Home opener with a new look: The latest Rogers Centre renovations

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays have unveiled the reimagined 100 level seating bowl at the Rogers Centre.

The first chance to see the newly renovated seating bowl is during the opening homestand from April 8 to 17.

First announced in July 2022, the multi-year, nearly $400 million, privately-funded renovation has progressively transitioned the 35-year-old stadium to feel more like a ballpark.

The second phase of renovations, which broke ground in October 2023, was led by PCL Construction. It overhauled the 100 level infield from foul pole to foul pole by demolishing and excavating the original bowl and redesigning and rebuilding a new 100 level seating bowl. It was designed by Populous.

The modernized centre is designed specifically for baseball viewing with all seats oriented towards the infield, new seats closer to the action and improved sightlines with less obstruction.

By demolishing the original bowl, the club was able to remove outdated infrastructure and excavate below ground to create new space for player and fan amenities, in addition to reorienting the new seating bowl.

ROGERS CENTRE — The second phase of multi-year renovation work, led by PCL Construction, consisted of demolishing and excavating the original bowl and redesigning and rebuilding a new 100 level seating bowl, along with adding world-class player facilities and premium clubs and amenities that will open mid-season as planned.

New amenities beneath the bowl include a new clubhouse and player facilities on the third base side; three new sold-out premium clubs behind home plate, each with a unique experience connected to the best seats in the ballpark; a new TD Premium Entrance; and back-of-house operations spaces.

Foul territory was reduced by approximately 3,000-square-feet and larger dugouts have been introduced. As a result of the updated field angles, new turf was installed featuring a permanent system, first introduced at Rogers Centre in 2022.

Work will continue into the season to put the finishing touches on player facilities and premium clubs.

“Being baseball ready for the Toronto Blue Jays Home Opener on April 8 is a tremendous accomplishment that we take pride in celebrating with our partners, including more than 2,500 talented tradespeople,” said Monique Buckberger, vice-president and district manager, PCL Constructors Canada Inc., in a statement. “With a staggering level of co-ordination and activity averaging 350 workers on site daily, six to seven days per week over the past six months, our workforce was fueled by the passion of being part of a project that provides a sense of community.”