As Scotiabank Arena gears up to mark its quarter-century milestone, Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) unveils expansive renovation plans. A whopping $350 million has been set aside for the ‘Scotiabank Arena Venue Reimagination’ project, heralding the most significant transformation the venue has witnessed since its inauguration in 1999.
A Glimpse Into the ‘Reimagination’
Deemed the ‘Reimagination Project,’ MLSE has taken strides to rejuvenate the iconic home to the Maple Leafs and the Raptors. “The comprehensive multi-phase renovations will feature capital improvements to almost all areas within the venue,” states MLSE.
The project kickstarted over the summer, focusing primarily on the 200 level suites. Here, patrons witnessed a complete overhaul of the Mastercard Executive Suites. The enhancements encompassed new finishes, state-of-the-art in-suite technology, and the introduction of two new concession marketplaces fitted with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. To add a touch of creativity, corridor walls now showcase 76 distinctive pieces of art, celebrating sports and entertainment.
Futuristic Fan Experiences
Promising a synergy of comfort, luxury, and cutting-edge tech, the venue aims to elevate the fan experience. A striking feature that stands out is the “Just Walk Out” technology. According to Nick Eaves, chief venues and operations officer at MLSE, this revolutionary technology slashes the average transaction time at concessions from 90 seconds to a mere 25-30 seconds.
The upcoming Phase 2 of the project, set to commence following the 2023-24 Leafs and Raptors seasons, has fans awaiting with bated breath. Highlights include a complete renovation of the 100 Level concourse equipped with LED tech and digital canvases for an immersive experience, expanded retail spaces, revamped food and beverage offerings, and the creation of the Tunnel Club, which will allow members an exclusive glimpse of players transitioning from the locker room.
A Commitment to Excellence
“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, hosting many of the biggest events in sports and entertainment and creating countless memories,” voiced Cynthia Devine, Interim President & CEO of MLSE.
Devine’s sentiments echo the dedication and passion of MLSE. “This investment by MLSE’s owners is another important example of their commitment to further building on Scotiabank Arena’s global reputation as well as a commitment to our teams, employees, and most importantly, to our fans.”
Looking Ahead
With several plans rolled out, MLSE hints at even more changes in the pipeline. Future renovations are poised to focus on the 300 Level concourse, aligning its aesthetics and features with the 100 Level. Moreover, MLSE is committed to enhancing spaces for artists and athletes, ensuring they too experience unparalleled luxury and convenience.
In Retrospect
Scotiabank Arena has consistently evolved over the years. After its rebranding in 2018 from the former Air Canada Centre, 2019 saw the venue undergo preliminary changes. This included the addition of a massive LED video board overlooking Maple Leaf Square and significant upgrades within the Galleria.
