Toronto Blue Jays partner with Populous on Rogers Centre renovation

The Toronto Blue Jays have unveiled the scope and first renderings of a multi-year $300m privately funded renovation that will transform Rogers Centre from a stadium into a ballpark through a series of projects focused on modernising the fan experience and building world-class player facilities.

Mark Shapiro, President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays, said:

We are committed to building a sustainable championship organisation 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. This project would not be possible without the support of Edward Rogers, Tony Staffieri, and our Rogers ownership group, who 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.

Edward Rogers, Chair of the Toronto Blue Jays and Chair of the Board, Rogers Communications, said:

This renovation to Rogers Centre will deliver an enhanced ballpark experience for fans of Canada’s team so they can gather to cheer on the Blue Jays and make cherished memories with family and friends, as they have for the last 33 years. We proudly support the efforts of Mark and the entire Blue Jays leadership team as they embark on this project, and we have the utmost confidence in their ability to build both a winning team on the field and a modern ballpark that meets the evolving needs of our passionate Blue Jays fans.

Rogers Centre was conceptualised as a multi-purpose stadium when it opened in 1989 and has not undergone a large-scale renovation in its 33-year history. The scope of this project will address the most important challenges with the current stadium, while not rushing the necessary long-term work needed to maintain the ballpark for future generations of fans.

After a successful partnership on the Blue Jays Player Development Complex, the club is once again working with industry-leading Populous on architectural design.

Best-in-class

To ensure the renovation’s scope reflects Blue Jays fan desires, the organisation completed important research to influence designs, including direct fan feedback and market research; visiting other facilities and ballparks; learnings from Player Development Complex usage; and Populous partnership for best-in-class input.

Populous is a Presenting Partner Sponsor for ALSD International 2022 being hosted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium September 19-20. With a focus on optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions, Architecture & Design, Fan Experience, Hospitality & Interiors, Premium Seating, Sustainability and Technology are some of the key pillars to be discussed.

Pat Tangen, Principal & Senior Architect, Populous, said:

This innovative transformation of Rogers Centre reimagines a modern, baseball-centric fan experience. A smart, efficient, and meaningful upgrade that will honour the venue, these renovations will introduce a wide variety of interactive viewing opportunities that draw fans into the action no matter their location in the ballpark.

A series of projects are phased over the coming two to three offseasons, focused on the interior of the building, including the 100L and 200L outfield, 500L, 100L infield, and field level (for clarity, the exterior of the building, turf field modification, and roof are not in the current scope). Projects will be completed during the offseason as to not impact baseball activity in-season.

2022-23 offseason projects, completed for 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

2023-2024 offseason projects *designs and full scope in progress

• 100 level infield
• Field level premium clubs and social spaces
• Clubhouses and player facilities

News release courtesy of Toronto Blue Jays (www.bluejays.com/renovation) via Populous

Sports Venue Business organises and delivers ALSD International – Europe’s leading event for the Premium Seat & Hospitality sector, with a focus on optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions – on behalf of the ALSD (Association of Luxury Suite Directors)…

…the 2022 event will feature a high-level conference, an exhibition showcasing industry-leading products & services, networking events and a behind-the-scenes tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, powered by THFC and Levy UK + Ireland, plus a networking app to ensure engagement pre and post event.

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