MLSE Breaks Ground on Second Phase of Scotiabank Arena Reimagination Project
Last year, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) announced the Scotiabank Arena Venue Reimagination project, an investment of over $350 million to further enhance the best-in-class sports and entertainment destination for the future.
The project includes a multi-phased renovation featuring enhancements to areas of the arena including concourses, premium clubs, suites, and technology as well as retail and food and beverage spaces.
On May 14, 2024, the organization announced it would be beginning the second phase of construction covering a design makeover of the 100 Level concourse and building a brand-new luxury club space. The venue will remain open at full capacity for all scheduled events as the arena undergoes this new phase of construction.
“Following the success of last summer’s first phase of the Scotiabank Arena Reimagination project, we are thrilled to introduce even more state-of-the-art improvements to Canada’s top-ranked venue this summer,” said Keith Pelley, president & CEO, MLSE. “Delivering the very best sports and entertainment fan experience will always be our top priority, and we are thankful to MLSE ownership for their commitment and investment in this project as we strive to build on Toronto’s reputation as a world class market with top venues for our teams, performers and fans.”
The first phase of the project was completed in Octber 2023 and fans were introduced to a complete floor to ceiling remodel of all Mastercard Executive Suites on the 200 Level and the first-of-its-kind Mastercard Lounge. Scotiabank Arena was also the first Canadian venue to unveil two concession stands using Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology that aimed to revolutionize the food and beverage experience for fans with no checkout lines.
In 2019, a preliminary phase for this project began. This phase included the addition of a new 2,200 square foot LED videoboard from LG Electronics on the west side of the building aimed to enhance the fan viewing experience in Maple Leaf Square. It also included two additional largescale screens in the Galleria, unique LED colour changing arena signage and a full renovation of Real Sports.
From now through to October 2024, the following upgrades are scheduled to be completed in Phase 2.
They include a complete renovation of the first section of the 100 Level concourse with transformative design and functional elements, the addition of a second Real Sports Apparel retail store on the 100 Level concourse for a 2,600 square-foot fan shopping experience, and the 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.
There will also be additions to the ongoing museum-like art collection curated in collaboration with Sports & The Arts (SATA) featuring new pieces throughout the 100 Level that reflect the history, culture and atmosphere of Scotiabank Arena.
The remodeling and addition of more inclusive and accessible spaces onto the 100 Level concourse include an infant feeding room, prayer room, all gendered bathrooms and more.
It will also include an introduction of the all-new MNP Pass Social Club on Event Level, where members of the club will be embedded into the action of the game as they 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. Fans interested in becoming a member can visit scotiabankarena.com/MNPPassSocialClub.
Phase 2 will also include a makeover for the Hot Stove restaurant on the 200 Level that will son have a new dedicated entrance from outside of the arena by Gate 1 of the Galleria.
There will also be an implementation of secure, frictionless security screening at entry to help fans get into the venue as quickly as possible.
From fall 2024 to spring 2025, the duration of the 2024-25 Maple Leafs and Raptors regular seasons, the venue will undergo the following improvements.
They include the completion of the 100 Level concourse transformation, a continued expansion of self check-out and mobile ordering capabilities alongside traditional counter service for food and beverage as well as merchandise, an arena-wide audio-visual system and WIFI enhancement.
The Molson Brewhouse on the 100 Level concourse will also receive a design makeover, and upgrades will be made to the open-concept broadcast studio located at Gate 6 on the 100 Level concourse.
“This latest reimagination 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,” said 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.”
To ensure the timely completion of the in-depth renovations, Gate 1 will be closed during the construction period along with select concession stands, bars and bathrooms on a rolling basis.
The Scotiabank Arena Reimagination is being completed in collaboration with Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects, DesignAgency, owner’s representative firm CAA ICON and construction manager PCL Construction.