In a day that will go down in club history, the Toronto Blue Jays officially unveiled the completed first phase of Rogers Centre renovations, featuring a brand-new Outfield District that the team hopes will transform the fan experience at the 34-year-old ballpark. Blue Jays fans can enjoy the spaces starting with the 2023 Home Opener on April 11, with five distinct neighborhoods and many additional new social spaces, available to everyone with a game ticket.
The new Outfield District is part of a multi-year $300 million privately funded renovation that will be completed between 2024 and 2025.
“We have the unique privilege of representing a dynamic city and have reflected that energy in the reimagined ballpark,” said Mark Shapiro, president and CEO of the Blue Jays. “We are extremely excited to debut these spaces to both lifelong and new Blue Jays fans.”
The result is a dramatically different Rogers Centre experience, immediately noticeable when fans enter the ballpark. Designed with Populous, the new Outfield District – available to every fan with a game ticket – features social spaces to gather with friends and get closer to the action; live entertainment off the field; and food and beverage menus that reflect the city of Toronto.
“We’ve worked to completely transform the stadium into a ballpark that features the latest amenities for a wide range of fans and provides best-in-class facilities for players and their families,” said Ben Naudet, Populous project designer for the Rogers Centre Outfield District. “We couldn’t be more excited with the design and functional changes made to modernize the fan experience and build a great ballpark.”
The Blue Jays began the first phase of renovation construction on October 14, 2022, with PCL Construction. The structural demolition took 35 days and approximately 21,000 worker hours, with the new build beginning on November 14, 2022.
“The dynamics for how fans experience a game, and their expectations for different options, are evolving quickly,” said Derek Sommers, Populous associate principal. “We designed everything in the Rogers Centre Outfield District with this in mind, fostering more of a social, dynamic atmosphere.”
The five new outfield neighborhoods at Rogers Centre include:
Corona Rooftop Patio (500L right field) – this rooftop patio oasis is the new place to be; nestled in Toronto’s iconic skyline, fans can gather with friends while enjoying live music beneath the CN Tower and a summer patio menu
Park Social (500L left field) – a park within the park for fans of all ages, featuring games, food truck-style bites, and comfortable places to hang out while watching the game
The Stop (100L center field behind the batter’s eye) – your neighborhood bar to grab a quick drink and bite with friends on the way to your next Outfield District destination; an ode to stadium history in a space originally planned as a transit stop
The Catch Bar (100L right field above the visitors’ bullpen) – the place to see and be seen; grab a cocktail and perch above the visitors’ bullpen with unprecedented views to catch all the action up close
WestJet Flight Deck (200L center field) – the place fans know (and love!) has a refresh with retro arcade games, brewery-style menu, and the same great vibe
New elements introduced as part of the improvements at Rogers Centre include:
Schneiders Porch (200L right field corner) – this open-air porch has epic views of right field as well as one-of-a-kind hot dog culinary creations and direct bar access, so you don’t miss a minute of the action
Rogers Landing (right field corner beside the visitors’ bullpen) – bring your glove to this open-air home run landing pad, with uninterrupted front-row views of the outfield and visitors’ bullpen
Bleacher Seating (100L bowl behind the visitors’ bullpen) – calling all hardcore fans… watch opposing pitchers in these retro-style bleachers directly behind the visitors’ bullpen
Left and Right Field Balconies (100L concourse outfield corners overlooking the home and visitors’ bullpens respectively) – prime bullpen views await to watch pitchers warm up while taking in the action over left and right field
Drink Rails (throughout ballpark) – grab a drink and post-up at a new spot every inning, with countless options around the concourse
Raised Bullpens (left and right field) – bringing fans closer to the action to cheer on their Blue Jays pitchers
Player Weight Room (field level) – 5,000 square foot best-in-class facility to help players prepare, compete, and recover
Players’ Family Spaces (field level) – dedicated kids’ room and spouses’ lounge to support the team behind the Blue Jays team
Staff Spaces (100L) – overhauled game day staff facilities to support more than 1,000 staff who are essential to the Blue Jays fan experience
