Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, is undergoing a $300 million renovation project that will take place over the next two offseasons.
The investment aims to transform the MLB stadium into a ‘true ballpark with modernised fan experiences and enhanced player facilities’.
As improvements get set to begin this winter, the project is privately funded and the first large-scale renovation in the building’s history.
Blue Jays President/CEO, Mark Shapiro, stated: “It’s going to be a dramatically different look on Opening Day of 2023.
“The largest focus is modernising the fan experience. Taking a 1980s perspective of what an experience was, and turning that into a 2020s notion and beyond of what compelling fan experience should be in our modern sports entertainment landscape.”
The team has outlined that the first phase of the project will begin in the 100 and 200 levels of the outfield, where ‘social spaces’ are being prioritised alongside traditional seating options.
The introduction of more patios, drink rails, bars and viewing platforms aim to let fans move through the stadium as the game goes on, whilst the team also plan to raise the bullpens and move 100-Level seating closer to the wall – in a continued bid to ‘bring fans closer to the sport’.
Additionally, two new ‘social decks’ will be added to left and right field and all 500-Level seats will be replaced from the originals when the building opened to, again, create a more viewer-friendly experience.
“There is not a night here during the season that we are not having conversations about how to engage a more diverse group of fans,” Shapiro added.
“This project would not be possible without the support of Edward Rogers, Tony Staffieri, and our Rogers ownership group. They have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Blue Jays, both in fielding the best team to win championships, as well as in the infrastructure needed to create a modern ballpark for our fans and players.”
