London resident John P. Allen recalls a significant moment from 1992 when the Toronto Blue Jays were at the peak of their popularity. During Game 5 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves, Allen and his band, Prairie Oyster, had the honor of performing the national anthem at the SkyDome.
Although the Blue Jays didn’t win that game, they ultimately triumphed in Game 6 to claim the World Series title. With the Toronto Blue Jays making a return to the World Series after nearly three decades, Allen fondly reminisces about his performance on that memorable day.
In an interview with CBC’s Afternoon Drive host Matt Allen, John P. Allen shared his thoughts on the experience. Prairie Oyster, a prominent country band in the ’80s and ’90s, was approached by the Commissioner’s Office in New York to sing at the game, and they were assigned Game 5 due to Ed Sprague Jr.’s game-winning home run in Game 2.
Reflecting on the past, Allen described the excitement of being on the field and watching the game up close. He highlighted the meticulous rehearsal they underwent to ensure a flawless performance despite the potential challenges of the stadium’s acoustics.
As a member of Prairie Oyster, Allen expressed gratitude for the band’s success, including winning six Juno Awards. He emphasized the camaraderie within the group and the pride of representing Canada on various international stages.
Looking ahead to the current World Series, Allen revealed his plans to attend a game with his son in Toronto. Despite the steep ticket prices, he humorously noted the significant increase in costs compared to the modest $72 he paid for a ticket to the 1992 World Series game.
Anticipating the high demand for tickets, Allen speculated that seats in the upper levels could fetch up to $750. While acknowledging the financial hurdle, he remains excited about witnessing the Toronto Blue Jays’ journey back to the World Series.