MLSE plans to make significant upgrades to Scotiabank Arena with $350M in renovations

Credit: Scotiabank Arena website

Scotiabank Arena is set to undergo major renovations after the upcoming Leafs and Raptors seasons, worth more than $350 million dollars.

MLSE announces $350 million renovation of Scotiabank Arena, concourses, food, private boxes and for Joe Fan, that nifty idea of an AI beer store you can walk in and out of with no lineup that the Jays have. Construction will begin after Leaf/Raptor seasons.

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As reported by Neil Davidson of the Canadian Press, the “Scotiabank Arena Venue Reimagination” project is aimed at upgrading premium areas, as well as use innovative technology to enhance the overall fan experience.

These renovation plans are set to occur as Scotiabank Arena’s 25^th anniversary is on the horizon this February. Certain areas of the arena have already been renovated such as, the 200-level private suites. Phase two of the renovations focus on the 100-level concourses of the arena.

One major innovation to be implemented is the “Just Walk Out” concession stand. Davidson mentioned that “It allows you to tap a credit card upon entry, grab the desired food and drink, and then exit, with the total automatically charged to the credit card thanks to AI technology from Amazon Web Services (AWS).”

Additionally, phase two will have grab-and-go concession stands that allow fans to secure what they need quickly and return to their seats. The traditional concession experience will still be available, though at only a quarter of the current setup.

Another significant thing to note concerning the renovations is the plan to replace all the in-bowl seats. This renovation plan should see most of the Phase 2 work finished by the start of the 2024-25 NHL and NBA seasons. Although, there are still expectations that work may be ongoing during 2024-25 as well.

MLSE president and CEO Michael Friisdahl has stated that the organization will ensure to spend the money needed to keep the building “best in class.”

Initially, the plan for these renovations was approved in February 2020. But the work was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.