Ahead of its 25th anniversary, the home of Canada’s premier sporting organisations is set to undergo a US$250m renovation.
This announcement follows a separate, extensive series of renovations to its 200 or so executive suites and concourse.
“For 25 years, Scotiabank Arena has been the heartbeat of this city and has established itself as one of the top venues in the world,” says Cynthia Devine, MLSE CEO, adding, “This investment by MLSE’s owners is another important example of their commitment to further building on Scotiabank Arena’s global reputation.”
Scotiabank reimagined
These renovations, listed as the Scotiabank Arena Venue Reimagination Project, will be completed in collaboration with Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects, DesignAgency, MLSE representative firm CAA ICON, and PCL Construction.
Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects and PCL Construction originally led the design and construction of the venue, which opened in February 1999 as home court for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
A preliminary phase for the Scotiabank Arena Venue Reimagination project began in 2019 with the addition of LG Electronics’ 2,200 ft2 LED videoboard, two additional largescale screens in the Galleria, LED color-changing arena signage, and a full renovation of entertainment and dining venue Real Sports.
Already completed works include an all-new Mastercard Lounge overlooking the bowl from the south-west corner of the 200 Level, a complete floor-to-ceiling remodel of its Mastercard Executive Suites, and two concession marketplaces fitted with Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) “Just Walk Out” technology.
An all-encompassing design makeover of the 100 Level concourse is planned to follow the conclusion of the 2023-24 seasons for both the Toronto Raptors and The Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL).
“Beginning with the momentum from the renovations made this past summer, we look forward to unveiling to fans the best-in-class design, technology and overall atmosphere enhancements over the course of this multi-phased project,” says Nick Eaves, chief venues & operations officer at MLSE.
A full renovation of the 100 Level concourse with screens, beacons, hubs, will take place, alongside modernized concession stands, an expansion of Real Sports Apparel, updates to the Hot Stove restaurant on the 200 Level, and a ‘Tunnel Club’ on the event level.
The Tunnel Club will allow attendees an up-close view of players entering the bowl from the locker room, while a redesigned Gate 6 broadcast studio will enhance the viewing experience for fans at home.
Earlier this year, MLSE launched a call to artists with the intent of curating a one-of-a-kind museum quality art collection throughout the arena showcasing sport, music, and history telling the story of the rich diversity of Canada.
In collaboration with Sports & The Arts (SATA), the venue has added 76 commissioned art pieces to date, and as the multi-phase project continues, further artists and will have an opportunity to contribute to the collection.
