Blue Jays fans will be greeted with a new experience at the Rogers Centre this season with new social areas and a diverse range of foods to snack on.
The team unveiled the first phase of massive renovations at the ballpark on Thursday, five days ahead of their home opener on Tuesday.
Toronto Blue Jays President & CEO Mark Shapiro was joined by Edward Rogers, chair of the Toronto Blue Jays and chair of Rogers, and Tony Staffieri, Rogers president and CEO, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We have the unique privilege of representing a dynamic city and have reflected that energy in the reimagined ballpark,” Shapiro said in a statement. “We are extremely excited to debut these spaces to both lifelong and new Blue Jays fans,” he added.
The 34-year-old ballpark now includes a new Outfield District with five distinct neighbourhoods and social spaces for everyone who has a ticket.
The Blue Jays began the first phase of construction on Oct. 14, 2022. The structural demolition took 35 days and approximately 21,000 worker hours, with the new build beginning on Nov. 14, 2022. The team says more than 1,000 Canadian tradespeople were involved in the renovations, averaging 350 workers on site daily, six days per week, through February and March.
The renovated ballpark now holds seven per cent less capacity at 41,500 seats due to 500L seat replacements and the removal of various outfield seating sections to make room for the new social spaces.
The newly completed Outfield District is part of a multi-year $300 million privately funded renovation that will be completed between 2024 and 2025, the team says.
“Rogers Centre is home to Canada’s baseball team, and I’m delighted to see the first phase of this renovation project come to life for Blue Jays fans,” Rogers said in a statement. “We’re proud of the team and we’re proud to invest in the ballpark, a landmark in the heart of downtown Toronto.”
Other key features of the new renovations include raised bullpens and seat extensions to the outfield walls bringing fans closer to the game, along with a new 5,000 sq. ft. player weight room and dedicated players’ family spaces. There are also enhanced game day staff facilities to support more than 1,000 team members.
‘THE OUTFIELD DISTRICT’- FIVE NEW NEIGHBOURHOODS
Corona Rooftop Patio
Located in the 500L right field, this rooftop patio is definitely a highlight of the renovations. When the roof of the Rogers Centre is open during a game, fans will have an amazing view of the city’s skyline where they can gather with friends while enjoying live music beneath the CN Tower. As an homage to the name, the patio offers a variety of drinks, such as Corona Sunbrew, Corona Tropical, and a specialty Corona Sunshine cocktails. In addition, there are signature patio drinks on tap, including Frozen Margarita and Foul Pole Frosé, and modern takes on ballpark classics, including Peameal on a Bun and Plant-Based Wurst.
Park Social
This neighbourhood is in the 500L left field and is essentially a park within the park. The area has a cozy, yet fun vibe with park-related games and comfortable places to hang out while watching the Jays. As for the menu, a sure favourite will be the candy wall which offers an assortment of treats, and Park Social offers a delicious spin on the classic churro with peanut butter and jelly.
The Stop
Located in 100L centre field behind the batter’s eye, this neighbourhood offers a bar to grab a quick drink and bite while exploring other areas of the Outfield District, representing an ode to stadium history in a space which was originally planned as a transit stop. This neighbourhood offers a variety of cuisines to feast on, including Jamaican beef patties, Bánh Mì sandwiches and rice bowls. Speciality cocktails on the menu include Ball Four Blood Orange Mule, Gold Glove Dark & Stormy, Touch ‘Em All Joe Aperol Spritz, and Cold Brew Martini.
In section 104, there’s also a new Tap N Go which is an automated market to speed up service for fans where they can tap payment on entry, select their food and beverage items and are automatically charged on their way out.
The Catch Bar
This area provides an unprecedented visual of the game where you can grab a cocktail and perch above the visitors’ bullpen to catch all the action up close in the 100L right field. The menu at this bar offers Walk-Up Music Watermelon Margarita, and Blue Jays Bramble, along with trendy food bites, including Cubano Panini, Pressed Smoked Meat Sandwich, Mac & Cheese, and Pretzel Bites.
WestJet Flight Deck
This area located at 200L centre field has a fresh new look with retro arcade games and a DJ spinning beats to keep the good vibes going. This area provides a wide array of domestic, international, premium, and craft beer, plus cocktails such as Dug Out Sangria and OK Blue Jays Rum Punch. A brewery-style menu includes Applewood smoked brisket nacho, 12-hour Smoked Brisket Sandwich, and Jerk Chicken Nachos.
Along with these distinct neighbourhoods, there’s also a number of new social places at the ballpark. Schneiders Porch (200L right field corner) offers stunning views of right field as well as its signature Poutine Hot Dog and Canadian Caesar Hot Dog. Meanwhile, Rogers Landing offers front-row views of the outfield and visitor’s bullpen.
For more details about the renovations, visit here.
The Jays home opener is on Apr. 11 where they’ll play against the Detroit Tigers at 7:07 p.m.
