The first phase of renovations at the Rogers Centre is currently underway and thanks to the Toronto Blue Jays, we got some updates and even pictures of the $300-million update.
The Jays shared on Tuesday that their multi-million dollar renovation has passed its first major stage and demolition on the 500 level of the stadium was completed last week. According to a Jays’ representative, nearly 17,000 of the 500-level seats were removed and will be replaced before the 2023 season.
About 2.2 million pounds of materials have been recycled, according to a team representative, including 1.3 million pounds of concrete and 900,000 pounds of steel.
And to feed our curiosity, the Toronto Blue Jays shared some pictures of what the stadium looks like at the moment:
👀 04.11.23 👀
The biggest renovation in Rogers Centre HISTORY is underway! pic.twitter.com/r3TlzpSX9r
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 22, 2022
Recent Posts:
Swoop is having a massive Black Friday sale & 70% off flights for one day only
You can book a stay in DJ Khaled’s sneaker closet this December & here’s how
When first announced, the MLB had stated that the renovation will focus on “modernizing the fan experience” and building “world-class” facilities for the players.
Though we won’t see its completion until the next few years, this offseason will see upgrades to the lower levels like new social spaces and bars, raised bullpens, and 100 Level seats “brought closer to the action.”
There will also be some major renovations to player facilities, including a family room, a 5,000-sq. ft weight room and staff locker room.
“We are committed to building a sustainable championship organization for years to come, and this renovation to Rogers Centre will give new and lifelong Blue Jays fans a ballpark where they can proudly cheer on their team,” said Mark Shapiro, Toronto’s president, and CEO per the latest update.
Back in July, the Blue Jays’ shared everything that will be completed by opening day 2023:
- 100 level and 200 level outfield
- Creation of multiple new social spaces with patios, drink rails, bars, and viewing platforms
- Raised bullpens surrounded by traditional and new bleacher seats, as well as social viewing areas that look into the bullpens to increase fan and player interaction
- 100L seats brought forward to the new outfield walls to brings fans closer to the game
- 500 level
- Two new social decks in right and left field
- Replacing every 500L seat from the originals when the building opened
- Field level
- Players’ family room
- 5,000 sq. ft. weight room
- Staff locker rooms
According to the Jays’, for the past 33 years, the stadium has been home to the Raptors, Argonauts, and other major events but it’s mostly used for Blue Jays games and concerts lately. It’s undergone some updates in the past few years but this is the first large-scale renovation in its history.
