TORONTO — Earlier this week, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) broke ground on the second phase of its $350-million Scotiabank Arena Re-imagination 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 all-encompassing design makeover will impact the 100-Level concourse and will see the creation of a brand-new luxury club space. The venue will remain open at full capacity for all scheduled events during the project.
In October 2023, the first phase of the project was completed and fans were introduced to a complete floor to ceiling re-model 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 sq. ft. 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
Beginning this week and continuing through to October 2024, the following upgrades are scheduled to be completed:
- The re-invigoration 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 design makeover to blend its history with contemporary finishes and cuisines. Hot Stove restaurant is open to all ticket holders for any event, now inclusive of concerts.
- 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 re-designed 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 sq. ft. 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 re-modelling 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
“This latest re-imagination 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,” says Nick Eaves, Chief Venues & Operations Officer, MLSE. “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 Re-imagination is being completed in collaboration with Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects, DesignAgency, owner’s representative firm CAA ICON and construction manager PCL.
