New round of Scotiabank Arena upgrades

Image: Scotiabank Arena

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) has kicked off work on the second phase of the redevelopment of Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto, Canada.

MLSE said this phase will include capital improvements to the 100 Level concourse and the introduction of the new MNP Pass Social Club.

Last year, MLSE announced the $350 million Scotiabank Arena Reimagination project, a multi-phased renovation featuring significant enhancements to virtually all corners of the arena including concourses, premium clubs, suites, technology as well as retail and food and beverage spaces.

The 19,800-capacity Scotiabank Arena, formerly known as the Air Canada Centre, is a multipurpose arena located on Bay Street in the South Core district of Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

It is the home of the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL).

The second phase of construction on the arena has now started, covering an all-encompassing design makeover of the 100 Level concourse and building a brand-new luxury club space. As the arena undergoes this new phase of construction, the venue will remain open at full capacity for all scheduled events.

Keith Pelley, President & CEO, 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.”

In October 2023, the first phase of the project was completed and fans were introduced to a complete floor to ceiling 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 was also the first Canadian venue to unveil two concession stands using Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology that revolutionized fans’ food and beverage experience with no checkout lines.

In 2019, a preliminary phase of the project took place with the addition of a new 2,200 square foot LG LED videoboard in Maple Leaf Square, two largescale screens in the Galleria, LED colour changing arena signage and a full renovation of Real Sports.
 

Phase 2: Summer 2024

From now through to October 2024, the following upgrades are scheduled to be completed:

• A complete renovation of the first section of the 100 Level concourse with transformative design and functional elements. Modelled to be dynamic, contemporary and fan-friendly, the arena’s redesigned main concourse will include upgraded finishes, additional LG LED screens, digital beacons and hubs that can change to align with the atmosphere of the event being hosted on a particular night.
• The addition of a second Real Sports Apparel retail store on the 100 Level concourse for a 2,600 square-foot fan shopping experience. The larger store offers increased access to official team and event merchandise while integrating a new contactless RFID (Radio-frequency Identification Technology) check-out experience. The existing store by Gate 1 will also be renovated to match the new design of this location.
• Conversion of apparel kiosks on the 100 Level into mini walk-in shops equipped with rotating walls and digital signage for an enhanced shopping experience. Two new autograph memorabilia glass showcases will also accompany these shops, replacing ad hoc memorabilia auction locations.
• Additions to the ongoing museum-like art collection curated in collaboration with Sports & The Arts (SATA) featuring new, innovative pieces throughout the 100 Level that reflect the nuanced history, culture and atmosphere of Scotiabank Arena. Artists were selected from an open call welcoming contributors of all levels and experience and from all backgrounds and cultures.
• The remodeling and addition of more inclusive and accessible spaces onto the 100 Level concourse including an infant feeding room, prayer room, all gendered bathrooms and more.
• The introduction of the all-new MNP Pass Social Club on Event Level. Members of the club will be embedded into the action of the game as they get an exclusive, arms-length view of players making their way to the ice or court from their locker room and have access to corresponding platinum seats. MNP Pass Social Club will be the newest premium destination in Scotiabank Arena where members enjoy modern luxury through high-end, immersive design features and an upscale casual dining experience. Fans interested in becoming a member can visit scotiabankarena.com/MNPPassSocialClub.
• The reinvigoration of the famed Hot Stove restaurant on the 200 Level with a new dedicated entrance from outside of the arena by Gate 1 of the Galleria. A staple from Maple Leaf Gardens in 1963 and re-established at Scotiabank Arena in 2012, the premium steakhouse will undergo a thoughtful design makeover to blend its historic charm with contemporary finishes and cuisines. Hot Stove restaurant is open to all ticket holders for any event, now inclusive of concerts.
• The implementation of secure, frictionless security screening at entry to help fans get into the venue as quickly as possible.
• Digital signage upgrade within the renovated spaces using LG’s expansive suite of display and LED technology to support with fan communications and wayfinding.

 

Phase 2: Fall 2024 to Spring 2025

Through the duration of the 2024-25 Maple Leafs and Raptors regular seasons, the venue will undergo the following improvements:

• Completion of the 100 Level concourse transformation, consistent with the dynamic designs and digital upgrades being made to the first portion of the space this summer.
• Continued expansion of self check-out and mobile ordering capabilities alongside traditional counter service for food and beverage as well as merchandise to give fans more choices, flexibility and reduce line ups inside the arena.
• An arena-wide audio-visual system and WIFI enhancement to ensure fans continue to see and hear the best in-game presentation and better connect to our team apps to access new, innovative mixed reality and augmented reality capabilities that amplify the in-seat experience.
• Design makeover of the Molson Brewhouse on the 100 Level concourse, spotlighting the original façade of the Toronto Postal Delivery Building and seamlessly integrating the historic windows as the backdrop of the fan-favourite bar.
• Upgrades to the open-concept broadcast studio located at Gate 6 on the 100 Level concourse. The design improvement, both aesthetic and technology-based, will serve to enhance the pre-game viewing experience for fans watching in bowl, live in the concourse or at home.

 
Future changes include enhancing further fan-facing spaces as well as back-of-house artist and athlete areas to continue to position Scotiabank Arena as a top-ranked live events venue.

Nick Eaves, Chief Venues & Operations Officer, MLSE said, “This latest reimagination phase marks a pivotal moment in the project as every fan that enters through the doors of Scotiabank Arena will get to feel the visual, functional and atmosphere enhancements as they begin their experience from the main level concourse to their seats.

“From purposeful design transformations to innovation technology additions to culturally impactful art integrations, this summer’s ground-breaking celebrates our commitment to ensuring our space is continuously improving to best serve our valued fans.”

The Scotiabank Arena Reimagination is being completed in collaboration with Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects, DesignAgency, owner’s representative firm CAA ICON and construction manager PCL Construction.

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

• Tags »
• Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
• MLSE

« Previous News: Culinary connoisseurs join SAVOR top brass
» Next News: MLS All Stars heading to Austin in 2025