Blue Jays unveil Rogers Centre renos ahead of home opener next week

We are just days away from the Toronto Blue Jays home opener but won’t have to wait any longer to get a first look at the newly-renovated Rogers Centre.

The team has officially unveiled the renovations during an open house on Thursday. The event included a ribbon cutting, tours of the new spaces, as well as food and drink sampling.

Team president Mark Shapiro was joined by Rogers Communications chair Edward Rogers and President and CEO Tony Staffieri for the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Media members were invited on a tour of the revamped facility.

Shapiro says the changes to the stadium were inspired by the fans. The new “outfield district” at the ballpark contains five distinct neighbourhoods and many new social spaces.

“All the research done was to ask our fans what would create a compelling experience,” he says. “What kind of different ways would they want to experience watching the game?”

“Today is most exciting for thinking about five days from now, and what our fans will see when they stream through the gates.”

Views from the Corona Rooftop Patio… @BlueJays pic.twitter.com/PgkRK9j8jO

— Geoff Rohoman (@RadioRoho) April 6, 2023

Park Social, on the 500 level looks amazing! @BlueJays pic.twitter.com/rFemARJ1v9

— Geoff Rohoman (@RadioRoho) April 6, 2023

In July, Blue Jays unveiled the full-scale, $300-million renovation at the Rogers Centre designed to transform the 33-year-old stadium into a ballpark. The new projects will be phased in over the coming two or three offseasons and focus solely on the interior of the facility.

The biggest changes this year include higher walls in left and right field. The visitors’ bullpen in right field will be elevated, similar to the Blue Jays’ home bullpen, with deck areas in the stands above.

The reimagined outfield saw the addition of multiple new social spaces with patios, drink rails, bars, and viewing platforms. New $20 outfield district tickets will give fans access to the new outfield areas.

The new sections include Park Social, a space on the 500 level overlooking left field. At the same level but above right field is the Corona Rooftop Patio. Directly below that is The Catch, a bar space perched above the visitors’ bullpen, while a bar next to that called The Stop overlooks centre field.

Five Outfield Neighbourhoods

• Corona Rooftop Patio (500L right field)
• Park Social (500L left field)
• The Stop (100L center field behind the batter’s eye)
• The Catch (100L right field above the visitors’ bullpen)
• WestJet Flight Deck (200L center field)

New Social Spaces

• Schneiders Porch (200L right field corner)
• Rogers Landing (right field corner beside the visitors’ bullpen)
• Bleacher Seating (100L bowl behind the visitors’ bullpen)
• Left and Right Field Balconies
• Drink Rails (throughout the ballpark)

The team will play their first home game on April 11 when the Detroit Tigers come to town, kicking off a six-game homestand.

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