Rogers Centre Phase 1 Renovations Ready For Blue Jays’ Opening Day

The first phase of the renovations at the 34-year-old Rogers Centre in Toronto opens five new neighborhoods and additional social spaces to any fan with a Blue Jays game ticket this season.

“We have the unique privilege of representing a dynamic city and have reflected that energy in the reimagined ballpark,” says Mark Shapiro, Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO. “We are extremely excited to debut these spaces to both lifelong and new Blue Jays fans.”

Tony Staffieri, president and CEO for Rogers, says the new spaces, which were completed in time for Toronto’s home opener on April 11, create a better fan experience both on and off the field. “These renovations will bring the heart of the city into the ballpark and create a sense of community for fans attending the game,” Staffieri says.

The initial phase of renovation began in October 2022, which included the demolition of key areas in the outfield bleachers. Designed by Populous, the new Outfield District is open to every fan with a game ticket and features social spaces, live entertainment off the field and a new food and beverage menu meant to reflect the city of Toronto.

The update features five distinct outfield neighborhoods along with five new social spaces and five new concession areas.

The five neighborhoods highlight the changes. Corona Rooftop Patio at the 500 level in right field features live music beneath the CN Tower. Park Social, at the 500 level in left field, is a “park within the park for fans of all ages” that includes games and comfortable places to hang out while watching the game. The Stop is a 100-level center field location behind the batter’s eye, meant for fans to grab a quick drink and bite with friends on the way to another destination. The Stop’s design includes an ode to stadium history in a space originally planned as a transit stop. The Catch Bar at the 100 level in right field above the visitor’s bullpen allows unique views and a variety of drink options. The WestJet Flight Deck at the 200 level in center field is a refresh of a space that mixes general admission with group tickets available for the first two rows.

The new social spaces include Schneiders Porch at the 200 level in the right field corner with an open-air porch with a mixture of hot dogs; Rogers Landing in the right field corner beside the visitor’s bullpen offers distinctive views; Bleacher Seating at the 100 level bowl behind the visitor’s bullpen invites fans to watch the opposing pitchers warmup; Left and Right Field Balconies at the 100 level concourse outfield corners overlook both bullpens; and drink rails were added throughout the ballpark.

The new concessions feature everything from an automated market to two self-serve Walk Thru Bars—one at section 125 and one at section 519—and tacos to plant-based bowls and Mary Brown’s Chicken.

Along with the new fan-centric spaces, the first phase of renovations at Rogers Centre raised the bullpens to bring fans closer to the players and create a new dynamic in the neighborhoods and social spaces, added a field-level player weight room and player family spaces and also enhanced game day staff facilities.

The second phase of renovations kicks off following the 2023 season and will feature an overhaul to the 100-level infield seating, including the addition of premium clubs at field level. This phase also highlights renovations to the player clubhouses.