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This morning, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) marked the next step in the $350 million 'Reimagination' project for the Scotiabank Arena with its second phase ground breaking ceremony. Toronto's largest and most iconic event venues are undergoing modernization, as the reimagining follows on the heels of the Rogers Centre renovations, while BMO Field will soon see work underway on a temporary expansion for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For Scotiabank Arena, the multi-phased project is aimed at enhancing every aspect of the venue's experience — from concourses to clubs, and technology to retail spaces.
Keith Pelley, President & CEO at MLSE, spearheaded the ceremony with enthusiasm, followed by a Question & Answer period with Nick Eaves, Chief Venues & Operations Officer. Additional attendees included Marc Pascoli, Senior Vice President and District Manager at PCL Construction, the project’s construction manager, and Laura Curtis Ferrera, Chief Marketing Officer at Scotiabank. Pelley highlighted that this next phase is taking place on “the 25th anniversary of the busiest arena in Canada, the fourth in North America, and 10th in the world."
Pelley also reflected on his journey and the collaborative efforts driving the project forward. "When I was in the position of making the move back to Toronto and joining MLSE, I had the great privilege of going through the plan with the team," he shared, appreciating the meticulous planning and execution led by his colleagues.
The ceremony included a symbolic first hammer strike by Pelley, before concluding on a note of gratitude and anticipation for the improvements that the upcoming phases will bring.
The project’s first of four phases kicked off in 2023, focusing on elevating the premium spaces within the arena. This included a complete floor-to-ceiling remodel of all Mastercard Executive Suites on the 200 Level and the Mastercard Lounge. Scotiabank Arena also became the first Canadian venue to implement Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology at two of its concession stands, eliminating the need for traditional checkout lines.
As MLSE moves into the second phase of the project, the focus shifts to the 100 Level concourse. This phase aims to transform this key area into a more dynamic, contemporary, and fan-friendly space. Planned enhancements include upgraded finishes, additional digital hubs, and LG LED screens that adapt to the atmosphere of each event.
The MNP Pass Social Club will be a new premium club on the Event Level, where members will enjoy an exclusive, up-close view of the players as they move from the locker room to the ice or court. In addition, the popular Hot Stove restaurant will be revitalized with contemporary finishes and updated cuisines, as well as a new dedicated entrance from outside the arena, located by Gate 1 of the Galleria.
Real Sports Apparel is set to be expanded with a new, larger 2,600 ft² store in the 100 Level concourse. It will include a new contactless checkout experience, with the existing store by Gate 1 undergoing a renovation to align with the modern design of the new location.
Following initial work in Summer, 2024, Phase 2 will continue into Fall, 2024 and through Spring, 2025. During this period, work will extend throughout the entire 100 Level. The Molson Brewhouse will receive a design makeover, celebrating the heritage of the Toronto Postal Delivery Building, the walls of which the arena was mostly within, with the building’s historic windows as a backdrop for the bar.
Further changes include an extensive upgrade to the arena-wide audio-visual systems and Wi-Fi capabilities, enhancing the in-game presentation and connectivity. These will allow fans to engage with events through new mixed reality and augmented reality features, enriching their in-seat experience. The project also anticipates future enhancements that will extend to back-of-house areas, improving spaces for artists and athletes.
UrbanToronto seized the opportunity to inquire with Eaves about the ongoing challenges and plans for the PATH network that runs through Scotiabank Arena. The network, a crucial artery for pedestrian flow in Downtown Toronto, runs through the arena. There are notable concerns with accessibility and aesthetics of the southern PATH link, with steep stairs not compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Eaves acknowledged the need for improvements. "The PATH network was patched together, including the section that goes along this arena," he explained. "There is an opportunity to go and look at the sections of the PATH that surround our arena and figure out if we can improve accessibility, and uplift those spaces. It’s an opportunity, but not something we’ve advanced quite yet.”
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database files, 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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| Related Companies: | PCL Construction |
