The Toronto Blue Jays continue the renovation of Rogers Centre from a multi-purpose stadium into a ballpark-first venue, unveiling the reimagined 100 level seating bowl designed specifically for baseball viewing. Combined with the popular Outfield District which opened last season, the new seating bowl continues modernizing the fan experience at Rogers Centre for both long-time and new fans. The first chance to enjoy the newly renovated 100 level seating bowl is during the opening homestand from April 8 to 17.

First announced in July 2022, the multi-year, nearly $400 million CAD, privately funded renovation has progressively transitioned the 35-year-old stadium to feel more like a ballpark through a series of projects aimed at bringing fans closer to the action, introducing modern fan experiences, and overhauling player facilities.

The first phase of work focused on the outfield from foul pole to foul pole, introducing five distinct Outfield District social spaces, available to all fans with a game ticket, as well as raised bullpens and new outfield and 500 level seats. This second phase of work overhauled the 100 level infield from foul pole to foul pole by demolishing and excavating the original bowl and redesigning and rebuilding a new 100 level seating bowl, along with adding world-class player facilities and premium clubs and amenities that will open mid-season as planned.

“To build a sustainable championship organization, we needed a home that is specifically for baseball. We asked ourselves at the onset what we would build if we were designing a ballpark, and we fit that vision into the existing infrastructure of Rogers Centre, with fans always at the centre. Blue Jays fans deserve a true ballpark to proudly cheer on their team,” said Mark Shapiro, president and CEO, Toronto Blue Jays.

See also  Accelerating the Building Curve

“Reimagining the home of the Blue Jays required an astonishing scope of work in a short timeframe, and that would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Edward Rogers, Tony Staffieri, and Rogers ownership. They share our championship vision and have invested in the team and infrastructure necessary to build a best-in-class fan and player experience.”

(Toronto Blue Jays)

While work will continue into the season to put the finishing touches on player facilities and premium clubs, an average of 350 Canadian tradespeople on-site daily logged approximately 400,000 worker hours to complete the demolition and rebuild of the 100 level seating bowl.

“Being baseball ready for the Toronto Blue Jays Home Opener on April 8 is a tremendous accomplishment that we take pride in celebrating with our partners, including more than 2,500 talented tradespeople,” said Monique Buckberger, Vice President and District Manager, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. “With a staggering level of coordination and activity averaging 350 workers on site daily, six to seven days per week over the past six months, our workforce was fueled by the passion of being part of a project that provides a sense of community. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing the Toronto Blue Jays’ reimagined vision for Rogers Centre to life.”

The second phase of Rogers Centre renovations broke ground on October 13, 2023, with PCL Construction. Designed by Populous, key features of the new 100 level seating bowl include:

  • Designed specifically for baseball viewing with all seats oriented towards the infield, new seats closer to the action, and improved sightlines with less obstruction.
  • A  with additional legroom, cupholders throughout, modern-shaped seats with more airflow, fewer seats in each row, wider seats and new cross-aisles between the dugouts, adaptable raisable armrest options, and handrails in every aisle.
  • Greater variety of viewing options including different vantage points from new sections, accessible field level seats, new infield bar rails, and premium seating experiences.
See also  B.C. announces funding for new Pitt Meadows Secondary School

By demolishing the original bowl, the club was able to remove outdated infrastructure and excavate below ground to create new space for player and fan amenities, in addition to reorienting the new seating bowl. New amenities beneath the bowl include:

  • New clubhouse and player facilities on the third base side, creating continuity in the experience from the best-in-class Player Development Complex in Dunedin, FL, to Toronto.
  • Three new sold-out premium clubs behind home plate (to be opened mid-season, as announced in April 2023) each with a unique experience connected to the best seats in the ballpark, and a new TD Premium Entrance.
  • Back-of-house operations spaces to facilitate the fan and player game-day experience.

Featured image: Toronto Blue Jays showcase the all-new 100 level seating bowl at Rogers Centre. The original 100 level infield seating bowl was fully demolished from foul pole to foul pole, and redesigned for a baseball-first viewing experience. (CNW Group/Toronto Blue Jays)

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here