Announced by owner Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), the ‘Reimagination Project’ will see capital improvements to almost all areas of the 20,000-capacity arena.
Upgrades to concourses, suites, premium clubs, retail spaces, food and beverage offerings, state-of-the-art technological innovations are just some of the changes that will be seen at the home of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs.
The project will be completed over several stages, with upgrades to the venue’s premium spaces having taken place over this summer. These changes can be viewed in the video below.
In summer 2024, Scotiabank Arena will see further changes to hospitality and broadcast areas, modernisation of concession stands and expansion of retail spaces.
Beyond 2024, MLSE said venue updates include a complete design reinvigoration of its premium 300 Level concourse and the addition of dedicated artist and talent spaces for a premium backstage experience.
The project is being completed in collaboration with Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects, DesignAgency, owner’s representative firm CAA ICON and PCL Construction. Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects and PCL Construction originally led the design and construction of the venue which opened in February 1999.
“For 25 years, Scotiabank Arena has been the heartbeat of this city and has established itself as one of the top venues in the world, hosting many of the biggest events in sports and entertainment and creating countless memories,” said Cynthia Devine, interim president and chief executive for MLSE.
“This investment by MLSE’s owners is another important example of their commitment to further building on Scotiabank Arena’s global reputation as well as a commitment to our teams, employees, and most importantly, to our fans.”
Best-in-class design
In August 2019, MLSE said Scotiabank Arena would undergo a multimillion-dollar “reimagination” to improve the fan experience.
The renovations during 2023 included the construction of the all-new Mastercard Lounge members space overlooking the bowl from the 200 Level with a premium viewing and dining experience. The venue has also added two concession marketplaces with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
Following the conclusion of the 2023-24 Maple Leafs and Raptors seasons, an all-encompassing design makeover of the 100 Level concourse will begin along with the construction of new innovative spaces within the walls of the arena. MLSE said the concourse design will be “dynamic with screens, beacons and hubs that transform to fit the look, feel and energy of the event within it.”
Next year, Scotiabank Arena will also see the addition of a new Tunnel Club on Event Level, offering exclusive up-close view of players entering the bowl from the locker room while they dine in the venue’s newest premium restaurant.
MLSE said the future plans are designed “to continue to position Scotiabank Arena as a top-ranked live events venue.”
“From concourse innovations, to premium space design, to the storied art on our walls, it was crucial to us to ensure this Scotiabank Arena Venue Reimagination featured improvements that all fans can benefit from,” said Nick Eaves, chief venues and operations officer at MLSE.
“Beginning with the momentum from the renovations made this past summer, we look forward to unveiling to fans the best-in-class design, technology and overall atmosphere enhancements over the course of this multi-phased project that take our fans’ sports and entertainment experience to even greater heights.”
