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The Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise has completed the first phase of renovation work by opening its new Outfield District at the Rogers Centre ballpark.
Unveiled ahead of the team’s home season opener later today, the Blue Jays’ new Outfield District, which was designed by Populous, will be accessible to everyone with a game ticket.
The five new outfield ‘neighbourhood’ spaces include a Corona Rooftop Patio, where live music will be available with views of Toronto’s skyline; the Park Social, for fans of all ages; The Stop, featuring stadium history attractions, food and drink, in a space originally planned as a transit stop; The Catch Bar, offering cocktails above the visitors’ bullpen; and the WestJet Flight Deck, offering retro arcade games.
New social spaces include the open-air Schneiders Porch and Rogers Landing in the right field, Bleacher Seating behind the visitors’ bullpen, left and right field balconies and drink rails throughout the ballpark.
The Blue Jays began the first phase of renovation work in October, with the support of PCL Construction. The structural demolition took 35 days and approximately 21,000 worker hours, with the new build beginning on November 14.
“We have the unique privilege of representing a dynamic city and have reflected that energy in the reimagined ballpark,” said Blue Jays president and chief executive Mark Shapiro. “We are extremely excited to debut these spaces to both lifelong and new Blue Jays fans.”
Additional completed projects at the ballpark include raised bullpens to bring fans closer to the action, a new player weight room at field level, new players’ family spaces, staff spaces and a range of new concession outlets, including a Tap N Go automated market for food and drink.
Edward Rogers, chair of the Blue Jays and chair of Rogers, added: “Rogers Centre is home to Canada’s baseball team, and I’m delighted to see the first phase of this renovation project come to life for Blue Jays fans. We’re proud of the team and we’re proud to invest in the ballpark, a landmark in the heart of downtown Toronto.”
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