Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) has commenced work on the second phase of a major renovation project at Scotiabank Arena, home of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs.
Details of the C$350m (£203m/€236m/$257m) facelift were announced in October last year, with the project to result in upgrades to concourses, suites, premium clubs, retail spaces, and food and beverage offerings.
Upgrades to the venue’s premium spaces were carried out last summer. The second phase of construction will include capital improvements to the 100 Level concourse and the introduction of the new MNP Pass Social Club, a luxury club space.
During the work, the 25-year-old arena will remain open at full capacity for all scheduled events.
Between now and October, MLSE will carry out a complete renovation of the first section of the 100 Level concourse, which will include upgraded finishes, additional LG LED screens, digital beacons and hubs that can change to align with the atmosphere of the event.
Other upgrades will include the addition of a second Real Sports Apparel retail store on the 100 Level concourse, conversion of apparel kiosks on the 100 Level into mini walk-in shops equipped with rotating walls, additions to the arena’s museum-like art collection, and the remodelling and addition of more inclusive and accessible spaces including an infant feeding room, prayer room, all gendered bathrooms and more.
Additionally, the venue’s Hot Stove restaurant will be upgraded with a new dedicated entrance from outside of the arena by Gate 1 of the Galleria. Secure, frictionless security screening will also be rolled out at entrances.
During the 2024-25 NBA and NHL seasons, the venue’s 100 Level concourse transformation will be completed and self-checkout and mobile ordering services will continue to expand. An arena-wide audiovisual system and Wi-Fi enhancement will also be rolled out.
Keith Pelley, president and chief executive of MLSE, said: “Following the success of last summer’s first phase of the Scotiabank Arena Reimagination project, we are thrilled to introduce even more state-of-the-art improvements to Canada’s top-ranked venue this summer.
“Delivering the very best sports and entertainment fan experience will always be our top priority, and we are thankful to MLSE ownership for their commitment and investment in this project as we strive to build on Toronto’s reputation as a world-class market with top venues for our teams, performers and fans.”
The first phase of the project was completed in October, introducing fans to a complete remodel of all Mastercard Executive Suites on the 200 Level, along with the first-of-its-kind Mastercard Lounge, a shared members space with a premium viewing and dining experience.
Scotiabank Arena also became the first Canadian venue to unveil two concession stands using Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
The project is being carried out with Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects, DesignAgency, owner’s representative firm CAA Icon and construction manager PCL Construction.
