The Countdown to “The Next Level” April 11, 2023 is on!
The Toronto Blue Jays shared a video that construction is officially underway with demolition complete and new build work started on the first phase of the Rogers Centre renovation and ready for fans to experience at the Home Opener on April 11, 2023. This is the first major reno since the Skydome opened in 1989.
The $300 Million Multi Year project was first announced in July 2022. The Project to transform 33-year-old Rogers Centre from a stadium into a ballpark by bringing fans closer to the action and the players they love, introducing unique social spaces and amenities while upgrading player facilities
“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, President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays. “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.”
“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,” said Edward Rogers, Chair of the Toronto Blue Jays and Chair of the Board, Rogers Communications. “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.”
The demolition began October 14 with 500L seat removal (all to be replaced for the 2023 season), followed by structural demolition of the outfield beginning on October 20. The demolition was completed November 18, culminating in 35 days of work and approximately 21,000 worker hours
An average of about 110 workers have been on site daily, 6 days per week, including about 50 workers dedicated to demolition.
2.2 million pounds of materials have been recycled from the stadium, including 1.3 million pounds of concrete and 900,000 pounds of steel and metal.
A series of projects are phased over the coming 2 to 3 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
Stay tuned for updates on @BlueJays social media platforms and bluejays.com/renovation
Featured Images and Video from Instagram/BlueJays
