I won’t send them to touristy spots like the Eaton Centre—maybe instead, I’ll recommend a spa experience tailored to their hotel.
For the second game, I’ll ensure they visit a different venue from the night before. It’s never a template; every experience is curated uniquely. Today, people are looking for two things: access and experience. Everything else, they can arrange themselves.
Top image by Shari Cain
Marlene Eisner is a freelance writer and editor. She is currently the editor of RENO+DÉCOR magazine (National) and New Home + Condo Guide magazine (Vancouver). She also writes, edits and publishes content for websites and edits master’s and PhD theses and memories.
