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UrbanToronto has invited Joon Choi, co-founder of Maple Athletes and baseball player for the UofT Varsity Blues to write about the upgrades to the players experience of the Rogers Centre as the Toronto Blue Jays reveal what has happened over the course of the latest round of improvements at the iconic stadium.
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My move from Vancouver to Toronto in 2021 was marked by an unforgettable welcome at the Rogers Centre, where I witnessed my first ever Toronto Blue Jays game. The excitement of major league sports, with all its unpredictable drama and live-game thrills, is something that's more challenging to come by in Vancouver due to the limited number of major league teams. That evening, as the sun set behind the iconic CN Tower — a view uniquely visible from the stands — the electric atmosphere of the game served as my introduction to this vibrant city. This wasn't just any baseball game; it was a thrilling display of the spirit and resilience that Toronto embodies, made even more special by the Blue Jays facing off against the Oakland Athletics.
The game itself was a rollercoaster, showcasing the unpredictable nature of baseball at its best. The Athletics had a commanding lead, making it seem like a victory for the Blue Jays was out of reach with the score of 8-2 against by the seventh inning. The energy in the stadium didn't wane however; it was as if everyone could sense the tide was about to turn… and it did, dramatically so, starting with Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s grand slam in the eighth inning, which erased the Athletics' big lead and, suddenly, there it was: a lifeline for the Blue Jays. This moment was electrifying, the crowd erupted into loud cheers, and even though the stands were less full due to COVID protocols, the intensity in the air mirrored that of a playoff game. The climax came when Marcus Semien hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning, sealing the deal for the Blue Jays with an 11-10 victory. This wasn't just a win; it was a testament to the team's resilient attitude, which seemed to mirror my own journey to Toronto — stepping into the unknown with optimism and ambition.
But what truly made the Rogers Centre stand out to me, beyond the unforgettable game, was its embodiment of Toronto's identity and spirit. The stadium, with its breathtaking views and vibrant atmosphere, is a place where everyone can come together. It's a place for all Torontonians, no matter their background. The affordability and accessibility of catching a ball game at Rogers Centre means that it's not just about the game of baseball; it's about sharing an experience with friends, new and old, and feeling a part of something bigger. It's a venue that captures the essence of Toronto: inclusive, lively, and always ready for a comeback.
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Now in my third year at university and having embraced Toronto as a varsity baseball player, my interest in the Rogers Centre renovations extends to the improvements made to the playing surface and player facilities. The dimensions of the playing field itself have been carefully adjusted to optimize both the playing and viewing experience, moving away from the multi-purpose design that once characterized the venue to a baseball-specific venue.
The Astroturf field has been reduced by approximately 9,000 ft² to accommodate the improvements and despite being the same artificial playing surface product as before, the necessity for a completely new turf installation was dictated by the extensive changes to the entirety of the lower-bowl layout. Underneath this cutting-edge Astroturf lies a padded cushion, a feature designed to absorb impacts and provide protection for athletes.
Further emphasizing the stadium’s departure from its multi-purpose origins are the newly installed dugouts. Now permanent and fixed, the dugouts mark a significant departure from the previously portable versions that moved with the old stands. The dugouts have been thoughtfully expanded and repositioned, creating additional space and a lot more comfort for players. The changes not only elevate the visual appeal of the venue but also firmly anchors its identity as a true ballpark, where the essence of baseball is now embedded in the very infrastructure of the stadium.
There is still a lot more to come from the players' perspective, including new locker rooms and an improved athletic training facility which are still under construction, and will be completed a little later in the season. These design considerations to benefit the players reflect a holistic approach to stadium design, where every element is engineered to augment the overall experience for players and spectators alike. The comprehensive renovations, from the reworked playing field to the state-of-the-art dugouts, reflect a dedicated effort to optimize every facet of the baseball experience—from both the fans’ perspective and the players’ perspective.
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UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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